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Who do I believe?

Posted , 3 users are following.

scott17436
scott17436

Hi, I'm a first time poster and in a similar position to a few on here. 

I have had two spinal surgeries in past 7 years. A Microdisectomy at L5/S1 in 07 and a Laminectomy and Microdisectomy at L4/L5 in 2012. The latter performed as an emergency due to Cauda Quina. I was a PE teacher till I moved into management and played Volleyball and football to decent levels thus plenty chance for wear and tear to happen. 

I have recently been absent from work due to worsening back pain. I have no plantar reflex in my right foot/ankle which also goes numb. 

Like most I have been searching for a cure to this pain and I am on similar pain meds as described in most cases. We finally went private to see my Nuerologist and was told I had Multi-level Spondylosis and Lumbar Lordosis. I was told that fusion was not an option and it would be painkillers for the rest of my life. 

Went for second opinion with an Orthopaedic Surgeon who has said I have the issues with my nerve damage to my foot but my MRI looks ok!! For my current pain I have been refered to Back Rehab centre in Livingston for 6 weeks of intensive physio and go back and see him in the New Year. 

My issue is, who do I believe? Nuerologist or Ortho? I know the pain and symptoms I have are real and apparent but confused with who is actually right!! 

​Thanks in in anticipation for replies! 

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • beverley82498
    beverley82498 scott17436

    Posted

    Hi Scott,my hubby had exactly the same as you.Cauda Equina resulted in nerve damage which can't be reversed.Constant pain,ice cold leg,pins & needles.My understanding is nerve damage s not visible on an MRI but can be assumed due to type of injury.My hubby had a very painful nerve conduction test which determined the extent of the damage.We only ever saw a neurologist.My advice is to ask for referral to pain management clinic.Your symptoms seem to point to nerve damage to me.Hope this helps.Good luck.
    • scott17436
      scott17436 beverley82498

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. The Physio at the Rehab centre has basically said I will develop drop foot over time. Surgeries out the question as both surgeons said it would cripple me. I'll get my GP to refer me to pain clinic which has been suggested to me before but hoped I would not have to be on medication forever. Unfortunately it's looking that way. Thanks again for your reply and I hope your hubby isn't in too much pain.

      Thanks 

      Scott

    • beverley82498
      beverley82498 scott17436

      Posted

      Hi Scott.Hubby has had all the awful Oxys drugs,ended up hospitalised.Pain consultant started him on Tapentadol slow release and immediate release for breakthrough.Not as strong as morphine based but you don't get the drugged up feeling.This is the first drug in 30 years specifically for neuropathic pain.It's worth a try.Combined with Nortriyptoline,venlafaxine gabapentin lidocaine patches heat pad,every little helps.Physio,hydro tens etc all made things worse ,a bit like poking a wasp nest.Those physio terrorists are sadists!Hope you get some relief soon
    • scott17436
      scott17436 beverley82498

      Posted

      I'll keep those drugs in mind. The treatment I am getting just now is finish based. Look up Spire Deer Park Back Clinic. So far I'm 50/50 if it's going to benefit me but I'll stick at it. Don't know if there's a clinic near you that you could try! Physio I've got is extremely good and knows her stuff. Although it's private she's not going to continue my treatment if it's not working unlike some other Physios I know who would bleed you dry. 

      Thanks 

      Scott

    • beverley82498
      beverley82498 scott17436

      Posted

      Not heard of that.Hubby's had private and NHS physio and he won't go near them anymore.He blames them for his last op!Only physio with any understanding was the one at pain management clinic.Gave him very gentle excercises that he still does.I will look at what you say though.It's amazing how many of you have been written off by the medics.almost like it's your fault ops didn't work!
    • scott17436
      scott17436 beverley82498

      Posted

      It's been good so far but not taken any pain away yet particularly when twisting or leaning backwards. 

      Im still 50/50 if this will work. 

      Especially when the last two Nureo surgeons have said its pain clinic and pain management and the ortho says you'll be fine! Bloody doctors. 

    • beverley82498
      beverley82498 scott17436

      Posted

      The trouble is they're all so arrogant.They don't like to admit failure.They don't think about the effect that it has on people 's lives.I'm not convinced about the scs but it's the last hope for my hubby,he uses a mobility scooter,which he hates and is in constant pain.Why is there no coherent treatment plan for you all?Both my hubbies ops were done privately and you should see the cars /suits these surgeons have!He's had every treatment they suggested (at great cost to insurers) and none of it worked.We have gone back to NHS and at least they are trying but it doesn't have any effect except in some cases make things worse .He's now given up work and hopefully that might help.I really hope you get some improvement.
    • scott17436
      scott17436 beverley82498

      Posted

      Oops. Hit send by mistake. 

      It becomes a joke when you have to give up your livelihood because modern medicine can't fix you. They put a man on the moon over 40 years ago yet they can't fix vertabrea. The sad thing is if it was in the U.S. it would have been sorted a while ago as my surgery would have included fusion like my friends did. I'm still in pain and he's fit as a fiddle! 

  • dawnylou68
    dawnylou68 scott17436

    Posted

    Omg can't help as had the two ops but early day yet but I'm in a lot of pain since the op in July this year o i presumably haven't got as far as you. My GP said to chase surgeon/consultant as I'm still under her care. No response so far, I feel ir pain so to speak x
    • scott17436
      scott17436 dawnylou68

      Posted

      It's chronic for me now. You tend to get into a vicious cycle of pain meds and no activity as you don't want to aggravate your pain further thus everything stiffens up and you get worse. I ended up in hospital for 5 days at start of October as I could stand up let alone walk. They did MRI and as I didn't have CQ they didn't want to know. Gave me morphine and sent me packing. How is that treatment. Getting hooked on another drug that had little affect. I'm keeping everything crossed that the rehab works. 

      After my first op I had no pain for 4 years which was bliss. These last 3 have been hell. 

      I too feel your pain. I also think once they go into the spine they hate having to go back as it can have disastrous consequences. I'm resigned to the fact that I'll never play sport again but a normal life with my family is all I ask. 

      Time will tell. 

      Hope you get relief soon. I felt instant relief after my 07 op but not 2012 one. 

      What op did you have in July?? 

    • dawnylou68
      dawnylou68 scott17436

      Posted

      I had PLIF and removal of cyst on spine. Basically I got 4 rod and screw sets in my back now and bone grafts. Still o Tramadol 100mg x 4 daily still in pain and hard to move before Lunchtime . Hopin to phase return to desk job in new year x
  • dawnylou68
    dawnylou68 scott17436

    Posted

    I haven't had specific  to that other thing you mentioned but have had problems passing water, it slow now and in stages . Tramdol cause me comstipation😓
  • dawnylou68
    dawnylou68 scott17436

    Posted

    My current pain. Is mainly in butt cheek on LHS and down that leg before this op it was all,left side pain then after right sided and now back to left again. Been chasing consultant but no reply as yet. My GP said I have to chase her as im still under her care 😩
  • dawnylou68
    dawnylou68 scott17436

    Posted

    Also burning big toes RHS and numbness on sole and pins n needles in LHS foot x
    • scott17436
      scott17436 dawnylou68

      Posted

      You don't sound great at all. Fusion is a beast of a surgery. My mate in OZ had a fusion at L5/S1 and has never looked back. He's same age as me and had his surgery in Sept 2012 so similar time frame. He's great and I'm knackered. I wish they had just fused me when they did my op in 2012. 

      Try and get some nerve specific meds like Amitryptiline or Gabapentein. My Amitryptiline works well with my Diazepam. 

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