Chronic leg pain

[bvent]

I had surgery, July of 2008, lumbar L4-5 with fusion and instrumentation.   I had fully recovered from the surgery and was pain free after about two months.  Around the middle of September I started having pain in my groin.  After MRI, Ct and other x-ray's my Dr. could not find a cause for this pain. The pain has gotten progressively worse and now goes down to my knee and the outside of my thigh.  Could this be a  damaged nerve and if so why did I have a month of freedom from pain.

[bvent]

Hay, thanks for responding.  My primary doc is orchestrating all of this, he's the one that referred me to the neurologist.  I called my primary today and explained what had happened.  I think I crashed and burned emotionally yesterday.  It's scary when you are in pain and people act as if all you need to do is suck it up.  Be strong.  I don't think they would be so quick to judge if it were them.  Anyway thanks again.  The pain is always worse when you crash and burn.  I felt a tad better today after I spoke to my primary.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Bvent,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us but very sorry to hear about your pain.

I have groin pain at time also. It is true that it can come from a spinal condition. But there are numerous other conditions that could be the source of your groin pain. It can be a symptom of a hip or pelvis aliment.  Even kidney stones or a hernia can cause groin pain. So I would not automatically link it with your spinal surgery, although that is a possibility also.

Why is the neurologist unwilling to prescribe additional patches until you are seen in the PM Clinic? I would discuss this with your PCP. He/she may be willing to prescribe something that will hold you over until May.

I think it is wise that you are seeking a second opinion. Don't leave your PCP out of the loop. They can be a valuable member of your PM team.  Remember they should be directing you referral and over all care. At least that is the way it works in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin.

I wish you the very best in your search for answers. Feel free to ask additional questions and we will help you in any way that we can. Please keep us posted and let us know how you are doing. I am hopeful that you will become an active member of our community. We will be look forward to hearing from you again.
Take Care, Tuck

[bvent]

I have an appointment for a second opinion surgeon on the 23rd of April,as my surgeon can not seem to find a cause for the pain. The first avaliable appointment for a pain clinic is in May.  The neurologist that prescribed a Fentinial patch will not prescribe me anything else and I only have a months supply.  I'm really scared, I'm going to run out of pain meds and even though they don't help much it helps some.

[jollyman069]

sorry to hear you are having pain..might be scar tissue forming and pressing on the nerve or it could have been damages form the injury...i have had leg pain since my sirgery  in 93..i now have 4 henaited disc..maybe you ought to look into seeing a pain specialist they might be able to control your pain...good luck and keep up us informed how your doing