Aa
Do I need Surgery
I am a 65 yr old female. After an MRI, I have been diagnosed with severe compression on the thecal sac at L5 with impingement on Right L5 & S1 nerve roots. I have pain in my butt, and my toes, foot and lower calf have lost function. My dr sent a Neurosurgeon referral ASAP....which the best ASAP being a month from now. Is this something that will require surgery? If so, is it a day surgery? and what can I do to not further injure myself until my appointment.? I have been given a dose of prednisone and take hydrocodone for the pain, which does help. I also take 1mg lorazipam for anxiety.
I hope that you enjoyed my humor, which is my technique #15 for reducing pain.
I'm a big believer in walking, but don't push too hard. Walking is great exercise. And as the great negro pitcher Satchel Paige recommended, always jangle when you walk -- it keeps the juices flowing.
I'm a big believer in walking, but don't push too hard. Walking is great exercise. And as the great negro pitcher Satchel Paige recommended, always jangle when you walk -- it keeps the juices flowing.
Thank you for a sincere response. I do none of the above activities :)
I try to move around a bit and not be totally immobile. Sitting is painful and have a hard time getting comfortable lying down. I was told to stay off my feet as much as possible. My apt with the Neurosurgeon is the 29th, can't get in any sooner. I sure have tried. So, I am waiting and hoping no further damage is done. Thanks again.
I try to move around a bit and not be totally immobile. Sitting is painful and have a hard time getting comfortable lying down. I was told to stay off my feet as much as possible. My apt with the Neurosurgeon is the 29th, can't get in any sooner. I sure have tried. So, I am waiting and hoping no further damage is done. Thanks again.
That word "severe" when speaking of compression of the thecal sac makes me believe that yes, you do need surgery.
What can you do? Stop using a pogo stick, horseback riding, jumping on a trampoline, skydiving, riding a motorcycle, and other activities that impact your spine. Other than that, nothing for you to do. Sometimes bending forward relieves pressure on the spine and reduces pain.
The prednisone is to reduce inflammation. Hope it works.
The surgery will involve decompressing the spinal cord, and without knowing any of the details, hard to say how involved it will be.
Wishing for the best.
What can you do? Stop using a pogo stick, horseback riding, jumping on a trampoline, skydiving, riding a motorcycle, and other activities that impact your spine. Other than that, nothing for you to do. Sometimes bending forward relieves pressure on the spine and reduces pain.
The prednisone is to reduce inflammation. Hope it works.
The surgery will involve decompressing the spinal cord, and without knowing any of the details, hard to say how involved it will be.
Wishing for the best.
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