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Subject: Re: back pain
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area:
Posted by CCF Neurology MD on September 20, 1997 at 20:51:10:
In Reply to: back pain posted by Shannon Bleh on September 16, 1997 at 16:33:37:
: My Mom(Patricia Gordon) fell over computer cords while she was working
in January & May 1995. She had a herniated disk which was
removed in July 1995. She is experiencing excruciating pain from her left
lower back down her leg across the knee into the foot. Cincinnati Pain
Management has performed epidurals, mylar neuro blocks and caudals on mom
to which she is not better but appears to be worse. We tried several
TENS units, but she doesn't feel any of it. At present, she is
going to aquatic therapy. She is taking the following medication
Ms Cotin 30mg
Neurotin 400mg
Baclofen 20mg
Amitriptyline 100mg Previous medication they have tried
vicodin
loritab
effexor
ambien
2 other narcotics for which she was allergic to My Mom is only 56 years of age and is a diabetic living with us. I'm not sure
when the last MRI of her back was, but it revealed only a pinched nerve.
On March 6, 1997, an MRI was done on the cervical area to see if it was
controlling any of the pain down to her leg. When she fell at work,
she not only had the back pain but a severe cervical sprain. That MRI only
revealed some degenerative disease. Since then she has fallen several
times because her legs give out on her. The last fall she broke 3 ribs. I am desperate to find someone that can help her. I can't bare to let her
live her life with this much pain. My Mom has always had a high tolerance
to medication. She rarely ever complained so when she tells me how bad it
hurts, I know its has to be bad. I can see the pain in her face.
I know I am telling you more than medical facts but Cleveland Clinic is one
of my last hopes. In the 1980's, doctors performed 10 experimental surgeries on my Mom before
sending her to Cleveland Clinic. In 2 days, the doctor at Cleveland Clinic
diagnosed Mom with actinomycosis. I am forever grateful to the Clinic and
HOPE that you can help us once again. Thank you very much for your time. Please forgive my misspellings of medical
terminology.
Shannon Bleh
Dear Shannon: Reading your question, I get the feeling that your mother's neurological problem is major and complex. Although back pain control is really important for a good quality of life, there are some other problems that your mother experiences, that also need looking into. Specifically, the recurrent falls are quite worrisome, and may result from a whole range of neurological causes, some of which can be remedied. Another issue is diabetes, which, by itself, can cause a host of neurological complications, some of which may certainly be contributing to your mother's symptoms.
A careful neurological evaluation is essential at this point to put these issues in clear perspective, and to develop a treatment plan. Thereafter, your mother could really benefit from a multidisciplinary assessment and treatment program involving a neurologist, an endocrinologist, a pain specialist, and a physical therapist.
It was nice to learn that your mother was satisfied with her previous experience at the Cleveland Clinic. We would be delighted to be able to help her once more, neurologically, or otherwise.
For neurology appointments at the Cleveland Clinic, you may want to call (800)223-2273 toll-free, or (216)444-5559 locally.
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