Need some advice please

[PaulPav]

I had an L4/5 disectomy in 2007. The operation left me with nerve/scar damage, although it has always been manageable and has not stopped me working etc. I had a fall in my shop in December 2010 and didnt really notice anything until January of this year. I started to get a deep aching throb/pain in my lower left hand back area above my bum. This normally started to occur after 45 minz of being in my place of business, my job entailed me standing in the same position for a couple hours. Anyway, I went to the doctors and they sent me for an MRI and I was told that I had suffered a protuding disc which was the cause of the pain etc. I continued to work but the '45 mins' gradually became 20 mins before the pain started again. Other symtoms I noticed were a 'numbness' in my left leg, burning pins and needles in my left foot, and after being on my feet for an hour I had to sit down as my legs felt like 10 ton weights. This led to me going to A&E after one evening at work as I could hardly walk. I was told to have complete rest for 3 months and not allowed to drive. I have since had another MRI and went to see my Spinal Surgeon. The symtoms have gotten gradually worse over the last few months, walking any distance makes my legs go 'stiff' numby and my left foot 'burns' like hell. Anyway, back to the surgeon and this is what I need the help and advice on: he looked at my 2 MRI scans and said he was not convinced what the other doctors had told me was a protuding disc and he seemed to think that it could be the scar tissue causing me all this trouble. I said to him that I have had this scar tissue for nearly 4 years and it has never bothered me and I asked him why it seemed to start since I had my fall, he didnt give an answer. Now, IS IT possible, that after nearly 4 years since my operation, that it could be the scar tissue causing me all this trouble even though I have had no pain like this all that time? I thas gotten to the stage where I cannot lay down in bed as I just cannot get comfortable, only sitting seemes to be manageable. I have a business to run and really need to get back to work asap. I would love to hear some feedback or advice as soon as please :)
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Paul

[bigsissie]

Glad they are doing contrast. Hope it finds what is causing all the problems.   When I want to go to another specialist I just as my GP and get a referral. I study up first and make sure it is the doctor I want to see. Best wishes.

Sissie

[PaulPav]

Well I am unsure how to go about getting a second opinion other than just asking to see another spine surgeon? I am now going for yet another MRI this time with the dye stuff, so hopefully this may show exactly what the problem is. Thank you for your replies and help :)

Paul

[bigsissie]

I agree with backdoc. Scar tissue could be the cause but it is more than likely the disc.I would get a second opinion. I have scar tissue (tethered spinal cord) and herniated disc. The scar tissue bothers my back but it is mainly swelling, irritation, and a pulling sensation. The disc causes the nerve problems. Every doctor can make mistakes a second opinion never hurt anyone. One doctor may see what another does not. Go get that second opinion. I didn't and now have only 22% of the feeling from my waist down because of it. Best of luck to you.

Sissie

[PaulPav]

After the initial 2 hospital doctors that told me I had a protuding disc, it was the actual SPINAL SURGEON that disputed it. Has anyone else suffered with some scar tissue that doesnt bother them unti 3-4 years later?

[backdoc]

First, I would take the opinion of the radiologist who read the MRIs over your doctor because he is the MD specialist in radiology and imaging. Next, if you get nowhere with your neuro, I would seek another opinion from a different neuro on this.  You should also have an EMG test to see if you have nerve damage and which particular nerves are involved.  Yes, it could be scar tissue but it is more likely disc, if that is what the radiology report suggests.  Ther are other options after this is diagnosed, like pain management.  They can treat your pain in a variety of ways without another surgery. Yet, if the remaining discs have deteriorated too a certain level you may require surgery for this. Good luck.  You have let too much time go by to be in pain.