Aa
Does anyone Know
Can anyone help? 7 years ago I had lower back surgery to shave off herniated disc. Have been fine until about 8 months ago. Very severe lower back pain started again, went through all steps necessary, had a discogram last Tuesday and surgeon said that I do have more herniated discs but he couldn't do surgery because my spine is to degernated and surgery would make it worse. My symptoms are: very severe lower back pain, sometimes radiating down butt and legs and occasionally moves to front of lower stomach, trouble urinating, diarrhea, occasional vomiting and sweating. It seems that when I lay down the pain gets worse. In case your wondering, yes I have some bad habits. Smoke 1 pack of cigarettes a day and drink wine and brandy (but not every day). I am just afraid that the doctors are missing something, if I have cancer it would be nice to know now, but for some reason they haven't found out whats wrong yet. If anyone has had similiar symptoms or know someone that has, your input would be very greatfull!!!!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello Terri.
First, you are not alone in your experiences with life after spinal surgery. Surgery can be very helpful to improve symptoms and restore function in persons who are diagnosed correctly, have the correct surgery, and who complete the post-surgical rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, once you have surgery on your spine, it is very likely that you will have problems with you back later in life.
Second, it is also relatively common for persons to have degenerative disc disease. Sometimes, degenerative disc disease is completely asymptomatic (no pain). In persons, that have had discectomies or laminectomies or spinal fusions, the levels above and below the surguries can cause problems later in life.
You stated that you recently saw a surgeon and that a discogram was performed. Have they also performed x-rays or an MRI? What were the results?
Also, do your symptoms of pain "radiating down butt and legs" occur on both your right and your left legs? Are your symptoms constant or intermittent (occur sometimes)?
How old are you? Do you have any medical problems besides your "bad habits"? For example, are you overweight or obese? Do you have high blood pressure or diabetes?
Are you involved in physical therapy?
After your reply, I'll make additional comments.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
First, you are not alone in your experiences with life after spinal surgery. Surgery can be very helpful to improve symptoms and restore function in persons who are diagnosed correctly, have the correct surgery, and who complete the post-surgical rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, once you have surgery on your spine, it is very likely that you will have problems with you back later in life.
Second, it is also relatively common for persons to have degenerative disc disease. Sometimes, degenerative disc disease is completely asymptomatic (no pain). In persons, that have had discectomies or laminectomies or spinal fusions, the levels above and below the surguries can cause problems later in life.
You stated that you recently saw a surgeon and that a discogram was performed. Have they also performed x-rays or an MRI? What were the results?
Also, do your symptoms of pain "radiating down butt and legs" occur on both your right and your left legs? Are your symptoms constant or intermittent (occur sometimes)?
How old are you? Do you have any medical problems besides your "bad habits"? For example, are you overweight or obese? Do you have high blood pressure or diabetes?
Are you involved in physical therapy?
After your reply, I'll make additional comments.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thank you for answering. I am 44 years old. Average height and weight. I have never had a weight problem until this all started and I am only gaining weight (approx. 20#) in my belly. I'm not doing anything different, if anything, I am eating less and healthier, but can't seem to stop the weight in my belly.
I have had several mri's in the last 8 months, I do have a couple herniated disc's and lasted as long as I could with the pain, until it started radiating down both legs and into my feet. It is contant, but the pain is sometimes much worse than others. I also have tingling and numbness in both legs and feet.
I did go through physical therapy and injections, but neither helped. Thats why the surgeon finally performed the discogram, which was one of the most painful experiences I've ever been through. They did an mri right after the discogram while the dye was in my system. When I went to see the surgeon severa days later, he simply said that surgery would only hurt not help And told me that my spine was to deteriated to perform surgery.
I have no other major health problems. I have had 2 neck fusions and thats doing just fine. I do think I may be going thru pre menopause, but not sure if that has to do with any of my symptoms.
Just wish I knew what step to take next, I really don't want to live on pain pills the rest of my life or be disabled.
Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks, Terri
I have had several mri's in the last 8 months, I do have a couple herniated disc's and lasted as long as I could with the pain, until it started radiating down both legs and into my feet. It is contant, but the pain is sometimes much worse than others. I also have tingling and numbness in both legs and feet.
I did go through physical therapy and injections, but neither helped. Thats why the surgeon finally performed the discogram, which was one of the most painful experiences I've ever been through. They did an mri right after the discogram while the dye was in my system. When I went to see the surgeon severa days later, he simply said that surgery would only hurt not help And told me that my spine was to deteriated to perform surgery.
I have no other major health problems. I have had 2 neck fusions and thats doing just fine. I do think I may be going thru pre menopause, but not sure if that has to do with any of my symptoms.
Just wish I knew what step to take next, I really don't want to live on pain pills the rest of my life or be disabled.
Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks, Terri
You are reading content posted in the Occupational Safety & Health Forum
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.
