I've "thrown out" my back 3 times now over the course of 3 years (roughly). I recently had an MRI done on my back both lumbar and thoracic spine images. I had a referral to a Physical Medicine Doctor both the radiologist and the doctor confirmed I have a T8 disk herniation and the disk is putting pressure on the right side of my spinal cord. The odd part is the majority of my pain/spasms is centralized or to the left side under the herniated area. Also since the last injury (aug 2010) I've noticed feeling the urge to urinate and not being able to or "dribbling" before I can make it to go where I have always had great control over my bladder, plus the embarrassing part, I noticed that I've had bowel issues; "fecal leakage" the first 2 times I thought maybe I was in a rush and didn't wipe well (gross i know) but then it was more often, I thought I would mention it to the doc as well (I never actually defecated myself, would notice from being itchy in the area and finding "residue" ) I still feel like I had to go and everything just occasionally find said instance without the urge. I had the appointment today and received a call from the doctor later this evening telling me that after further review it was very important I see the neurosurgeon at "said" hospital for his opinion tomorrow and not to wait, which I am doing. I'm nervous at him not being very specific as to why it was so urgent, has anyone had similar issues that could help me or give me some information.
A little background information on me I'm 28, m, 5'9 and 200lbs... just had the MRI, have some family history degenerative disk disease, but the doc also thinks its unrelated at my age, I had 2 steroid epidurals prior to the MRI and actual diagnosis (urgent care refereed me to a "pain clinic") I thought it was odd that that doc had diagnosed it and started treatments with nothing more than the xray from the urgent care, which was in the same building coincidentally. Other than that I've had doses of steroids anti-inflammatories pain pills and muscle relaxers.
any help, info and insight
thanks