Confused MRI report

[chrisser55]

  Had an MRI taken in St. Paul in Sept.  The report concludes that I have focal nerve root clumping at the L-4 level consistent with focal adhesive arachnoiditis. No other problems indicated other than mild disc degeneration.  Can adhesive arachnoiditis at this level be the cause of my loss of bladder control and loss of sensation sexually?  Aside from the severe pain and my skin hurting to the touch, what are some of the nerves that are effected at L-4?  The reason I ask, is I do not want to blame something that I can get help with on the arachnoiditis when I could fix it.

I was told by my physician that focal adhesive arachnoiditis is common, and that I shouldn't worry about it.  I was told by another physician that it is serious.  I am reduced to walking with a cane now, after having no previous back problems, and the pain is unbearable.  Thank you in advance, I am having a very hard time getting treatment for this,  for some reason.

[DebbieO]

I also have arachnoiditis - and this is the first time I have ever heard someone having the same symptons as myself, including my skin hurting to the touch - I have an internal Medtronics Pain Pump - it helps somewhat, but this arachnoiditis is truly crippling me - when I get up in the morning, I can hardly move - I am never out of pain, and I have been like this since 1997 - I truly feel for you, because no matter what that one doctor said, arachnoiditis is serious, and there is no cure.

[diana99]

My son has an L5-S1 DISC bulge. He has experienced issues with right side and bladder. Yes your sexual disfunction and legs issues could be related to your L4. Have you considered Cauda Equina injury. Your symptoms are pretty consistent. I would get a second opinion from a NEURO-SURGEON and from an Orthopedic Surgeon, asap. I was told Orthopedic docs see more injuries to Cauda Equina. I would start there first.
Diana