Discitis?

[Kathov]

I've been having severe back problems since the end of March. X-rays show that L1 - L3 are literally sitting on top of each other. After x-rays and two MRI's, I was sent to see a neurosurgeon who immediately put me in the hospital for a Spinal Tap and Spinal Biopsy. Every Dr. I've seen to this point believes I have discitis, but after a month and a half wait, nothing has cultured. We are now back to doing blood work, I have another high-contrast MRI scheduled, and then will see the neurosurgeon again. The Infectious Disease Dr. I was sent to believes that maybe the Dr. who did the Spinal Tap missed (even though he was guided by a two-camera/position CT scan). The Dr. who did the Spinal Tap decided on his own not to do the biopsy that day, as my spinal fluid was so "obviously" infected.  When nothing cultured in 24 hours, the I had to go back for the needle biopsy. Cancer has been ruled out. The pain is so severe that laying prone is no longer an option - my left side has been affected since the get-go - pain in my hip and groin so severe that I feel like a turkey wishbone being pulled apart - violently. The pain is now starting to affect my right side also. My left hamstring tends to draw up, so I work through the pain to keep it stretched. Twice the pain has been so severe when I get up in the mornings (both times from actually trying to sleep like a normal person) that I have been almost paralyzed from it - can barely walk after taking 40 minutes to an hour to get to my knees and slowly to my feet. I'm currently taking Lotab 10's - and trying to take no more than two to three a day so that I can continue to function - even in this limited way. Sitting for any stretch of time (over 20 minutes), walking, bending - all are becoming harder and harder. Any ideas, suggestions, etc. would be appreciated. This has been going on since the end of March, and I'm now back to square one. I'm only 52 - normally quite active, and far from being "old" yet!

[carmela1]

I have arachoditis but mine was caused by surgery I am only 42 and I have disitis caused by this surgeron taken off my end plate with a pituatary rongher.... Be gareful with ur back NO ONE at Duke will touch me now!!! I guess I will either die from the infection or the sever pain from the AA (adhesive arachnoditis) I was a flight attendant and I have lost everything .. I have a son graduating from Cental Catholic in Pitt and a 15 month old daughter !!! I am using a cane now and will be wheel chair bound soon!!! I have lost everything as I know it each and everyday is filled with pain. I am on so many different medications it is so serious. Now they can't get my blood pressure under control and my white count is sky high from the bone infection but they won't culture it..
P

[Zak_Han]

Hi,I'm sorry to know it
Clinically,It seems that you suffer from both pinched nerves and soft tissue inflammation around L3/L4 due to L1 - L3 are literally sitting on top of each other and your symptoms.
It's hard to heal by alternative med,as spine structure changed.
So,you should carry on medical treatment with your neurosurgeon.
Good luck!