wren
Enthusiast
Reged: 06/01/02
Posts: 284
Loc: up north & homesick for the di...
|
|
Hey everybody! I am kinda new to the big world of extreme back pain,I just got an MRI back and was hoping someone could break it down a little for me and also I am scheduled for the first of 3 epidural steroid injections.Has anyone had this and did it help much? I am having the worst I guess it is called sciaitc pain like major Butt pain or pain the butt if you wish and into hip and leg and heel area.I have a diffuse disc bulges of l4 l4 and l5S1 and a disc herniation at l5S1 ,I guess these are causing the sciatica also he said the l5S1 area has a crack or fracture.Multilevel facet arthropathy worsening as lumbar is descending.A bright signal intensity is seen in the T12 vertebrae,likely a small hemangioma.Is this just major bad arthritis or what? And if anyone is having the epidurals can you let me know just how scary this is???? Thanks for help and info! WREN'oh HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!
|
Zowie
Newbie
Reged: 12/14/02
Posts: 35
Loc: Beautiful Atlantic Coast
|
|
HEMANGIOMA
A congenital anomaly, in which proliferation of blood vessels leads to a mass that resembles a neoplasm; it can occur anywhere in the body but is most frequently noticed in the skin and subcutaneous tissues; most hemangiomas undergo spontaneouos regression.
--------------------
There are people who have money and people who are rich.
|
sam001
Journeyman
Reged: 02/03/04
Posts: 69
Loc: Nordstroms
|
|
I have similar symptoms and MRI results. I've had a couple of epidural steriod blocks with some success. It reduced my pain from an 8 to a 3 - 4, on a 1 to 10 scale. Lasted for a few months. I am aware of others whose results were not this good. I would suggest you find a doctor who does a lot of these. Also be educated, it is an invasive procedure and adverse outcomes rarely do occur. If you go through with it, be prepared to be lazy the day it is done, you'll need someone to drive you to and from the procedure. Usually no lifting any thing greater than 15 lbs for a few weeks after. Good luck. Feel free to PM me if I can provide you any additional information.
Edited by sam001 (02/13/04 12:38 PM)
|
daddyj
Board Addict
Reged: 02/06/03
Posts: 367
|
|
Quote:
Hey everybody! I am kinda new to the big world of extreme back pain,I just got an MRI back and was hoping someone could break it down a little for me
I'll take a stab at it. I have some herniated and torn discs myself, so I have done quite a bit of research. I don't know about the epidural injections, it has been suggested to me, but I haven't heard from very many people who have had any success with it, so I have been holding off.
Quote:
I am having the worst I guess it is called sciaitc pain like major Butt pain or pain the butt if you wish and into hip and leg and heel area.I have a diffuse disc bulges of l4 l4 and l5S1 and a disc herniation at l5S1
The sciatic nerve is a group of nerves that exit the spine, usually, at L4-L5 level. Irritation of the nerve root causes this pain. Most doctors agree that bulging discs and herniated discs are the same, some qualify that herniations are just less severe than bulges, but essentially the same. Diffuse disc bulges would be a wide bulge that covers a relatively large circumference of the disc, while the herniation is likely narrow. I don't know if you got the disc is like a jelly donut talk or not, so I'll try to explain it. A disc is made up of 2 parts. The annulus is a tough cartilage similar to other joints. The nucleus is made up of a jelly-like substance that serves to absorb shocks that are applied to the spine. I am guessing that your diffuse bulges are just a misshapen disc, maybe flattened on the edge or something, whereas the herniation is likely a place where the nucleus actually either stretched out or tore the inside of the disc and caused the disc to protrude into the spinal canal.
Quote:
I guess these are causing the sciatica
When the disc protrudes into the spinal canal, it can irritate the nerve root by putting pressure on it, which will cause sciatica.
Quote:
also he said the l5S1 area has a crack or fracture.
Multilevel facet arthropathy worsening as lumbar is descending.
arthropathy is any disease of the joints and the facet joints are the ones that allow the spine to pivot front to back. Basically, the disc problems are causing the stress on the facet joints because when the discs squish flat, they lose height and don't provide the support that your bones need.
Quote:
A bright signal intensity is seen in the T12 vertebrae,likely a small hemangioma.Is this just major bad arthritis or what?
a hemangioma is a usually bening tumor made of a mass of blood vessels. How or why it formed there is anyone's guess
Quote:
And if anyone is having the epidurals can you let me know just how scary this is???? Thanks for help and info! WREN'oh HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!
PM me if you wish to discuss this further, I'll offer any information I can.
Good Luck,
J.
**edit** BTW, there is a great informational website called www.back.com with lots of info about back problems, definitions of medical terms, great illustrations and information about treatment options. I recommend it for anyone with back problems.
P.S. The proceeding post is for information purposes only. I'm NOT any kind of expert or doctor, just someone going through the same kind of problems you are.
--------------------
Misty morning, clouds in the sky
Without warning, the wizard walks by
Casting his shadow, weaving his spell
Funny clothes, tinkling bell
Edited by daddyj (02/19/04 11:51 AM)
|
537
Threadhead
Reged: 12/08/01
Posts: 766
Loc: west coast CA
|
|
I have had one set of epidural injections. 3 weeks later, I was scheduled to go back in for my second set, but due to some "complications," my doctor being a real jerk-off, I cancelled my appointment while I was being prepped. At first, I did not think the shots did anything. Matter of fact, I was in a lot of pain right afterward. But then about 6 weeks later, I noticed my pain level start to increase. I attributed this to the steroids wearing off. I am currently waiting for my first appointment with my new PM doctor, which is next Tuesday. I am very anxious to discuss setting up an appointment to continue on with the next set of shots. At this point I'll try anything short of surgery for relief. I have three small kids, and lifting them is very hard, to say the least. I have read, though, that a lot of people don't get relief from the shots. And they are very expensive. I was in the hospital for about an hour the first time, the procedure actually only took about 10 or 15 minutes, and the total cost was $4,500. The doctor charged $1500 and the hospital charged $3000. At least I got to keep the little booties that kept my feet warm.  As far as the procedure being scary, well honestly, it was for me. Anything that is being injected into my spinal area is scary. But I did have 3 epidurals during childbirth, and no complications from those. My doctor, at least for a brief moment, was compassionate and gave me a mixture of IV midazolam and fentanyl before the procedure, so at least it did relax me. Make sure you tell your doctor that you are very anxious. A decent doctor will do something about that. And just to commisserate(sp?) I also have the really terrible sciatic pain. It shoots down both legs now and goes into the arch area of my foot. It's still such a shocking pain when it acts up, just to feel that shooting down your leg. Best of luck to you. I hope everything works out.
|
carrigaline
Journeyman
Reged: 01/22/03
Posts: 82
Loc: So Cal
|
|
I had 2 herniated lumbar discs and a neurosurgeon recommended epidurals. They did help me for about 6 months. The procedure was not painful because they gave me an IV sedative. I'd say it's worth a try if you want to avoid or postpone surgery.
|
wren
Enthusiast
Reged: 06/01/02
Posts: 284
Loc: up north & homesick for the di...
|
|
Hi all!! first let me say thanks to all ho have posted and PMed their helpful info to me. Hey 537 I know this is nosy but just what the heck did your Dr. do to P*ss you off so badly??? They had you all prepped and you just got up and said forget it?? You are so brave to stand up to a Dr. like that..more of us should thats for sure! I was kind of surprised when you mentioned the price..I may have to rethink having this I had noooooooooo idea they would cost that much!!!! For that much they should check you into a private suite and have pvt. nurse mixing you a cocktail!!!!!!!!! GEEZZZZZZZ I so badly hope Ijust wake up one morning and I am signifigantly better! What are the chances of this just self healing, do you ave any idea? Well I am drifting in thought again,I will say night night if I can I am having such ad pain tonight I cannot sleep.Thank God for my laptop!!!!! Take Care all..WREN"
|
537
Threadhead
Reged: 12/08/01
Posts: 766
Loc: west coast CA
|
|
I know I've posted my story elsewhere on the board, so I am sorry to anyone who does not want to hear it again. When I showed up for the second set of shots, the hospital and doctor were running behind that day. They hooked me up to an IV and let 'er rip. But, unfortunately they were giving me an anti-nausea medication called Reglan. Having to wait almost an hour and having the drip running too fast basically gave me an allergic reaction to Reglan. I can only describe it as a full fledged panic attack. I've never had one before, but I imagine that is what it feels like. I wanted to rip my IV out and just run away.
SO I told my husband that I wanted to go home. He told the nurse, who went and got the doctor. That d*ickhead saunters up and says, "So, what's the problem?" I told him that I just felt very anxious and did not want to proceed with the shots and I would reschedule at a later date. He starts telling me "We'll give you something for the anxiety, you'll be fine. Patients who have this kind of anxiety often respond best to the shots." Whatever that means. I was polite, but shaky, but I still stood my ground. So the doctor says to me, "Whatever," and walks away. Despite my condition, I was pretty peeved. I had to hold my husband back from going to have a talk with him. I decided that I was not going to have some uncompassionate, egotistical j*ckass working on my body.
You know, it was one of the nurses who finally explained to me that what I was experiencing was consistent with a Reglan allergic reaction. The doctor did not even care to talk about it or reassure me that I wasn't crazy. Two weeks later his office called to see when I was going to reschedule. I explained to the office lady exactly what happened in a very professional manner, and she was shocked, speechless. She said, "Well, I'm very sorry he....did that to you. You do deserve better." So, it's taken 5 months, but my appointment with the new PM doc is in just a few days.
|
debbrad
Member
Reged: 11/06/03
Posts: 100
Loc: Texas, USA
|
|
I went to a pm doc a few years ago for my migraines, back, and neck pain. He gave me one facett injection under quote, "sedation". Well, I was wide awake and it hurt like ****. He said your muscle is so tight it's bending the needle. Whow, that was special. Any way, after that was over, I needed 2 morphine injections in recovery and it took 5 days for the pain to go down back to a 7 on the pain scale. I was stupid enough to get 2 epidural injections in my spine in the next year. My back is worse than ever. He was a well known pm and I'll never let him touch me again. Moral to the story: Be sure of who you use and get recomedations from other's in your area. Then think about it awhile. I am not trying to scare you. Just be carefull.
Deb
--------------------
|
gaby22
Stranger
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 11
|
|
I know what your talking about I went in to have facet block shots after having occipital nerve shots well I assumed it was pretty much the same procedure just stronger meds my mistake not making the dr explain it better imagine my surprise when he starts with one shot and ends up using 11 on one side and 9 on the other this was all done with omly 3mg of pain meds to help with the pain from the procedure he decided to stop with 9 on the one side because his nurse noticed I was crying I was afraid to say anything while he was doing the procedure and as usual Im used to being in pain so i just layed there and took it. It didnt help but nothing has so far so im getting used to that.
|
debbrad
Member
Reged: 11/06/03
Posts: 100
Loc: Texas, USA
|
|
Yep gapy, That was awfull wasn't it. I did speak up during the proceedure to ask for more sedation, but the pm said no, we need you awake. It was a nightmare and I really think he made my neck worse. He must have thought so too because he said he wouldn't do facett injections on me anymore. I haven't been to a pm in awhile and I am very leary to go to one again because of these proceedures. I did get epedurals from another pm and that is a whole nother story that I would rather forget forever.
Take care, Deb
--------------------
|
wren
Enthusiast
Reged: 06/01/02
Posts: 284
Loc: up north & homesick for the di...
|
|
wow ok I now I am really freakin!!! For one I had no idea about the cost,( I am not insured at the moment and planned to make payments on a self pay thing.But I am now trying to weigh the pros and cons.I really have not heard of anyone either geting any relief or if they did it was mostly for a short while.I do not want to pay 5000 for a couple months of partial relief. I wonder if I should call my neurosurgeons nurse on Monday.I guess Tues. at 1:30 is my appt.I was told NOTHING about this procedure at theneuros office,they said so little that I thought I was just getting an injection like a steroid shot.Then to hear it may take 2-3 to get relief if any? I know no one can tell me what to do,I have to decide myself but you do not havr any idea how much I appreciate you sharing your expeiences with me that is so sweet.I admire you so much 537 please forgive if I got the # wrong,I think it took TREMENDOUS courage to get up and walk out like you did.Very few people would have the nerve to do it,Doctors can be sooooooooo intimidating but of course thats the way they like it!When I asked if my neurosurgeon would be performing this thing the nurse said a radiologist would do it??? does that sound right to you???I guess I do not have much time to decide,other than a tremendous amt. of money what else can I lose? Is there any chance that it could aggravate my cond. and make it worse??? To refresh my cond. Iam not real sure on the terms but the way I understand it l4 l5 profuse disc bulges and l5s1 herniation and some type of fracture down there and the tail bone or saccrum maybe has been pushed forward and is resting on sciatic??? blah blahblah......ok its countdown..anymore stories tips help advice etc... would be appreciated!!! god bless everybody have apain free weekend!!!! wren'
--------------------
its all fun & games til someone puts an eye out,then its still fun ,you just can't see***
|
fortunato54
Stranger
Reged: 09/14/02
Posts: 5
|
|
Dude, I had the exact same condition, same disc problems, same locations. It was agony prior to the three epidural blocks. In fact, after the first one, then the second, I was ready to throw in the towel.......but the third one did the trick! now my medication level is about 10% of what I used to need, and surgery is a far away option. Do it with an experienced needle jockey and you won't regret it!
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit 
Reply 
Quote 
