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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Thoracic Disk Herniation
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Thoracic Disk Herniation
by Leaping Lizard, Jul 27, 2003 12:00AM
I am 33 years old and in fairly good shape. A year and a half ago when I went to see an orthopedic I was diagnosed (MRI positive)with a disk herniation in my thoracic region (T6-T7). I was asked to come back 6 weeks later after some land therapy. The land therapy did not improve my status. I then had a discogram performed (negative result). Orthopedic said discograms were a bit shaky in their results and said I should back first thing in morning for a fusion. I said "no" and that I needed a second opinion. I went to see neurosurgeon he said herniation so small that he could not believe that it was causing my pain. I decided to hold off. Well it is a year later and since I have crashed a jet ski at 60 mph and flipped a four wheeler. My pain has gone from hurting once every couple of days to hurting every day. I have done everything from accupunture, epidural injections, massages to water therapy ($800 a month). I have had another MRI and the herniation looks worse but still somewhat isolated to that region. In the past 3 months things seem to have gotten worse: incredible pain, sharp pins and needles (although this is not constant), numbness in front of lower legs, and feeling of fluid build up in my head. I am scheduled for fusion on Sept 8 with my new othropedic surgeon although I have two final consults just to make sure. Am I doing the right thing? I just dont see any alternative. Should I let my doctor know about the pins and needles, numbness, and fluid build up feeling or is this just disc herniation symptoms? What is success rate with thoracic fusion?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jul 27, 2003 12:00AM
The symptoms you are experiencing in your head should not be related to a thoracic disc. The pins and needles and numbness may be associated with a disc herniation, but can also be found in other disorders. I would recommend a consultation with a neurologist to evaluate these symptoms. A neurologist will typically make sure that there are no medical conditions causing your symtpoms. Good luck
In my experience, the surgery went well. I was out of the hospital 2 days later and walking normally in a week to 2 weeks. But try not to let this consume your life. For the first year after my surgery, I was scared to do anything in fear. Now I don't let this scare me. Only thing I avoid is any power lifting and full contact activity, everything else is fair game ... I play golf, beach volleyball, swim, and lift weights all on a regular basis. In fact, the more active I am, the better I feel. I hope this helps. I'd be more than happy to discuss further if you'd like.