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HELP!!!

Posted , 9 users are following.

cathy17098
cathy17098

My history is that since being hospitalised in 2007 with paralysis from disc protrusion in L3/L4 and L5/S1 I have had ongoing pain with periods of being totally dibillitated. 

I have just returned from an appointment with my orthapeadic consultant to recieve my MRI results.  The results are showing L3/L4 disc protusion indenting the theical sac and narrowing the right lateral recess and there is a reduction in CSF seen around the cauda equine.  L4/L5 disc has a broad-based central protrusion causing bilateral recess narrowing.  L5/S1 there is a large disc extrusion indenting the thecal sac resulting in significant canal stenosis and the impinging on the right S1 nerve root.  I have typed this from the MRI report!  I am recovering from a period of 3 weeks of being practically bedridden.  My back went again at the beginning of March - I was cripled with the pain and my my left leg became extremely weak with patches of numbness, my left foot is half numb.  I have really bad pain running down my left leg also (sciatica).  This is just one of many set backs that I have had!   I have just been issued with a blue badge for parking as walking long distances is becoming more and more difficult and I often require crutches.  I have been taking Tramadol and Diclofenac since 2007 and now on pills for my stomach as a result.  Going back to the consultant that I seen today - she looked at me and said that I appeared to be better than when she seen me a month ago when I was on crutches and in extreme pain so she would give me a phone consultation in August for an update!  Well, I broke down in floods of tears!  I told her that I feel like my husband has lost the active and bubbly wife he married, my kids have been robbed of the Mum they knew, my job is being affected and I feel so low.  She went on to tell me that because there is problems with a series of discs the surgeon will not offer an operation.  However, after I cried all over her she has agreed to put my case forward for the surgeon to see but told me not to get my hopes up as it is very unlikely that he will agree to an operation.  She went on to advise me that the next steps in that case will be to refer me to the pain clinic as this is something that I need to learn to live with :-(  Really, is this the case - I am only 38?  Has anyone else had a similar experience? 

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  • lianne03167
    lianne03167 cathy17098

    Posted

    Omg reading this is like I've written it.. I have almost the same issues as you lower back pain which goes down my leg to the point I cannot walk... I have had facet injections and recently a nucleoplasty but hasn't worked feel worse than ever. I take morphine diazepam plus many other tablets ... I seen a chronic pain management doctor the other day. He basically told me I will never get better and will have to learn to deal with the pain and prescribed me lyrica/pregablin... I am 37 with two young children. They live with my mum most of the time (Monday to Friday) and they come home on the weekends because I am not in a fit state to get up and get them ready to take to school.. I'm currently in talks with a back surgeon in Texas to see if he can help... I feel your pain. Stay strong xxx

  • jabberwocky
    jabberwocky cathy17098

    Posted

    I am in the midst of it myself. My back went out on me for the first time in 2007 and its slipped about 4 times since then, with the last time about a month ago just going from sitting to standing herniated my disc and my God, Ive given birth to 2 kids and had a skull fracture and NOTHING tops the pain i felt that day. I felt it herniate and I came out of my skin in pain! I had to get the pressure off of that nerve so I fell forward onto the couch and was clawing up it to find a position...i got my legs off the ground and looked like a spider, started sweating profusely and hands and feet went numb. Husband comes out of the bedroom, looks at me and says "What the f-- are you doing?" I said im passing out dammnitt get me a fan!! I was bedridden for a week..I finally got an mri and will get results today. Yknow those ice packs with the blue gel?ive got a very large one and i lay on it until my back goes completely numb then one by one i pull each knee towards my chest gently to stretch my back and make room for swelling to reduce pain.it works like a charm and ive only got aleve for pain. If you try that let me know how it works

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