Now what do I do?

[Patti180]

I had to have surgery for lateral recess stenosis and lateral L4-L5 fordadial disk hernation by a neurosurgeon recently.  I wrote on the paperwork that I had Fibro and tried to tell him but he put his hand up and wanted to talk about what was going on right now instead of hearing my history.  The diagnosis was called a L4-L5 Lateral Recess Stenosis and formadial disk herniation.  On my third visit the doctor said I was one in a million because I was still in so much pain - my husband said maybe it's the fibro (?) and the doctor said you have fibromyalgia?  He said if he knew that he would have handled this differently because he doesnt usually do surgery on these patients because it is too hard to treat.  The surgery site fights against the fibro and that is why I am in so much pain.  Well it is 6 weeks later and although I am better than the first week which was pure hell - they should have had me admitted.  I am still in pain and really don't know if I can ever go back to work.  I feel totally disabled now.  Has anyone gone through this?  What should I do now?  I need some suggesions please....thank you.
Please know this is not to blame the doctors - it a lesson learned.

[Patti180]

Hi - thank you so much for your advice - I still have not contacted an attorney but I will.  I have just left work permanently.   I could not longer sit or stand for long periods of time the stress, the drive and the fact that I am an adminstrative assistant was not working for me.  I have not improved from the surgery, I am worse.  I am now a candidate for the spinal cord stimulator and should have it done in the next couple of months.  My latest MRI w/contrast upright weight bearing  and MRI with flexation and extension. Following was the conclusions and I am hoping you can put them in lamens terms.   1) Intercurrent right hemilaminectomy with right epidural scar circumscribing decending right L5 nerve root. Reduced discogenic right foraminal  stenosis, but with residual intrafornalminal right L4 neutral contact.  2) Small bilateral paracentral 1.3 disk herniation has developed since previous study with prominent left lateral annular tear,   3( Severely restricted segmental motion throughout lumbar spine with flexion and extension.  No induces listhesis.

Can you help me?  I was told the spinal cord stimulator was my only answer.  What to you think?  I would so much appreciate an answer from you.   Have a great day!

[caregiver222]

Actually, you should blame the doctor. You have a genuine complaint and what is called an actionable tort. You should obtain all your medical records and consult an attorney.

In almost all cases disc herniation will respond very favorably to special exercises before considering a laminectomy.

Ask for a prescription for a 5% transdermal lidocaine patch. Cut it with a scissors and wear it over the area of surgery for no more than 12 hours a day.