MRI Results and what they mean with my symptoms.

[dontevergiveup]

Resently I had a consultation with the a N-surgeon.We reviewed the MRI photos but he did not review the findings from the Radiologist. He insisted that my symptoms are not consistant with the MRI photos. Isn't this why the Radiologist gives the findings insted of the n-surgeon interpreting the photos? He never reviewed these findings with me. I had to ask for the findings from someone.

MRI RESULTS: At L1-L2, there is desiccation of the disk, with some mild loss of the disk space height. L4-L5:Desiccation and some decrease in height of the intervertebral disk is demonstrated. There is a diffuse disk bulge with superimposed moderately-sized central protrusion. There is stable moderate circumferential bulging of the L4-L5 and L5-S1. There is moderate to neural forminal stenosis at the left L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. There is moderate to severe right L4-L5 and severe L5-S1 neural foraminal stenosis. L5-S1: There is desiccation and mild-to-moderate loss of height of the intervertebral disk. A broad-based disk bulge with superimposed moderately-sized central protrusion is noted of the disk bulge and the protrusion and then onto the thecal sac but do not cause any significant spinal canal narrowing. IMPRESSION:  1. Second sacral element small likely hemangioma with blood products. 2. Degenerative disk disease and degenerative joint disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1. The abnormal L4-L5  disk may contact the transiting left L5 root.3. Degenerative disk disease at L1-L2 with some associated disk height loss. No significant neural foraminal narrowing or spinal canal stenosis is appreciated at this level.
MY SYMPTOMS are constant tingling to the outside of both my calves down to my little toe and to my big toe on both feet, and if tingling continues to long the areas go numb. He says my symptoms are not consistant with what the MRI Photos are showing him.He never reviewed these finding with me. Symptoms X 1 month now.SUGGESTIONS? Microdisectomy,disc replacement?

[lbsten]

I recently had a full diskectomy at the L5-S1 level. The herniation at this level was massive causing severe canal stenosis. The herniation was on the right side, irriatating the S1 nerve root. The pain you have described that extends down your calves , under your ankle and out to your little toe is consistent with S1 nerve root canal stenosis. However, the severeity of your pain is not directly proportionate to how herniated the disc is. In other words, the degree of pain has no direct corrolation to canal stenosis. Some people experience severe pain with a protrusion.DEFINITELY GET A SECOND OPINION. If you do not feel comfortable with your neurologists findings or his bedside manner, you need to get a general concensus from more than one doctor. In some cases you may be dealing with a very big personality. So big that it may be effecting your care. A radiologist is low on the "totem pole" compared to a neurologist. That being said, most radiologists spend very little time reviewing your images. In most cases it is dictated in a few minutes or so. In addition, tingling and numbness are symptoms but pale in comparison to what you could or may feel in the future. I don't think that you are at "red alert" status or even should consider surgery at this point. Take it from me, you do not want to start removing parts of the infrastructure of your back. It leads to possibly having more complications and even more surgeries that are much more invasive. As in my case, I will be having a spinal fusion in the near future. My advice would be to seek alternatives and only consider surgery as a last resort. Avoid it if you can. That may be disconcerting to you as you are in discomfort and seek relief but your only at the start of a long frustrating process that will undoubtably change your life as you know it. Have you tried injections, steroids, acupuncture, pool therapy, a chiropractor or other avenues? These should all be entertained as possibilities rather than hoping for a "quick fix" to your discomfort. Avoid surgery if you can....please. I may sound similar to your neurologist and seem to downplay your situation. It can get  much  much  much  much worse. Hopefully I have been some help. I wish you the best of luck as you will need it.

[dontevergiveup]

I too am thinking that is going to be my next request after I get a discogram done next week.  The Neurosurgeon had me do an EMG to test my nerves and then a discogram where they inject dye into my disc and see if it leaks out.  But I am thinking I need a Microdisectomy as the other two Neurosurgeons recomended.

[rainsummer]

I'd get a another opinion if I were you....Good Luck!