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7 MONTHS AND NO RELIEF
I am a seventeen year old female and I was involved in a car accident in March 2007. I was at a complete stop and and two cars rear-ended me.No matter what i do the pain is always there, most of my pain is in the center of my spine and the left side of my upperback and middleback area.The left side of that area gets numb and tingly. I've had 4 MRI'S(two cervical, one thoracic, one lumbar). I was told I have 3 cervical bulging disks.I was given a variety of pain meds,muscles relaxers, and anti-inflammatories(Nothing worked). I went to physical therapy for 2-3 months but was discharged because they told me they couldn't help me any longer. I did ultrasound therapy,traction,exercises,stretching,tens units, 1 adjustment and massages.I recieves 3 trigger point injections in May.I then started seeing a neurologist and had an EMG and NCV study and both came back normal. I then recieved 4 cortisone injections and it didnt work. After my orthopedic said he couldn't help me anymore he referred me to pain management. I recieved an cervical epidural on Septmber 21st...... and that didnt work either(that doctor told me after the 3rd epidural that i would need surgery).I did not go through with anymore epidurals because my parents wanted another opinion.I am currently going to a research hospital and waiting to take my second set of MRI'S. I cant doing anytthing because of the pain and the constant urination. This is my senior year in High school and I am missing out in EVERYTHING. Any suggestions will GREATLY appreciated.
i sent you an email personally read it over and if you dont get it i will post it here
Oh ok. I have had numerous MRI's but all there is, is bulging disks. I am feeling about the same....I cant even stay in school the whole because of the pain and I am LPN high school student. How are you doing? Its almost been a year with no resolution in sight. Take it easy :)
Sorry I haven't written for a while. Your last question for me was," what tests have I done?" The only tests I have had to have is the MRI with and without contrast. So how are your feeling now? Any results on anything new? I hope you get some relief soon. Let me know how you are doing!
THERE IS A CATHETER for a female that seems to be a top secret with most doctors.
It is called MENTOR self-cath for females (14 Fr. the visiting nurse told me about them 10 years ago but I'll ask a dr. about them and they act dumb). It is small fits in any purse, one time use and most insurances pay for it. After a few times you can do it in the dark.
It is sad you might have to use this at such a young age. My prayers are for a doctor that will take all your symptoms write them down and cross reference them hopefully finding the causes.
Again you were in an auto accident and so many doctors think oh you are looking for a big settlement and they really don't LOOK.
Last thing get a copy of ALL tests done and keep a perfect log of all visits for everything, time and mileage.
Reading back did I see you are in New York state? Or NYC?
They have a better system on checking doctors histories.
Read carefully before signing on the dotted line, my thoughts are with you.
It is called MENTOR self-cath for females (14 Fr. the visiting nurse told me about them 10 years ago but I'll ask a dr. about them and they act dumb). It is small fits in any purse, one time use and most insurances pay for it. After a few times you can do it in the dark.
It is sad you might have to use this at such a young age. My prayers are for a doctor that will take all your symptoms write them down and cross reference them hopefully finding the causes.
Again you were in an auto accident and so many doctors think oh you are looking for a big settlement and they really don't LOOK.
Last thing get a copy of ALL tests done and keep a perfect log of all visits for everything, time and mileage.
Reading back did I see you are in New York state? Or NYC?
They have a better system on checking doctors histories.
Read carefully before signing on the dotted line, my thoughts are with you.
When you got your first MRI did they do a radiculopathy as part of it?
I have Chiari Malformation II and Multi-Spine Stenosis. I am 39 y/o and it was not discovered that I had the Chiari until I had an MRI for unexplained neck pain which radiated down the left side of my body. One of the most major symptoms of Chiari is frequent urination and the sensation of a bladder that is not emptied after urination. It is not associated with any traumatic spinal accidents however it can be onset by it because it is related to the spinal canal. With Chiari your cerebellum develops tonsils which occupy your spinal canal cavity at the base of your skull. It restricts the flow of your spinal fluid and affects your neurological system, ie...bladder control, pain, etc. My brother affectionately refers to this condition as "saggy brain". Perhaps you should speak with your Physician about the potential of Chiari type I, it is often discovered on accident and most people do not realize they have it unless it is found by coincidence. The type of MRI is w/o contrast, with radicular. Best of luck!
I have Chiari Malformation II and Multi-Spine Stenosis. I am 39 y/o and it was not discovered that I had the Chiari until I had an MRI for unexplained neck pain which radiated down the left side of my body. One of the most major symptoms of Chiari is frequent urination and the sensation of a bladder that is not emptied after urination. It is not associated with any traumatic spinal accidents however it can be onset by it because it is related to the spinal canal. With Chiari your cerebellum develops tonsils which occupy your spinal canal cavity at the base of your skull. It restricts the flow of your spinal fluid and affects your neurological system, ie...bladder control, pain, etc. My brother affectionately refers to this condition as "saggy brain". Perhaps you should speak with your Physician about the potential of Chiari type I, it is often discovered on accident and most people do not realize they have it unless it is found by coincidence. The type of MRI is w/o contrast, with radicular. Best of luck!
ANY SUGGESTIONS..........ITS PAST 9 MONTHS NOW AND IM STILL IN THE SAME AMOUNT WHEN I FIRST GOT IN THE CAR ACCIDENT
WHAT KIND OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTS DID YOU DO TO CONFIRM YOUR NERVE IMPINGEMENT? ALL I WANT IS TO STOP GETTING THE RUN AROUND AND GET A DIAGNOSIS.
My problems with urination are directly involved with the nerve impingements in my lower back. I have been notified that I do need to have a fusion of the L4-L5, L5-S1. Not looking forward to that but will do anything to help the pain and urination problems. Good luck on your Urodynamic Testing. Catheters are no fun but not as bad a most things, do don't be to worried about that. It is just hard for a 17 year old to have testing like that. At my age, a catheter is no big deal. Good Luck, keep me posted. Sounds like you are on the right track.
THANKS FOR THE ADVICE. AND YES DIABETES DO RUN IN MY FAMILY. I SAW A UROLOGIST A LITTLE OVER 2 WEEKS AGO, HE DID AN ULTRASOUND OF MY BLADDER AND SAID I HAVE 139cc OF RESIDUAL URINE LEFT WHEN THERES SUPPOSE TO BE LESS THAN 50 cc. HE DOESNT HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHY A 17 YEAR OLD IS EXPERIENCING URINARY RETENTION, SO IM GOING BACK FOR URODYNAMIC TESTING(IM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO A CATHETER!!) WHAT TREATMENTS ARE YOU OR DID YOU DO?
I don't know anything about the nucleoplasty mentioned above. But I am concerned about your frequency in urination. Are you thirsty all the time too? Both of these symptoms can be a sign of something else going on. Not to scare you, but do you have diabetes in your family? Because frequency in urination can be a symptom of that, so can excessive thirst. Something to think about.
Anyway, I have problems with my L4-L5-S1 and possibly my L3 as well. I was having problems with frequent urination, especially at night. Because of nerve problems in my legs/feet, by Dr. gave me Neurontin which is for the nerve pain. But I found it really helped with my frequent urination. That made me both happy and sad, happy that it helped by urination, but sad to know that my urination problem is probably due to nerve damage. That can also effect function of the elimination of feces as well, do you have any symptoms with that? (I know that is TMI - to much info). I hope you don't.
I believe in chiropractors - to a limit. No offense, Wellness Doc, but when someone is having major/serious symptoms that are backed up by MRI's and other tests, you need to stick to medical professionals and specialists in the area you have problems with. Please be careful with chiropractors.
I agree with High Noon, I would also check out your bladder/kidneys by a Urologist for your urination problem. I also would add, go to your primary physician and tell him of the run around that you are having with the other Dr.s and maybe he can direct you in a better direction. Plus it would be a great time to ask him about your urination problem.
Good luck, I hope you find some relief.
Anyway, I have problems with my L4-L5-S1 and possibly my L3 as well. I was having problems with frequent urination, especially at night. Because of nerve problems in my legs/feet, by Dr. gave me Neurontin which is for the nerve pain. But I found it really helped with my frequent urination. That made me both happy and sad, happy that it helped by urination, but sad to know that my urination problem is probably due to nerve damage. That can also effect function of the elimination of feces as well, do you have any symptoms with that? (I know that is TMI - to much info). I hope you don't.
I believe in chiropractors - to a limit. No offense, Wellness Doc, but when someone is having major/serious symptoms that are backed up by MRI's and other tests, you need to stick to medical professionals and specialists in the area you have problems with. Please be careful with chiropractors.
I agree with High Noon, I would also check out your bladder/kidneys by a Urologist for your urination problem. I also would add, go to your primary physician and tell him of the run around that you are having with the other Dr.s and maybe he can direct you in a better direction. Plus it would be a great time to ask him about your urination problem.
Good luck, I hope you find some relief.
I posted a comment on the "spinal fusion" page of this forum, and someone
recommended nucleoplasty and IDET. It is so important to research this and
try conservative measures rather than a major surgery that is irreversible.
Best wishes to you. (I hope you were sufficiently reimbursed for your pain and
suffering)
recommended nucleoplasty and IDET. It is so important to research this and
try conservative measures rather than a major surgery that is irreversible.
Best wishes to you. (I hope you were sufficiently reimbursed for your pain and
suffering)
IS THERE A SECRET I NEED TO KNOW TO GET RESPONSES????? ITS NOW GOING PAST 8 MONTHS AND NO RELIEF WHAT SO EVER. ANY SUGGESTIONS???
Thanks for everyone's replies :) My doctor suggested comprehensive pain rehab for 3 weeks in an outpatient program. Has anyone had success with this type of program?
Go see that urologist and he may suggest a pelvic ultrasound to sheck your bladder and kidneys.
sunshine 2008, the liklihood that its disk related is miniscule.
sunshine 2008, the liklihood that its disk related is miniscule.
DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF A LUMBAR MRI AREA COVERS THE SACRAL AREA OF THE SPINE? IF SO, CAN THAT CAUSE MY EXCESSIVE URINATION PROBLEMS?
That is not much liquid per day.
If you are thinking "cauda equina" that is rare and is affected by disc problems at the base of the spine. You have said that it is cervical discs that are the problem.
I would advise you seeing a urologist immediately. If you can get the films or at least the report from the MRI company for the lumbar area take that to the urologist also.
Best of luck.
If you are thinking "cauda equina" that is rare and is affected by disc problems at the base of the spine. You have said that it is cervical discs that are the problem.
I would advise you seeing a urologist immediately. If you can get the films or at least the report from the MRI company for the lumbar area take that to the urologist also.
Best of luck.
To answer your question, the most liquids I drink is 2 1/2 cups a day because of the frequent urination. I also read online that bulging disks can cause frequent urination.
I sympathize with you and your parents.
Bulging/herniated discs may or may not cause pain- depends upon how much, if at all, these impinge on the nerves/spinal canal. If bad, cervical discs would cause pain/discomfort in the arms , shoulders and not in the lower back- and not cause your excessive urination. I would ask how much water/liguid you drink during the day? Have you seen a urologist for that problem- better than a nuerologist of orthopedist.
Advice- see a urolgist for the uriniation problem- he probably will get an ultrasound of your kidneys and bladder to make sure these are ok. Secondly a spinal surgeon ( if you are in the NYC area I can give you a recommendation), maybe at a competent hospital should review your MRI films. He/she can make a determination if these really are the cause of the pain.
Good luck
Bulging/herniated discs may or may not cause pain- depends upon how much, if at all, these impinge on the nerves/spinal canal. If bad, cervical discs would cause pain/discomfort in the arms , shoulders and not in the lower back- and not cause your excessive urination. I would ask how much water/liguid you drink during the day? Have you seen a urologist for that problem- better than a nuerologist of orthopedist.
Advice- see a urolgist for the uriniation problem- he probably will get an ultrasound of your kidneys and bladder to make sure these are ok. Secondly a spinal surgeon ( if you are in the NYC area I can give you a recommendation), maybe at a competent hospital should review your MRI films. He/she can make a determination if these really are the cause of the pain.
Good luck
I forgot to mention that in the past 2 months I urinate more than 12 times a days.
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