Leg/Groin burning and pain

3 years ago I had a varicocele repair due to pain in my left testicle. Pain still remains. Urologist sees nothing wrong. SInce that time I have developed pain and burning/itching in my buttocks, legs and thighs. It also feels like I have very minor sprained ankles and the skin on my legs, buttocks and genitlas feels hot to the touch. And MRI was performed which revealed a herniated disk at L4/5 and a bulge at L5/S1. Tried conservative therapy i.e. PT, anti-inflammatories, chiropractor. Pain clinic tried 3 epidurals. Also took Neurontin, no relief. Discogram  revealed damage, but neurosurgeon thinks my symptoms are kind of vague. Lymes test was negative. Also tested for Herpes - negative for types I and II. All other blood work normal. ANy ideas? The burning and constant sensations are driving me nuts. The testicle pain is no fun either.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Grant:

Sorry that your having symptoms.  I am not sure where your varicocle incision site is located but it is not likely where it could cause the symptoms that your having.  If your MRI did not show foramen compromise or cord compression (severe herniation) then it is difficult to say if your symptoms are from that condition.  Did the epidurals help with the symptoms.  If not, then there might be a suggestion that your disc is not the problem.  There are certainly many things that could cause paraesthesias.  The description indicates that your symptoms are very generalized below the waist and not with a good distribution for a peripheral nerve problem.  Sounds like it might be in the spinal column but the MRI isn't giving us any hints, unless the cord is compromised or the foramen is stenosed.  Without being able to exam you makes it very difficult to narrow any choices down.  I am sorry, but with the information at hand, I am at a loss on what to tell you.  Sometimes a second opinion with another neurologist helps-a new set of eyes and exam.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Grant]

Dr.,

It was a bilateral varicocele repair. The incisions were about 2 inches each, above the penis, right where all the pubic hair is, shaved for surgery. The MRI revealed a central disk herniation at L4/5. No, the epidurals did not help. I always feel warm in my lower body, and clothes irritate my legs, a weird sensation.

[Gloria]

Grant,
You might want to go to Spine Universe (their web site).  You can ask a spine specialist your question also.  I would also recommend that you try to locate a specialist in your area.  On Spine Universe, they have a site where you can locate specialists in your area.  I had experienced similar symptoms and found the web site to be quite helpful.  The nearest expert was over 200 miles from my home and I had to wait almost 3 months for an appointment.  The wait and drive was worth it--he helped me immensely, while all the local "experts" could not figure out what the problem was.  Good luck.

[Teresa Hurst]

I have experienced the same type of pain for many years and the Mri showed the same problems in my discs as yours. I have not yet went to a neurosurgeon as was recommened. I am trying to get some info without going through all the pain and surfurring like you have ,and still have no results. I recently have started having pain in my neck and arm also. It is always on the left side of my body. I wish you well. Teresa Lawson

[aimee]

Grant,
first off i want to tell you that i am NOT a doctor, but i work in a medical center that has brought a new type of treatment to the midwest and across the country.  Its called vertebral axial decompression (VAX-D).  Due to popular belief, the herniations and bulges your MRI showed can be causing the pain in both your groin area and down your legs.  VAX-D has been FDA approved to treat such conditions and has had a 75% success rate across the US and my clinic itself has had a 89% success rate with patients reporting similar symptoms.  I encourage you to visit some of the websites and learn more about this procedure.  It cant help everyone, but it has amazing results very quickly....and insurance companies DO cover this type of procedure!  Good luck with whatever treatment decision you try.

aimee hanson
SF, SD

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