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Back & Neck Community
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2 herniated disks severe leg pain/weakness/numbness getting worse
by heather_holly1, Apr 27, 2007 12:00AM
I was diagnosised with having a ruptured disk (last lumbar disk don't remember the number) last year after severe onset of left hip pain. After seeing many Dr.'s was determined that I had a tear and fluid was leaking. About 2 months later I ruptured the disk located 2 vertebre up. I have had a long history of DDD with problems in the past but nothing like this before. Went through many different types of tx including pain med., PT and, the epidural ejection. The ejection seemed to work for quite a few months I was still having pain some days better than others but at least I could move again but just in the past 4-5 days I have had a tremendous increase of pain in the lower back and left leg has become very weak and numb (with a shooting pain that runs down my whole leg) I have fallen once and almost fallen another half a dozen times. The pain is so intense that even laying down is excruciating and I have been waking up in the middle of the night sobbing and any movement is very difficult. Also am having trouble with bladder but not bowels. I know my Dr. would want me to come in but I just can't afford it. Is there anything else I could do? I'm only 31 what is it going to be like when I get older.
I know the $ situation also. Here in this state (michigan)...you sometimes have to see a doctor to get state insurance, and have to have insurance to see a doctor. Catch 22. I went through it in 2001. One time with a leak in my heart aortic valve also. Said it wasn't an emergancy anymore (after 6 days in ICU) and to see a cardiologiast ASAP. I said how with no insurance? Catch 22. Can't see a doc with no insurance to say you need insurance and disability. Same thing with my back.
I got another herniated disk pressing on nerves in 2001. I had good insurance from work, but was on works disability insurance. Than they pulled an insurance shuffle where I was dealing with 3 insurance companys that all said the other was supposed to pay. My surgeon went from saying I needed surgery to there was nothing more he could do for me cause his bill wasn't getting paid. The state said I could work "sedentry" work..so I could work. I have spent the last 6 years going from job to job because of my back. I am lucky if I can last 6 weeks. Sometimes only 5-6 days. My state last year started a new insurance program and I was lucky to get it before they decided to stop it. So trying to work again...got hurt AGAIN. Had surgery, got another herniated disk 2 weeks post-op doing nothing...and then hurt again 2 days after my last MRI just riding in a car.
I guess I wrote all that as a look at you could be worse, and more importantly, you need to get help ASAP because with the DDD (as the stem of my injurys and constant pain), it sounds inevitable. Yes, some people go through life with it severe. Constant pain. But if its as severe as mine on those same 2 disks, you might get by if you are very careful and DO NOTHING the rest of your life. My last 2 injurys since surgery Feb. 20 2007, came about from the first one doing nothing but walking, and next one just riding in a car that slowed down and turned. All because of DDD. The only way to stop future injurys for me is to give up and have a 2 level fusion. But after my last injury 2 days after the MRI that feels like the next 2 disks up herniated, it might be more. Again, because it all stems from DDD.
If your worried about you can't afford it, as I was...it came down that 2x I lost allmost everything I had because of it. They don't make programs to help us get medical help unless we are well off enough to afford it ourselves, or totaly in poverty. For those making just enough to live and pay bills....injurys and DDD as we have can be disasterous!
Good luck. I would definately make sure you exersize even a little to try and keep your abdomen, legs, and back strong. When they get weak they only add to the problem. But I know its too much pain alot of times...but if your doc. gives you something for pain...take advantage of the few hours you can to keep those muscles strong. Make sure you check with your local state office and see what programs you might qualify for. I have talked to a few people from here and other sites going through the same things that never thought they would qualify for any help at all...and did. Good luck and keep us posted.
thank you
Chadry