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TONYA J Junior Member  Posts: 7 |
posted 11-06-2002 08:45 PM
  
I had back surgery 2 years ago and am now suffering from leg pain in the right leg. MRI showed scarring and inflammation. Have tried cortisone injections, Epidural steriod injections, motrin & vicodin. No relief. My PCP is sending me back to the surgeon. Has anyone experience this? If so, what am I in for? Thanks IP: Logged |
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slobidon Member Posts: 42 |
posted 11-07-2002 02:44 AM
Are you going back to the same surgeon that did the first surgery? They seem to really like your buisness the first time around but change their tune when you return. I have the same problem and more [This message has been edited by slobidon (edited 11-07-2002).] IP: Logged |
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Husker Veteran  Posts: 312 |
posted 11-07-2002 08:27 AM
Tonya,  welcome to the boards! You'll find this a really comforting place to be at times. Lots of neat people.We had an employee that had same symptoms and pain from previous surgery. His finally went away without intervention. I would maybe talk to your doc about trying ultrasound prior to another surgery. The deal is - what's to stop the body from producing more scar tissue on the second time around? Ultrasound has taken care of several keloid scars I have had and also some scar tissue adhering some ligaments together in my wrist post surgery. If the pain is just too great and surgery is the only option at this point, ask him about ultrasound post surgery to help this from not happening again. (just my humble thoughts! Husker ............. IP: Logged |
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Tin Tin Senior Member Posts: 173 |
posted 11-07-2002 05:56 PM
Tonya, I've had three back surgeries, and some scar tissue issues....My doc mentioned a massage therapist to help break up some of the scar tissue....It did help...ask your doc....he may send you to PT for ultrasound and massage therapy. Good Luck Tin Tin IP: Logged |
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beebauser Veteran Posts: 465 |
posted 11-08-2002 08:01 AM
tonya, you have gotten some good advice here, I can only add to ask your dr. about neurontin. I take it for pain in legs from scar tissue causing nerve damage and it works! it is a seizure med. that interups the pain signals, It takes about a month before you see results, but for leg pain from scar tissue I have heard of alot of folks say the neurontin has worked for them. worth a try. Husker, I would love some more info on the ultrasound, never heard of it? god bless IP: Logged |
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TONYA J Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 11-08-2002 10:11 PM
Actually I was on neurontin my first time around. About 2 weeks after my first surgery, I had severe nerve pain in my right leg extending to my toes. I took that med for quite a while and it did help. I thought about asking my doctor about it at my appt. Thanks for the suggestion.
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TONYA J Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 11-08-2002 10:12 PM
Correction: Left leg nerve pain.
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TONYA J Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 11-08-2002 10:18 PM
Yes, I'm returning to the same surgeon. Wish me luck.
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beebauser Veteran Posts: 465 |
posted 11-09-2002 06:39 AM
tonya, I want to give you a heads up on the attitude the surgeon might have. I went to one the other day for the same reasons you speak of here. I was treated like crap! he said surgery to remove the scar tissue would just produce more scar tissue and to, get use to it and live with it. WHAT???? I am in high levels of pain 24/7 and he says live with it...no offer of any type of therapy, or shots, which I haven't had yet. just wanted to get rid of me since he knew he could not "cut" me. sad but true. just be on guard let us know how it goes [This message has been edited by beebauser (edited 11-09-2002).] IP: Logged |
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bikerchic420 Senior Member Posts: 89 |
posted 11-09-2002 05:47 PM
WOW!! i am new here. i was just browsing sites on cortizone shots. i am getting my first one on monday. i had back surgery 4 yrs ago. i now have scar tissue infammation too. i have severe back pain,leg pain and complete numbness in foot and right ankle. it has been going on for 2 months. i am on painkillers and going to PT. no relief. my surgeon prescribed the shots and sent me on my way. i just feel like none of my docs are listening nor empathizing with me at all!! its very frustrating!!! i feel your pain tonya I really do. im amazed and relieved to know im not the only one. im sorry u have to have surgery. looks like i may be on my way back as well. im a little scared to get the shots. i dont know what to expect.hopefully it will give me some relief. good luck to you as well!!  ------------------ [This message has been edited by bikerchic420 (edited 11-09-2002).] IP: Logged |
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TONYA J Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 11-11-2002 02:26 PM
Just returned from the dr. Actually, I my doctor has a great attitude and didn't mind seeing me again. She anticipated me being in worse shape than I actually am today. (It's a better day - can actually walk for a while even though the pain is there). She recommended neurontin and seeing another dr who can do an injection in the correct place - the epidural I had at the pain clinic didn't get to the right area probably because of scar tissue. She said if this doesn't work then surgery could certainly be an option later.
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TONYA J Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 11-11-2002 02:30 PM
I have had 4 cortizone injections this year as well as the epidural steriod injection. Got a little relief from cortizone injections that last 7-10 days. The pain I have now has been going on for 7 weeks or so. As you can see by mu reply to the previous posting, my visit the dr went well today. Hopefully this will take care of it for a long time. It is nice to talk to others with the same problems. It helps. Good luck.
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texashowdee Member Posts: 26 |
posted 11-12-2002 01:10 AM
I take neurontin too and it indeed helps. Dee IP: Logged |
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bikerchic420 Senior Member Posts: 89 |
posted 11-12-2002 09:14 AM
hi tonya, im gald your doc visit went ok. i hope it will help. well.......yest i got my first epidural steroid injection. omg why didn't anyone tell me it was going to be so painful?? I did not enjoy that all. im pretty tolerant of pain (i think from being in it so much you kind of just get used to it) anyway thet totally s***ed!!!!!!! i was miserable all day. felt like my back was on fire. im sitting here today with an ice pack. i do feel better tho. the pain in my back is lessened. but now i can feel my leg again and it hurts!! feels like i did a leg workout at the gym. and im out of painkillers!!! not happy. anyway i have another one in 2 weeks . i guess theyre trying the 3 needle injection into my back and hip??? anyway at least now i know what to expect. i hope it helps me and i wish u good luck ty for listening it really does help to talk about it. my email is included if you would like to talk further, i have a home daycare and am at home and on the puter most of the day. ( i had it put down here in the daycare room to keep me sane lol ) IP: Logged |
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joha Senior Member Posts: 109 |
posted 11-12-2002 12:01 PM
Hi and Welcome Tonya: I don't have definitive answers yet but my dr had brought up for discussion "arachnoiditis". You might want to do a search on it and see what others say. It is difficult to diagnose, but can be a result of prior surgeries. Also, it has been reported that it can be caused by injections. Hope you find relief...Jo H. IP: Logged |
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peppergirl Junior Member Posts: 9 |
posted 11-13-2002 02:42 PM
Hi, Tonya. I suffered from 'failed back syndrome' for almost 11 years. The last 2 years were sheer hell-I went from doc to doc, pain clinic to pain clinic. Everyone told me something different and did different procedures or gave me something else to try for meds. I found the TENs unit helped quite a bit. I couldn't take the opiods unless I took something for nausea, which combined, made me totally worthless to society. Ha. Anyway, to make a very long story short, after yet another horrid visit with a pain doctor (quack quack), my primary doc (who had held my hand through the whole thing) sent me to an orthopedic surgeon. He took a simple spine x-ray and showed me how unstable my spine had become. He told me he could stablize me with a 2 level fusion and instrumentation. Without the surgery, I was facing a life of pain and eventual disability. My primary doc agreed and I had the surgery done 6 months ago. I have restrictions, and there are days when I've overdone that I definately pay for it, but those days are few and far between. I definately am not suggesting surgery for you, but just wanted to share my story. I understand the constant pain and the hopelessness that 'failed back' gives you. The epidural shots can help, the neurontin can be a blessing (I couldn't take it), pain meds are great for some, TENs unit is a great diversion, some opt for a pain pump. There are so many options, but you and a doctor you trust have to find out what will be best for YOU. I feel for you and will be praying for you. PG IP: Logged |
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TONYA J Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 12-15-2002 09:21 PM
Thanks for the suggestion. My neurosureon referred me to a pain management specialist who reviewed my MRI and did an exam. He diagnosed arachnoiditis. Fortunately, I had done some research on this condition so I was familiar with the term. He recommended that I do no more than light walking and continue taking neurontin. At least now I know why my leg hurts after about 45 mintues to an hour walking. It is scary not knowing what the future holds.
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Renee17 Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 12-17-2002 11:48 AM
Hey Tonya, I had my first back surgery in 1991. I have been diagnosed with failed back surgery and have had problems ever since the injury. I have pain radiating down from my right leg to my foot. In 1993 I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted (kind of an internal tens device). It helps stop the signal for pain from going to the brin - so less drugs are needed. You might want to look into this. It has helped me a lot. It is not a cure, but can help. Good luck. IP: Logged |
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Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46
But I never could figure out why they didn't try ultrasound on him.
) - hope some of this helps. Have as good a day as you can and welcome again.