herniated disc

[cpblessed]

I  had a fall in Jan. 2010 and MRI show right paracentral disc with mass effect. My neurosurgeon wanted to try epidural injections and PT. The injections were not sucessful and after three weeks of PT I began to experience numbness and weakness on my left side as well as the pain in back on right side and down legs and buttocks. The PT checked my reflexes and told me that there were none in my knees. She immediately called the neurosurgeon and the Physician Assistant saw me becase the surgeon was in surgery. He ordere EMG studies and nerve conductions was done in left leg.The doctor doing the testing said thaeverything looked normal but I have not returned yet to get the official readings. My neurosurgeon had told me that he didn't understand why there would be symptons in the left leg with right disc herniation but the doctor that gave me the epidurals said that either side could be affected. I have  been accumulating a lot of medical bills and is not getting better.I think he want to do a myelogram next. Additional physical therapy is out because they referred me back to the neurosurgeon when they checked my reflexes and they felt like it was not helping me. (phone conversation with them) Do you think at this point I need to have surgery to repair the problem. I am currently taking pain meds, muscle relaxants and anti inflammatory meds. I am constantly in pain in my back and both of my big toes are numb and my legs hurt but i feel most of the numbness and weakness when I walk. The back pain is constant.  I had surgery in 2002 wthe same neurosurgeon and I have been doing good until a fall occured this year. Do you think that I am a canadate for surgey at this time?  

[cpblessed]

Thanks for your opinion. I also would like to know is it a possibility that the disc rupture could get worse. I have been doing a lot of bending because I have a toddler that I care for. I notice the pain in my right thigh is so severe that now I am up through the night, I also notice that my back pain has increased also. I just want the problem to be fixed if surgery can help me so I can go on to living a normal life. I have had to postpone out of state appointments as I am a Pastor and I had to completely let my assistant take over my position until I get better.    

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
Many thanks for the post. Even i am also surprised as how come right side disc bulge cause symptoms in the left side. There must be something more than just a disc bulge.
Really there is a need for a complete MRI scan to know the details. Then only we can come to a proper conclusion about the things happening inside your spine.

Also, failure of epidural is another concern. Whether you are right candidate or not for the surgery will depend on your MRI results. But failure of epidural is not a good news. More comment i will not give, unless the reports are clear.
Do continue with the pain killers and relaxation / rest or activities which provide you relief.
Feel free to discuss more.
Regards...