How do I find treatment?

[RCFlyer]

I have a herniated disc at c5-c6, bulging disks at T1 Through T5-6 , a herniated disc at T7-8 that ,according to the MRI report, "touches the spinal cord without deformity" , a bulging disc at T11-12 , a herniation at L3-4 and post operative reherniations at L4-5 and L5-S1.  The pain I suffer is most severe at the T7-8 level and have problems swallowing and chronic constipation that is aggrevated by methadone.  T7 and T8 also have severe end plate changes and arthritis that is causing a "bone on bone configuration" and required a thin slice CT scan to rule out cancer.  My problem is that the orthopedic surgeon that I saw was more than willing to operate on the cervical and lumbosacral areas but  when I asked about the tspine herniation responded, "That's impossible, you still have use of your legs."  My question then, is, "  Why is it so hard to get this treated?"
As you can probably tell, I am becoming more depressed almost daily.  Please help!

[Paul J Slosar]

I would be VERY cautious about surgery given all the level of disc injuries you described above.  Some people have a genetic pre-dispostion toward Degenerative Disc Disease which can affect discs from cervical-thoracic-lumbar.  If you start operating it never ends and most patients regret beginning the surgery process in cases similar to yours.
The Thoracic spine is an area that it more challenging to work on so many surgeons are reluctant to get involved here.  Be cautious as you move forward and consult with several surgeons as well as pain management doctors before you make any decisions.

[Angela295]

Hi I found this forum and am very interested in all of your comments. I was in a severe accident May 07, I had a c5-c6 diskectmy with fusion in march 08. I have complained of back pain upper and lower for over a yr. Finally dr did a MRI of lumbar and thoracic and I am waiting for dr to review. The report was looked at by my PT and she is concerned. I have a t7-t8 central disk protrusion creating a focal mass effect on the thoracic cord. t8-t9 small central disk protrusion it abuts the thoracic cord. T11 t12 left lateral disk protrusion that narrows the lateral recess and left neural foramina. I have had problems walking when sitting for long drives when i get out to walk its like learning how to walk again it is the weirdest experience. I have pain going down both legs to my toes sporatic at times on which leg it is in. I cant twist and bending hurts too. I have also recently been feeling like i have a bladder infection like pressure in my bladder and have been constipated too. If the bladder feeling doesnt go away by monday I will let dr know what is going on....Hopefully it has nothing to do with my back stuff. Do you know if my MRI sounds serious or very common....it sounds like what all of you are saying ...there really isn't anything u can do about this issue. I have had L4-L5 epideral 2x this yr so far and it hasn't helped. I am not a believer with these injections didn't help on my neck last yr i had 3 plus a nerve block and it hasnt helped on my back or neck.

[mandyjane46]

Hi
Im with Paul re surgery.Ive got a T12 calcified prolapse which has caused alot of pain and problems in the last year(I aint gonna bore you with them). However the op is pretty scarey stuff and few surgeons will go there as it is risky.I  have seen 3 neurosurgeons in the last year . the first 2 in hospital and the last by preference. One said he wouldnt touch the thoracic area.One said I didnt need it and the last (my choice) has referred me to a neurologists to ascertain the level of nerve damage and the best way forward.He can offer surgery but has advised me its risky stuff.
I know what you mean re work.I miss it badly. I detest the pain and lack of mobility . I miss me(the fun out and about me) .However I now feel Im getting the best advise for me so watch this space and good luck to you!
MJ

[RCFlyer]

Thanks for the advice.  I'm currently working with a very good pain management doctor and he did nerve blocks at T6 and T7 last week.  I had FOUR EXCELLENT days!  The pain was almost totally gone from that area.  It has since returned, but is less intense.  My biggest concern is the T7-T8 disc.  Is it possible for a disc to "shift"?  The Ortho Doctor mentioned my ability to walk.  I recently had a single episode of a ham string muscle not flexing and I couldn't support my weight for a few minutes.  Since then, my thighs sometimes get fatigued quickly when walking.  I don't drive, and walk at least a mile a day.  
I would like to be able to return to work some day.  While pain management makes my life more comfortable, there isn't really anything "corrective" about it.  If this is too much whining, let me know and I'll stop.