SURGERY TIME?

[sunshine2008]

I am an 18 y/o female, almost 2 years ago I was involved in a car accident(I was rearended by two cars at a complete stop). And after almost 2 years with no diagnosis and chronic pain I recently found out I have a cerivcal herniation at C5/6, thoracic herniation T9/10,annular injury and protrusion at C6/7, annular bulging at T7/8 and other cervical bulging discs.The doctor told me me they didn't understand how all of that can missed fo so long after seeing more than 10 doctors and having more than 6 MRI'S. I have had every conserative treatment suggested ....rest,ice and heat therapy, physical therapy, massage therapy, traction, ultrasound therapy,various medications,(I currently do not take any pain meds or have in the past), 2 sets of triggerpoint injections, cervical epidural, acupuncture, and now facet block injections. I have exhausted every option possible. I had the thoracic facet block injections almost two weeks ago and I do believe it is time for surgery to be seriously considered. I would like to have a thoracic discogram to confirm the pain is coming from the discs itself, but I was told by the doctor it was to risky.They wanted me to have the facet block injections first, and now its time for the discogram. I have already had a cervical discogram and that showed I had a cervical herniation opposed to a bulging disc. I was wondering if anyone had success with thoracic disc surgery?

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sunshine,

Thanks for the update. I am glad to hear that they are going to treat your spinal problems. Be sure and discuss the expected results. Ask lots of questions. Sometimes surgery will help the pain but not alleviate it. Ask questions like, what level of pain you will I be left with and what is the long term prognosis, how many times have you done this surgery, what is your success rate, etc.

I feel so bad for those that are so young and chronic pain is forced upon them. As discussed earlier, many physicians are more reluctant to prescribe narcotics for the young.  I know I have been there. And when you have pain it doesn't matter if you are 18 or 80, it's pain.

Again thanks for the update. Please keep us posted. Best of luck to you, Tuck

[sunshine2008]

Just a quick update. I met with my doctor yesterday. They agree surgery is the next step.I will be having a thoracic discogram in a couple weeks.

[sunshine2008]

Thanks for replying. I really do believe it is time to start looking into surgical options.My age was a HUGE factor when it came to analgesics, the strongest thing I got was tylenol with codeine #3 . With trying different muscle releaxers and the whole variety of medications I just didn't like how I would feel while taking the medication.So I decided I wouldn't take anything, and the basic tylenol or advil doesn't work, why bother taking something if doesn't work right? The only thing I do take is tylenol PM. The sleep deprivation is the next hardest thing with being in chronic pain. I have go through more than 10 pillows in the last couple of years.
Take care everyone  

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sunshine,

I am most surprised by the fact that you have not taken any pain meds in the past nor are you taking any currently. Have you requested medication to control your pain?

It took me over 10 years to be diagnosed so I am only a bit surprised that it took two years for you. Tests can be wrong or misread and they are only as good as the radiologist and the technician.

I would not be so quick to have surgery. Once you have surgery the structure and function of your spine will never be the same. Surgery is always a good surgeons last choice and you are very young. However if it a must than I agree with Sandee. Make sure your surgeon is very experienced in the specific surgical procedure that you require. And always get a second opinion.

Good luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. Take Care, Tuck  

[Mollyrae]

It is in my opinion that your surgery is nessesary at this point. Because you have exausted many if not all your options makes it time for the next step. I have also heard of really good results where people in your position can lead relatively pain free lives. It really is a shame that you had to endure the constant pain without a proper diagnosis for so long. That is rather unusual in my opinion. I hope you will consider the surgery as I feel it will help you in the long run. Please take care and good luck in the future,
Mollyrae

[sandee1818]

It seems you have tried everything and have had no results. In general, results are over 90% good to excellent. Results vary depending upon the patient’s symptoms and radio graphic studies. In general neurological symptoms including numbness and weakness respond best to treatment. I would suggest you ask how many of these surgeries your surgeon has done as the skill of the surgeon is very important.
It also baffles me why it has taken so long to get a diagnosis. This seems to be very common and in my opinion is just outrageous that someone has to live in this kind of pain for that long with no real help. I am glad you did find someone who did take the time and find out what was going on. But don't just jump into it to quickly, as I said check and see if the Dr has experience and check his success rates. This is your life and worth the effort. Don't worry about the Dr being offended this is common to ask. Also you would benfit from taking some kind of pain medication to help you with the pain.
Keep us posted and let us know how things are going.