Could I have reinjured my disc?

[lmichaels]

I had a microdisectomy/laminectomy 12/02 at L5-S1 for major herniation on left side. I was healing well and was OK'd to go to work 3/10/03. I was OK'd to lift up to 30#s. On 2/28 prior to returning to work I was helping my wife move some household items.I was fine until 3/2/03 when I woke up extremely sore in lower back. I used hot water bottles for relief and took ibuprofen for pain. I called the neurosurgeon on 3/4 and he dismissed it as muscle strain. It continued to worsen, I called my spine ortho and he ordered a prednisone taper.  That relieved the pain/pressure but now I get weakness in thighs and buttock pain. I recalled the neurosurgeon and explained the symptoms. He reordered a MRI 3/15 and results showed no reherniation.  They prescribed another prednisone taper and neurontin 3x daily but my symptoms continue to worsen.  After walking/standing for 30 or so minutes my legs become weak. The numbness in my left foot from the previous surgery intensifies,I get dull pains in my left thigh and buttock and sometimes right down the center of the butt crack. Starting yesterday, 3/21 I have been urinating frequently. It seems if I urinate I have the feeling to go again in a matter of minutes. I have not yet lost control of the bladder. I feel kinda OK in the AM but as the day progresses the symptoms intensify. I have been off work since 12/13/02 and can't afford to be off much longer as my med. insurance runs out in 9/03. Please help!!  I need to be fixed NOW! I live in Cleveland and can come to the Clinic to be seen. I am starting to panic as time is running out for me.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

The urinary problem is concerning for a spinal cord problem. I agree with you that you need help, perhaps even surgical help.  Here's a list of our neurosurgeons who specialize in spine. Drs. Ed Benzel, Ian Kalfas, Melvin Whitfield,a nd Bill Bingaman. All of them are very good. THere are also orthopedic docs that do some spine work, but as a neurologist I'm more familiar with the neurosurgeons.  It may be difficult to get into see one of them, but you should try and call 444-5559 to see who's available first.  You may want to mention the urinary symptoms which lends a more urgent note to your appointment request.  Another possiblity is that if your symptoms continue to get worse, epsecially if you lose bladder or bowel control or become suddenly weaker, consider an ER visit which will at the very least get you seen by a neurosurgery resident who works with one of the staff and can evaluate you with an exam and possibly more imaging studies to see if urgent surgical attention is required.  Best of luck.

[Mcphee]

I have just read your quesion onlne and I suggest you seek medical attention RIGHT AWAY. You have CES (Caudia Equina Syndrome).  Your symtoms sound very familar to me.  I was recently operated on (October 19, 2002) I had a L5-S! bck problem which resulted in CES.  CES occrs when the nerves are compressed, causing numbness in the sadle area, and if not treated right away can leave you with permanent nerve damage, bladder/bowel problems and an inability to wal