Discussion
Had an appointment, I am going to be referred urgently for another nerve root block procedure, without any scan.
Why is it so difficult to get an MRI or similar that will show the issue?
Why sent me for another procedure without having the complete picture of the problem?
To me they are simply guessing.
Why is it so difficult to get an MRI or similar that will show the issue?
Why sent me for another procedure without having the complete picture of the problem?
To me they are simply guessing.
MrGRT said:
Had an appointment, I am going to be referred urgently for another nerve root block procedure, without any scan.
Why is it so difficult to get an MRI or similar that will show the issue?
Why sent me for another procedure without having the complete picture of the problem?
To me they are simply guessing.
Hi, Why is it so difficult to get an MRI or similar that will show the issue?
Why sent me for another procedure without having the complete picture of the problem?
To me they are simply guessing.
I don't want to be Job's comforter here but you'll find that nerve problems like yours take a long time to settle. Some say 7 months but everyone is different. If your post was last Sunday, you aren't much over ten weeks post op.
Just FYI, a disc prolapse causes the adjacent nerve two problems. First, there's the simple mechanical pressure that can cause the nerve to become crushed and inflamed. Second, when a disc lets go, the jelly-like material in the middle is what comes out and presses on the nerve. This stuff is toxic to the nerve and causes more inflammation.
I very much doubt they are guessing. If one is 'the procedure', a nerve block, such as I've had, could reduce your pain by about 30%, for about 3 months. This is the voice of experience - two of my blocks did this but the third - at three levels simultaneously - did nothing.
Sorry to be unable to come up with a quick fix but you have to make time to recover. And if it hurts, stop doing it.
Hope this helps, Dave
Dave, thanks for your help along the past months. I understand that these things take time but I am worried because I was doing fine until 7 days ago, now I can't walk upright and the pain is severe even worst than before the surgery.
I tried to ask what could be the reason for this sudden change and was told that it could be an infection or scar related, another prolapse or disc issue was not considered an option.
I tried to ask what could be the reason for this sudden change and was told that it could be an infection or scar related, another prolapse or disc issue was not considered an option.
MrGRT said:
Dave, thanks for your help along the past months. I understand that these things take time but I am worried because I was doing fine until 7 days ago, now I can't walk upright and the pain is severe even worst than before the surgery.
I tried to ask what could be the reason for this sudden change and was told that it could be an infection or scar related, another prolapse or disc issue was not considered an option.
Well, any way I can help...you're welcome.I tried to ask what could be the reason for this sudden change and was told that it could be an infection or scar related, another prolapse or disc issue was not considered an option.
I've far more eperience than expertise in the spine things. Your problem sounds a bit early to be scar-related...my fibrosis started to ramp up again about three months after op s 1.and 2. I suppose it could be a localized infection.
It's also wise to remember that operations create wounds...nothing more or less. The spinal nerves also object to being tampered with as much as they hate being crushed and/or poisoned from a disc prolapse. They will shout for some time.
Just as an aside, I developed.a.swelling, left side abdomen. This could've been my colitis but an ultrasound scan showed zilch. The physios decided it and the associated discomfort are down to having a twisted posture for six years.
Patience is a virtue...keep us.posted.re.the next nerve block.
All the best, Dave
Just got the MRI Report:
"Axial images e.g. image 6 show that there is a defect in the left lower lamina of LS, which contains
enhancing post surgical tissue. This defect lies about 8mm above the LS/S1 disc. Some fibrotic
tissue which enhances after Gadolinium is in contact with the left 51 root at this level, but there is no
neural compression visible.
At L4/LS there remains a modest left foraminal protrusion which mildly deviates the left descending
LS root but does not make contact with the left L4 root in the foramen, this has not altered in
appearance since the pre-op scan.
It looks from the position of the axis point that the LS/Sl level has been explored."
"Axial images e.g. image 6 show that there is a defect in the left lower lamina of LS, which contains
enhancing post surgical tissue. This defect lies about 8mm above the LS/S1 disc. Some fibrotic
tissue which enhances after Gadolinium is in contact with the left 51 root at this level, but there is no
neural compression visible.
At L4/LS there remains a modest left foraminal protrusion which mildly deviates the left descending
LS root but does not make contact with the left L4 root in the foramen, this has not altered in
appearance since the pre-op scan.
It looks from the position of the axis point that the LS/Sl level has been explored."
Second op done a few days ago, I feel better now than after the 1st surgery.
Basically the first Dr did not remove what was pushing the nerves, he was on one of those residency periods, I was not aware of that,I'd not have accepted if I'd know. Apparently he is back in his home country.
Suffice to say that I am not happy with this at all.
Basically the first Dr did not remove what was pushing the nerves, he was on one of those residency periods, I was not aware of that,I'd not have accepted if I'd know. Apparently he is back in his home country.
Suffice to say that I am not happy with this at all.
I have no advice to offer with re to your first surgery other than if you feel like doing so lodge a complaint.
I'm also interested in the surgery to be honest.
I've had 2 slipped discs L3-L4 and L5 pushing onto S1 for what must be well into 7 months now.
I have spoken to a GP,My physio and a specialist(paid by work) who have all said surgery is last resort.In fact my GP firmly said last resort in case it goes wrong.
I've been on strong painkillers during that time and had physio sessions and exercises.
It's a lot better now than it was.I couldn't stand for more than a couple of minutes and walking would be the same.The pain in my legs was excruciating at times (the disc shifts around and I would get pain in either leg or down both legs)
I'm currently on a break from physio for a couple of weeks to see if my exercises alone will keep the bad pain at bay.Still popping pills and get the occasional jolt of pain and unable to put weight on my legs at times.Some days it feels ruined for a couple of hours.
The break is to see if I can come off physio but I doubt it,I also doubt the pill popping will continue to work.The doses are always being upped slightly if I complain of still feeling pain.
I haven't seen a consultant yet but I think I will have to move to that stage soon.My physio says you can only have so many sessions before you really have to think you(I) might need further help.
It does seem though that the preferred next move as recommended by my GP is spinal injections rather than surgery.
The only problem I have with that is painkillers even injections are no kind of cure.
What kind of recovery time did you have with the surgery and did you have to have much time off work with it if at all ?
I'm also interested in the surgery to be honest.
I've had 2 slipped discs L3-L4 and L5 pushing onto S1 for what must be well into 7 months now.
I have spoken to a GP,My physio and a specialist(paid by work) who have all said surgery is last resort.In fact my GP firmly said last resort in case it goes wrong.
I've been on strong painkillers during that time and had physio sessions and exercises.
It's a lot better now than it was.I couldn't stand for more than a couple of minutes and walking would be the same.The pain in my legs was excruciating at times (the disc shifts around and I would get pain in either leg or down both legs)
I'm currently on a break from physio for a couple of weeks to see if my exercises alone will keep the bad pain at bay.Still popping pills and get the occasional jolt of pain and unable to put weight on my legs at times.Some days it feels ruined for a couple of hours.
The break is to see if I can come off physio but I doubt it,I also doubt the pill popping will continue to work.The doses are always being upped slightly if I complain of still feeling pain.
I haven't seen a consultant yet but I think I will have to move to that stage soon.My physio says you can only have so many sessions before you really have to think you(I) might need further help.
It does seem though that the preferred next move as recommended by my GP is spinal injections rather than surgery.
The only problem I have with that is painkillers even injections are no kind of cure.
What kind of recovery time did you have with the surgery and did you have to have much time off work with it if at all ?
Very sorry to hear that.
Re the 1st surgery, in my case it was a microdiscectomy,essentially is shaving the disc material that is pushing the nerve. I was given 3 weeks off (now 4), home exercises and phisio (5 sessions). I kept complaining of pain but no one believed me until after the sciatica reappeared and i ended up in A&E.
Couple of days later i had my second nerve root block which helped.
After the third week i was walking 30min every day.
I work in IT,sitting for long periods is not recommended but i was fine for 1-2 hours.
My employer has been fine so far considering that in less than a year I'd be off for 7 weeks.
In both cases i only spent one night in the hospital. Having someone to help you afterwards is essential IMO.
Painkillers do a good job after surgery.
Re the 1st surgery, in my case it was a microdiscectomy,essentially is shaving the disc material that is pushing the nerve. I was given 3 weeks off (now 4), home exercises and phisio (5 sessions). I kept complaining of pain but no one believed me until after the sciatica reappeared and i ended up in A&E.
Couple of days later i had my second nerve root block which helped.
After the third week i was walking 30min every day.
I work in IT,sitting for long periods is not recommended but i was fine for 1-2 hours.
My employer has been fine so far considering that in less than a year I'd be off for 7 weeks.
In both cases i only spent one night in the hospital. Having someone to help you afterwards is essential IMO.
Painkillers do a good job after surgery.
Thanks for that info and wish you the best with your recovery.
My physio said exactly that re long periods of sitting down.She said her regular lower back pain customers are always drivers and office workers.
My work have been ok and have paid for the physio and specialist,they will also pay for my further physio too which is nice of them.I don't think they would be jumping for joy mind on more time off though if I had surgery.Cross that bridge at the time I suppose.
Thanks again.
My physio said exactly that re long periods of sitting down.She said her regular lower back pain customers are always drivers and office workers.
My work have been ok and have paid for the physio and specialist,they will also pay for my further physio too which is nice of them.I don't think they would be jumping for joy mind on more time off though if I had surgery.Cross that bridge at the time I suppose.
Thanks again.
Time for an update:
Lower back muscles are really stiff now, to the point that my column is tilting to one side and I started taking painkillers again.
Got my first physio yesterday, a massage on my back and told to stop the old exercises, they gave me 5 new ones and recommended the use of a heatpad.
I spent most of my time in bed, I am trying to balance it now with seating and light moving.
This Back problem club as Dave mentioned in another thread doesn't like its members to leave
Patience, 2 years and counting..
Lower back muscles are really stiff now, to the point that my column is tilting to one side and I started taking painkillers again.
Got my first physio yesterday, a massage on my back and told to stop the old exercises, they gave me 5 new ones and recommended the use of a heatpad.
I spent most of my time in bed, I am trying to balance it now with seating and light moving.
This Back problem club as Dave mentioned in another thread doesn't like its members to leave
Patience, 2 years and counting..
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff