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 L4-5 and L5-S1 radial & annular tear.. Need Advice and have a few questions
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| Author | Topic: L4-5 and L5-S1 radial & annular tear.. Need Advice and have a few questions | Page views: |
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Bcorica Senior Member  Posts: 246 |
posted 04-02-2003 12:45 PM
  
Hello Everyone. I have been reading this message board for awhile now, and finally found the courage to post my problem.I feel very fortunate to have found this site, and find that the people on this board to be very knowledgable, and supportive. Here's my story and what has been going on with me: In May 2002, I was injured at work.I was standing on a tall stool, I lost my balance and fell back..and thats when all the pain began. I have lower back pain that radiates into my left hip, into groin area, and then radiates down my left leg into my foot. Sitting, standing and bending increases the pain.I have had an MRI and a EMG done..and they both came back normal. I had 6 weeks of PT..that actually hurt me more then help me. Had 3 epidurals (one every two weeks)and it took away the hip, groin and leg pain for about 4 months. That is when I realized how bad my back pain was. Well the epidural wore off, and all of the pain has returned. Finally my doctor sent me for a Diskogram. My discogram came back with a radial tear at L4-5 and a diffuse annular tear at L5-S1. My first question is, what is annular and radial mean? I have read in other postings, that the Discogram is suposse to re-create the pain. Why didn't it re-create my pain? The doctor told me I was awake, but I don't remember anything! How can a tear cause all the pain I am having? After the discogram, I was referred to a Orthopedic doctor who is going to give me an epidural with florescoptic. Can somebody tell me what that means? Then he wants to repeat the discogram.. which isn't a big deal cause I didn't feel a thing during the procedure only felt increased pain afterwards.The Ortho doctor seems to think I was knocked out during the the whole procedure and that's why it didn't re-create the pain. He wants to repeat the test to pinpoint what disk is causing all the problems because he thinks I may need surgery. The surgery he mentioned was Nucleoplasty. I know that some of you have had this done, and I was wondering if you could tell me what you have experienced. Is this the option I should take or are their other surgeries or maybe something else, that would be better for me? I would appreciate any information or advice to my situation. I am sorry that this is so long...but this pain has consumed my life and I don't know how much more I can take. Also,as far as meds..I started out, taking vicodin then it went to Lorcet and now I am taking percocet 10/325 for the pain, and I am chewing them like cany! My family doctor keeps insisting on oxy contin...but I am to afraid to take them. I know after 11 months of taking the pain medication that I am now addicted. I had a choice to make...take the pills and become dependant..or deal with the pain! I tried the Fentynal patch (not sure how to spell it)for a couple of days, but woke up one night and couldn't catch my breath (it was like I forgot to breath)I guess after all this is done, I will have to go through withdrawl. Is this ever going to end? Has anyone with back pain, and has had surgery, back to being 100% normal? IP: Logged |
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etoile du nord Senior Member Posts: 158 |
posted 04-02-2003 01:25 PM
Hi Brenda, Sorry to hear about all the pain you're having - and you've come to the right place for answers to your questions and support. An annular tear is a tear on the outside ring of your disc, the annulus. The leg and hip pain may very well be from the inner substance of the disc leaking out on the nerve root causing irritation as this substance is very acidic. If you do not remember anything about the discogram, I think you may have been too sedated. The point of the discogram, as you know, is to find out whether or not pressure on the disc recreates the pain - and you need to be very awake to be able to communicate with the doctor about what kinds of sensations you are feeling during the procedure. I haven't heard of a radial tear - maybe that just means from the inside to the outside of the disc. The hip and leg pain is probably worse than the back pain because of the discs causing most of your problems. At least that was my own experience. I had back pain, that is sure, but the butt/leg/toe pain was a lot worse. I think this orthopedic surgeon knows what he's talking about, and I think that re-doing the dicogram may not be a bad idea. When I had my discogram the doctor wanted to be SURE not to over-sedate me so that I could really take part in what was going on. The epidural with florescoptic? Not sure what florescoptic means. Do you have the correct spelling? I hope your pain medication is getting rid of the pain. The oxycontin may not be a bad idea at this point so that you're not taking so much Tylenol (acetaminophen). At this point I wouldn't worry too much about the addiction you may have - you need to take something for the pain, and when you get everything taken care of, you'll be able to lessen the amount you take. Yes, people recover from back problems... I did! I'll be thinking of you and will send good thoughts your way. ------------------ [This message has been edited by etoile du nord (edited 04-02-2003).] IP: Logged |
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HNPatL4L5 Veteran  Posts: 304 |
posted 04-02-2003 01:37 PM
Hello Bcorica!  I've only learned a little bit about tears in the annulus of a disc, but here goes... The disc between two vertebrae is like a jelly donut. The "jelly" (nucleus pulposus) has the texture of crabmeat and the "donut" (annulus fibrosus) is ligament that is attached to the vertebrae above and below. An annular tear is a tear in the donut through which jelly might ooze out. I have annular tears in several of my discs, but only one herniation (the cause of the pain down my left leg). I didn't know a tear alone could cause the kind of terrible pain you are experiencing. At www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/degen/feature/w_degen004.html it says: "It is not exactly clear why some degenerated discs are painful and some are not. As with many common causes of back pain, there is probably a variety of reasons that discs can become painful. Some theories are:
Tears in the annulus are classified as concentric, transverse or radial. That's all I know. Most importantly, welcome. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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NucleoGirl Member Posts: 67 |
posted 04-02-2003 02:18 PM
Bcorica - The epidural with a fluoroscope - A fluoroscope (SP?) is just another type of x-ray. The radiologist/dr. can see in real time what is poking at. Sorry, I know you are feeling very frustrated and hopeless. TADA! Here we all are to try to dispel your blues. I, too, was always in pain and was tired of taking pain killers. Anyway, the fluoroscope is used in epidural steroid injections, as well as the nucleoplasty procedure. You lie on the table and there is a bank of monitors above you where the doc can monitor exactly where the needles are going. I assume there are x-ray "cameras" pointed at various aspects of your back so he can get various angles. (If you look at the monitors after your procedure, you can see the needle sticking out of your back - eeeuuuwww. - If you are awake that is) I have had both procedures. Unfortunately, the steroids did not help me. I am 6 weeks post nucleoplasty and doing pretty well. See Nucleoplasty posts from me and others about the procedure. Expect to be out of commission for a while, but in a great deal less pain. I won't go as far & say "try it you'll like it", but it is a minimally invasive procedure and seems to be working (keep your fingers crossed) for me. :> L. IP: Logged |
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ChristinaD Senior Veteran Posts: 518 |
posted 04-02-2003 02:20 PM
Hi Brenda, I sincerely feel you pain. And, I know what it is like to have an MRI that does not explain you symptoms. Three years ago I first tore my discs and my test revealed nothing. My doctor that I was seeing at the time made me feel like a complete idiot. I had excuciating pain in the back of my hip and I COULD NOT function and I actually started thinking I was nuts. My mom went to a doctors appt. with me and that was worse when they couldn't find anything because then everyone else started to think maybe it was in my head. I understand what it is like when it rules your life. I was out of work for a year. I found a doctor that explained to me that I tore the disc and that the first 6-7 months would be terrible but the pain should eventually start to level off and get better from there and go downhill. Well, he was right. I got better and after that I had a good year. Not able to do 'certain' things but I could function and I could dance when I went out and that was important! Well, last June I did it again. He told me I am having a relapse. The disc once "healed" is very suceptable to retearing. So, it has been 9 months and I don't feel the same now as I did 9 months into it last time. My facet joints and all are in terrible shape from all the stress put on them and my spine and 'sacrum' area is sooooo stiff. I have gripping pain in the back of my hips, almost like a pinching nagging, and it is most annoying. I can actually feel that the L5 "bone" is very painful to touch and it is where all my pain is coming from. I didn't have this last time. Although, I can say I have felt worse but still don't like my quality of life. My doctor still feels it is going to get better buy I swear its not. I know I don't want surgery but I just wish that there was an option for me. I have had a fusion before due to scoliosis and I know I don't want another one that would extend the rest of the way down. Therefore, I would be completely fused and the success rate isn't so high. It is terrifying to me because of my age (27). I'm just hoping for a miraculous recovery. Good luck to you and if you have any other questions, just ask. PS. noticed you were from PA too, where is Wallingford? Christina ------------------ [This message has been edited by ChristinaD (edited 04-02-2003).] IP: Logged |
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Bcorica Senior Member Posts: 246 |
posted 04-02-2003 08:03 PM
Hello Etoile, HNPat, Nucleogirl & Christina, Thank you for responding to all my questions Etoile: I have tried going for walks, but my leg is very weak and sometimes gives out on me. I have gained about 20lbs since this started. I see that you have had back pain for two years..don't know if I could have handled that. I am glad to see that you are now pain free! CONGRADULATIONS to you! When you had your diskogram, were you awake the whole time? I wasn't able to communicate anything to my doctor.I don't remember any sensations or any pain. I don't recall the doctor asking me any questions.. all I remember is waking up and thinking to myself...wow that was quick and it didn't even hurt like I thought it would.As far as my meds, you made a great point..I will probably need less once I get my pain under control. I need to start thinking positive! As far as the IDET surgery.. I have not heard anything good about it and the recovery time...scares me. I have read that some people are worst then before the surgery.Hopefully my doctor will stick with the Nucleoplasty surgery that he suggested. HNP: Thank you so much for the information and the link that you provided. It was very helpful. Also ..thank you for the welcome! Did your leg pain come from the herniation or the tear? Would I be a good canidate for a microdisectomy? It seems as though everyone that has had that surgery done, gets better and recovers quickly.If this is an option for me, I would prefer to have that done. How can I find out if that is the surgery for me? Have you had the surgery yet, or is it in a couple of days? Nucleogirl: Christina: Ps. I live right outside of Philadelphia in Delaware County. I am 15 mins from Philly. Where do you live at? Has anyone ever had this happen to them? I woke up yesterday morning and felt like I had just got done riding a horse! My pelvic bone was sore and achy, and I couldn't put all my weight on my feet. I slept on a heating pad last night and it feels better today. I still have some of the pain, but most of it is gone. What scared me the most was...I was very numb in that area! Anyone ever had that happen to them? IP: Logged |
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HNPatL4L5 Veteran Posts: 304 |
posted 04-02-2003 08:24 PM
Hi Brenda, My leg pain is from the herniation of the jelly material from the disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae (every doctor I've seen tells me). I will be having a microdiscectomy the day after tomorrow. Although this surgical procedure has a high success rate, it also has a small risk of significant complications (.2%). As far as I know, it is only useful for repairing disc herniations. So since your MRI didn't reveal a herniation, I don't think it would be recommended to you. Minimally invasive procedures like nucleoplasty don't have as high a success rate as microdiscectomy, but they have much smaller risks of significant complications. I think it is positive that you are exploring options like nucleoplasty. If a minimally invasive procedure doesn't work for you, you can elect open surgery later. Take good care of yourself, [This message has been edited by HNPatL4L5 (edited 04-02-2003).] IP: Logged |
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etoile du nord Senior Member Posts: 158 |
posted 04-02-2003 09:43 PM
Hi Brenda, During the discogram I was awake the whole time - they gave me some Versed (sedative) but only enough to relax me as I was a real stressball. They also gave me a touch of Fentanyl (pain killer). I'm really surprised that you were so out of it. I would be very wary about the IDET as well. I actually was going to have it done but my insurance company wouldn't pay for it - now I'm really really (REALLY) glad I didn't have it done since now I'm doing well after the surgery I had eventually. With your symptoms of numbness I hope you get something done right away. If I were you I would tell your doctor about this new symptom of numbness as it's a change and be firm in requesting another MRI. HNP - I wish you all the best on your surgery tomorrow. I hope you will wake up painfree (well, except the incision pain! Carol ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Telzey Senior Veteran Posts: 591 |
posted 04-02-2003 10:36 PM
Hi Brenda and welcome Sounds like you've gotten some great advice from some knowledgeable people here. This board is a great place. I had an annular tear at L5-S1 with back pain only, no leg pain. My doctor recommended IDET because I had a tear but no herniation. (The way I understand it, a tear may cause back pain and a herniation or bulge may cause leg pain due to pressing on a nerve.) IDET is supposed to be recommended only in some cases, where the disc is torn but not bulging, where there is still good disc height, etc. Nucleoplasty is supposed to be better for bulging discs. A diskectomy usually has a good immediate success rate, but depending on the skill of the surgeon may have complications or may have a poor 2-year outcome. I developed new leg pain after my IDET and felt worse than pre-IDET for quite a while. But now I am 4 months post-IDET and am definitely better than pre-IDET. I am back at work and functioning again. My back is still weak but it is getting better. And I can do things I haven't been able to do for years... like sit on the floor or on a backless chair. So for me the IDET was a good choice, although it's been a long road. If you have leg pain, I would highly recommend you try the McKenzie technique to reduce or centralize your pain before you go in for surgery. See my signature line for the name of McKenzie's book. You can teach it to yourself, and it worked wonders for me. Good luck! ------------------ IP: Logged |
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azkikn Member Posts: 56 |
posted 04-03-2003 12:14 AM
Bcorica, I have had 2 cervical surgies w/ fusion(spelling not good)and 2 lumbar surgies I can only speak for myself but i have never been nor will I ever be like i was before i got injured.It took me a long time to realize that it is not what i use to be able to do ride horses, motorcycles, ect ect but it is what i can do now i would suggest you take oxy contin to see if it will work I took it before my last surgery and it worked great almost took my pain completely away. If my doc would of kept me on it I probally wouldn't of had no. four surgery, and if it doesn't work for you you can always change back to something else Good luck Azkikn IP: Logged |
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NucleoGirl Member Posts: 67 |
posted 04-03-2003 09:50 AM
Brenda - Hello! The time period of being out of commission differs with everyone. In my case, I was really not able to do much, but lie around and walk for about 10-20 mins. for about 2 weeks. I went back to work, but found I could only make it until 2 or 2:30 for the next two weeks. I would get very tired and achy. As I have said - You don't realize how much you sit until you cannot and it is very tiring to stand all day. I have been off the pain killers for the most part since the procedure. If I have really been bad (overdoing) I will ache quite a bit and have resorted to an Ultram in the afternoon/evening. I think I have only had to do this about 5 or 6 times. Quite an improvement over 4 x per day pre-op. I'm not sure why your first epidural was done without a fluoroscope. It is a fairly new technology, I guess. I was re-reading your 1st post and was struck by your last line about being 100% normal again. I am not sure that will ever happen. Once we know we have a "weakness" I'm sure it will guide our actions. For instance, I am (among other things :> ) an avid gardener. I doubt in the future I will fling shovel-fulls of dirt around like I use to. I think we can achieve 100% no pain (oh, please Lord!), but I am not sure we can forget what has happened before. Kinda stinks! :> Oh, well - let's don't look back. (no pun intended) As far as the husband/quality of life issue, boy, can I relate. I felt as if this back problem had taken over my entire life. I'm sure you are not complaining any more than is absolutely necessary and I'm also sure your husband understands. However, men always like to fix things and I know my husband feels somewhat helpless to see me in pain. Never give up and never surrender! :> L. IP: Logged |
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jdlfmc Senior Veteran Posts: 534 |
posted 05-28-2003 06:01 AM
I have never posted messages before anywhere but I was doing back pain research and ran across this site and Brenda when I read your story I thought I had written it.I fell at work 4 years ago 6/13 my life has been one long nightmare when I go to bed I actually dream if some one came along with a chain saw and cut me off at the waist I would be happy.I had the same exp.with my first discogram I was given 2 shots of 4mg.of morphine before and the only thing I remembered was them calling my name to wake me and telling my test was normal that just caused more unnessary testing the point, the secind one done elsewhere proved two abnormal levels.I take 4 diff,pain meds oxycontin is one Ihave researched and found when you are in such severe chronic pain addiction is not the problem you would believe it to be.I have been prescribed to have a spine cath idet but I am fighting workers comp.and private ins.because they refuse to pay because it is a work related acc.and workers comp refuse because they have all these Dr.saying a dicogram is not proof enough and on and on it goes I am at my wits end they have now told me they will not even pay for my pain meds any longer and my husbands ins. won't .Thnak you for listening and I see now I am not alone I thought I knew real pain but didn't have a clue until this happened. Linda IP: Logged |
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Bcorica Senior Member Posts: 246 |
posted 05-28-2003 10:29 AM
Hi Jdlfmc Hello, and welcome to the boards. I am so glad that you posted. I am sorry that you are going through this and having a lot of pain. It is so nice to know that I am not alone, but I am sorry to hear that your are going through the same thing. So many things have happened to me, since I posted this message back in April. As far as my post saying that a Orthopedic doctor was doing my Tranforamital Injection along with other injections, well I found out the other day that he is not a Orthopeic doctor but a PM doctor. I have had several steroid injections and none of them have helped. I decided that I am not going to have anymore done because they don't work, and I have been having a lot of problems with the steroids. I just don't understand how disc tears can cause this much pain. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone. I can relate to what you said about cutting you with a chainsaw from the waist down. I always say if you could cut the whole left side of my body, then I would not have any pain anymore. As far as the IDET, I would really think about having this done. I heard that it is a hard surgery, and the recovery takes a long time. Everyone that has had it done, says they feel worst afterwards, and if you feel anything like I do, then that would be a nightmare. Have you ever thought about having Nucleoplasty? From what I hear, this procedure has a shorter recovery, and a few people have gotten better and are 90% pain free. What is wrong with your back? Where is your disc tears at? What kind of pain meds are you on? Where is you pain at? What test have you had done? Have you had any steroid injections? Could you give me a quick overview of what happened from time of injury? it would be great if we could compare stories Also, as far as w/c is concerned, they have to pay for your meds until they either suspend your benefits or you settle with them. If they don't pay for them, I would call a Lawyer. If you already have one, then I would tell him. They just can't stop paying them. W/C gets me so Please try to keep your chin up, things have got to get better, and I am sorry that w/c is giving you a hard time. I have had my share of w/c, and the adjuster screwing with me, but now they are being nice. However, I am not sure what they are going to do as far as my surgery is concerned, because I haven't heard anything yet, but you never know when it comes to them. Please keep me posted, and I hope you have a pain free day. I will say a prayer for you. Take Care, [This message has been edited by Bcorica (edited 05-28-2003).] IP: Logged |
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jdlfmc Senior Veteran Posts: 534 |
posted 05-28-2003 05:36 PM
Brenda,I can't tell you how glad I am you responded I feel so isolated and alone I'm fotunate I do have a very supportavive husband and family but I know they can't fully understand and I am just so hateful I can hardly stand myself most days thank God my husband is a truck driver and not home much or he probably would leave me.I'm sorry to hear of your pain and others I never knew pain could be this bad and I have ex's I wouldn't even wish this on.I meet with my attorney and W.C. can and have stopped my meds as they haven't upgraded my claim they have been treating me for a strain sprain for 4 years and I have a trial date set for Dec.17th to try to get my claim upgraded and for every Dr. I have they hire 3 or 4 to dispute and now that this is out of W.C. I have to pay out of my pocket and testimony for each Dr. is $2500 and up I don't have that kind of money my employer has not paid for much of testing or anything that has been out of our pocket.I have had 2 MRI's 2 discogarms 3 months of thearpy and chrio. 6 epidurals I take vicodin,neurotin,soma,oxycontin it dulls the pain never takes it away.I have been diagnoised withL4/5disc bulge L5/S1 spondylothesis and midline fissures and medial annular fiber disruption at the same 2 levels.I have researched the Idet and am still debating I don't know about the procedure you are talking about I am still very unndecided about anything.I am getting ready to do something I know I can now make our private ins.pay it will be a fight but then we still have all the co-pays and this whole thing has taken avery serious toll on us finacially and emotionaly I'm sure you know. The company I work for is privatly insured and I think that make it even harder I don't know.My pain is lower back left buttock left leg to the ankle and now in my right leg and my knees are staring to go.I have not had nerve testing and would like to have it done I would like to have some kind of idea what kind of permanant damage is done.Thanks again for writting and look foward to hearing from you again.Linda IP: Logged |
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Bcorica Senior Member Posts: 246 |
posted 05-29-2003 12:39 AM
Hi Jdlfmc I am so sorry w/c is giving you a hard time. Trust me I have had my share of drama with them. I was injured at work and was collecting w/c for a month and then they decided to play games with me, and cut me off. I had to get a lawyer and play the waiting game. I was cut off in June 2002, and finally had my hearing in Jan 2003. When I won my case in Jan, w/c should have started paying me then, but they made me wait until April. So my lawyer is taking them back to court for penalties and late charges. It took me 10 months before I started to get paid again. When w/c cut me off, I had to pay for my pain meds, which was not cheap. My perscription cost me $240.00 each month. I kept all my receipts and when I won, I turned them into w/c for reimburtment. They sent me a check for $1800.00 dollars. That is how much had to come out of my pocket. For the year that I was waiting for my hearing, I couldn't have any tests done or see any specialist. I think that is why I have gotten worst. I don't have any insurance, so I had no choice but to wait. I don't know how w/c can say that your problems are a strain,.....that is crazy! How are they getting away with that? Geeezzz I hate WC, I really do! I am not sure what you mean by upgrading your claim. Can you please explain this to me. I am so sorry that this is happening to you I know exactly what you mean about feeling isolated! I have been feeling very depressed lately, and also am very hateful and mean. I will scream at my husband when he pisses me off and I will say, "I can't stand you" and he will scream back at me "You can't stand yourself" and guess what? He's right! My husband is also supportive, but I think he is tired of hearing me complain. He doesn't undestand what I am going through physically or emotionally. I am glad that your husband and family are very supportive and are glad that they are there for you I had my appointment with my PM doctor today, to go over the Nucleoplasty that I am having on June 16th. The IDET and Nucleoplasty are basically the same procedure except for a few things. Here are the differences between the Nucleoplasty and the IDET: IDET is only good for disc tears, and NO leg pain. The Nucleplasty is for disc tears that have contained herniated discs, and for patients that DO have leg pain. The IDET has a longer recovery. I was told that recovery was 6 months to a year. The Nucleoplasty's recovery time is 3-6 months. IDET you were a back brace for I think 3 months, Nucleoplasty you don't. IDET heats the thermal guide much hotter then the Nucleoplasty, which is why I think the recovery may be shorter with the Nucleoplasty. I have heard a few people who had the IDET, and they are worst now then they were before. As far as the Nucleoplasty, I have heard that people feel better immediatley. I guess you have to way your options, and see what one is the best for you. However, you said that you have leg pain so I would think that they would do the Nucleoplasty. This is just my opinion, but I would ask the doctor about the Nucleoplasty, because you stated that you have leg pain and this procedure would help that, not the IDET. Also, you said that you have a disc bulge, which IDET is only for tears, not bulges. I am not 100% sure of this, but I would look into it before having the IDET done. I think Nucleoplasty would be the best procedure for you, but then again, I am not a doctor. Again, I am sorry that you are having a rough time. You have a lot of things going on in your back. You have the same exact symptoms as me, but I also have pain in my hip and groin. I can totally relate to you about the pain. All day and every minuete, all I can do, is think about this pain. I am so tired of hurting and being careful of every little move I make, its enough to make you go crazy Please know that you are not alone, and I am here for you if you need me. You have come to the right place for support. Also please keep posting, maybe we can help one another get through this mess that we are both in. Communication is sometimes the best medicine Take Care, [This message has been edited by Bcorica (edited 05-29-2003).] IP: Logged |
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jdlfmc Senior Veteran Posts: 534 |
posted 05-29-2003 05:58 AM
Brenda,Hi Again glad to hear from you.First I don't know if a lot of the difference's with my claim has to do with the company I work for is privately insured .I had 3 hearings at WC and was not able to prove my calim at the time the only real info I had was the first normal dico HA!HA! and then after getting denied 3 times my case was thrown out of WC and I had to file in the courts to be heard then by a trial by jury it will then be decided if my calim should be upgraded to the severity of the injuries even then if I win it doesn't mean I get my back fixed it only then means my calim is them alloweded to the severity then I have to stat fighting for the procedures to repair some of the damage.It is a no win even if I can come up with all the money to take this to trial if I win they have to reinverse me my expeses if I lose I am out all of it I have a mediation hearing at the courts July 1 I don't know what will happen I know several years ago they offered me $25,000 to settle and sign my resingnation I told them where they could put that after my attorneys cut I still wouldn't have had enough to fix my back.The reason for the strain sprain claim is because of the last hearing that is what thier Dr.s said I was allowed on my claim mt attorney says I am luckt they have paid for my meds as long as they have $425 a mo.I still work a few hrs. a week I wish I didn,t it almost kills me I often think about quitting and filing for diablity but we need that litlle bit of money I make we have already had to file bankruptcy and have lost almost everything I see a PM Dr. but all he really does is a short exam and writes presc. my last real exam was 2 years ago Feb. when I had my last disco. done I know the damage is so much worse now i have researched Idet and everything you say is true I really don't think I'll go in that direction when I do anything.Yea my 1st dico lasted about 20 min.tops my husband knew it was a screw up because they had said it would take at least a hr. all that morphine they gave me knocked me out cold!!I have a lot of pain in my left hip and some in my groin. I pray your procedure works for you and am looking foward to hearing about your experence.It is hard living when you have to think about every move you make knowing the pain it is going to cause hope, to hear from you again soon.Linda IP: Logged |
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Bcorica Senior Member Posts: 246 |
posted 05-29-2003 09:39 PM
Hi Jdlmfc I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. Please try to stay positive, even though at times I know it is hard to. Things have got to get better. The w/c stuff sounds like one big nightmare. I don't balme you for not settling, you would hardley have anything after the lawyers fee is taking out, what were they thinking? I think you have your hands full on this one. It is very unfortunet that they are doing this to you, and I feel bad for you. After 2 years, I would tend to think that your back is getting worst, if nothing has been done to improve it. That is a long time frame to do nothing for your back. I wouldn't be surprised if you find more damage....and thats ashame! Well, I hope things change for you very soon, and w/c has a change of heart...which is very unlikely, but wishful thinking. Keep me posted on your outcome. If you need anyone to talk to, just holler. Please know that you are not alone in this. Take Care, IP: Logged |
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fhelenberger Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 08-21-2003 02:08 PM
This for Bcorica: You mentioned the fact that your legs were weak and giving out. Any progress on that? What other symptom did you have? I have had low back pain forever and recently the past couple of month after a fall, I developed severe weakness and atrophy of both legs and low back, bladder control problems, and numbness both legs from the bottoms of the feet to above my knees. There are a couple other intimate "inadequacies" as well. I was just diagnosed with annular tears at L4-L5, and L5-S1. This is all new to me and I had no idea what this was until I found this HealthBoard. Do you or any other folks have any insight about this and could this be causing all those additional things I mentioned. Thanks! IP: Logged |
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mokita Senior Veteran Posts: 681 |
posted 10-12-2003 08:35 AM
bump IP: Logged |
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Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46
Why was the hip, groin and leg pain worse then the back pain? 
If someone can explain this to me, maybe I would have a better understanding. 
Brenda
sometimes. I am so sorry about what you are going through 