Guest guest Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Hi Kori...if I am totally wrong about this, someone please set me straight, and I apologize..but the reason its impinged on one side, and hurts on the other is because of the anatomy of the spinal cord...you could look up this info anywhere..its like having a stroke on one side of the brain, and it affects the opposite side. The nervous system is tricky but your neurologist should explain this to you. I understand about where you hurt,sweetie....I have bulging discs from T-12 to S-1,so I, too, get searing pain deep down across my hips, and down the back of my things...that is a foramen impinging on your sciatic nerve, which is the main nerve that runs down your legs. I hope this helped...write me back if you have any questions...I am a former nurse....Vicki in Texas Kori Jo <butterflygirl9193@...> wrote: Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Hi Kori Jo, I read your post.... seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? thru Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Hey Kori, Think of it sort of like a rubber band, if you are pulling on one side the other side is sustaining all the pressure. So, when you have and issue that is pulling to the left, the pain will be on the right and vice versa. Hope that helps. Shayna It is better to be hated for who you are than liked for who you aren't. From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1@...> Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis spinal problems Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM Hi Kori Jo, I read your post.... seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? thru Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Good morning! No, I don't have any tears that I'm aware of. I'm beginnng to get more pain on my right, I think maybe it's because about a week ago I was standing up and when I turned to walk to the kitchen I felt this horrible pop and it felt like something shifted, hard, down in my lower back and since then I've started to get more and more pain on the right. One more week until my first set of ESI's, I really hope they help. I got the letter from the spine doc with before surgery instructions and if I'm reading it right it looks like I'm getting 2 injections on the same day, one at L4-5 and one at L5-S1. But it also has the date of the first injection and then the date for the second so then I'm wondering if they're doing 1 injection on the first date and the second injection on the 2nd date. Do they normally do 2 on the same day? Kori Jo Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 That does make sense, for some reason I just didn't think about it like that, or like when you have a stroke, it happens on one side but affects the other. Thank you! Kori Jo Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Kori. Do Not lean back.you could be doing damage to your back. As they say..if it hurts don't do it. After having 2 back surgeries and now failed back...baby your bacl as you cannot replace it. Also, MRI's never really equate with the amount of pain someone has. For instance, by friend was having neck pain ..no back pain..they did an MRI and subsequentally did major surgery on neck.his MRI of back showed 8 herniated disks with anular tears pressing on everything, bone spurs and a little bit of everything.BUT no pain. As the neuro surgeon says..do Mri'S ON 1000 people...you could have 300 that have no pain and horrible MRI " S.but they would not do surgery if not bothered. Deb RN From: spinal problems [mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of Kori Jo Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 10:33 AM spinal problems Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis That does make sense, for some reason I just didn't think about it like that, or like when you have a stroke, it happens on one side but affects the other. Thank you! Kori Jo Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 I have been suffering off and on for almost 6 and half years from back pain, and only in the last year has it graduated to the foot. Its actually left the back to go to the leg and foot in the form of sciatica. The doctors and Neurosurgeons I have consulted have for years put me off because my MRI looks so benign. " Small bulge at L5 and annular tear at L4. " thats it, yet I have had severe pain off and on with SI pain as well. Since the sciatica is following very specific dermatomes on the right for L5 I have decieded Im going to ask about Coblation Nucleplasty which I have read uses Radiofrequency to shrink the size of the bulging disc. A lot less risk than surgery since its done out patient and they indicate no issues of scar tissue either. Anyone had this procedure? Apparently still in experimental stage but since its minimally invasive it sounds like a better option for a bulging disc than surgery. Or at least try this first. Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 WENDY, I had radiofrequency ablation done two times before my surgeries. It basically got me thru five years of needing a fusion...I required a fusion and decided to go with the lesser surgery..laminectomy. got great results from first surgery...18 months absolutely no back pain..one day walking up the steps and was caring a can of soda and went to drop it..moved funny...next morning I woke up and could not get up out of bed. Had to call 911.oh my gosh they totally had to knock my butt out..all I did was scream from the pain...took them 5 tries to do a MRI...finally they knocked my but out..I spent a week in the hospital for pain control. When they sent me home it would take me an hour to walk 10 steps...the pain every time I moved my leg..they told me I did not need surgery in the hospital. Went to another neuro surgeon who stated I needed a fusion,, once again I refused. I asked the neuro to do another laminectomy on the other side at the same level. He told me that it causes instability and other problems..and I insisted that I did not want a fusion. (I was a RN and he told me I could not work for ayear) I woke up after surgery and the pain was gone. I needed no pain medicine after surgery (other then the patch I had on) Two days after surgery I walked 7 miles. Two years later.and bam I have pain again. I had a MRI..my spinal cord is now tethered from scar tissue...this is called failed back syndrome. If I would have known..I would have just had the fusion. My friend had one in June and is off all pain meds and doing well now. Like I said the MRI is never really indicative of the pain you have. One of the reasons is the MRI is done laying done not under an axial load. I am getting ready to have a stimulator implanted. Deb RN From: spinal problems [mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 11:13 AM spinal problems ; spinal problems Subject: RE: Bulging discs and stenosis I have been suffering off and on for almost 6 and half years from back pain, and only in the last year has it graduated to the foot. Its actually left the back to go to the leg and foot in the form of sciatica. The doctors and Neurosurgeons I have consulted have for years put me off because my MRI looks so benign. " Small bulge at L5 and annular tear at L4. " thats it, yet I have had severe pain off and on with SI pain as well. Since the sciatica is following very specific dermatomes on the right for L5 I have decieded Im going to ask about Coblation Nucleplasty which I have read uses Radiofrequency to shrink the size of the bulging disc. A lot less risk than surgery since its done out patient and they indicate no issues of scar tissue either. Anyone had this procedure? Apparently still in experimental stage but since its minimally invasive it sounds like a better option for a bulging disc than surgery. Or at least try this first. Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Kori, I have had probably 50 ESI's..first off they normally do them in sets of 3. I have always had mine done by my pain doc. I am anesthetized while they do it. That's right..asleep. The one time I tried to do it awake..I was screaming..or you doing yours awake? And yes I normally have two injections.the left and the right. Is your doc doing this under fluoroscopy? Is he doing it in the hospital? Deb RN From: spinal problems [mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of Kori Jo Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 10:32 AM spinal problems Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis Good morning! No, I don't have any tears that I'm aware of. I'm beginnng to get more pain on my right, I think maybe it's because about a week ago I was standing up and when I turned to walk to the kitchen I felt this horrible pop and it felt like something shifted, hard, down in my lower back and since then I've started to get more and more pain on the right. One more week until my first set of ESI's, I really hope they help. I got the letter from the spine doc with before surgery instructions and if I'm reading it right it looks like I'm getting 2 injections on the same day, one at L4-5 and one at L5-S1. But it also has the date of the first injection and then the date for the second so then I'm wondering if they're doing 1 injection on the first date and the second injection on the 2nd date. Do they normally do 2 on the same day? Kori Jo Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Stimulator Implant, is that the same as Tens implant? Sorry for asking questions. > > From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1> > Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com > Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM > > Hi Kori Jo, > I read your post.... > seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching > the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think > it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. > Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? > > thru > > Bulging discs and stenosis > > Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to > the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc > bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right > lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. > It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, > why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my > rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm > just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right > why is my pain worse on the left?? > > Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping > sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That > started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I > don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd > ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. > > Thanks! > Kori Jo > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 TENS are not impanted. TENS stands for trans electrical nerve stimulation. I asked the doc if it was similar and was told NO. Deb RN From: spinal problems [mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of Margee' Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 11:40 AM spinal problems Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis Stimulator Implant, is that the same as Tens implant? Sorry for asking questions. > > From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1> > Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com > Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM > > Hi Kori Jo, > I read your post.... > seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching > the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think > it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. > Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? > > thru > > Bulging discs and stenosis > > Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to > the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc > bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right > lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. > It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, > why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my > rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm > just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right > why is my pain worse on the left?? > > Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping > sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That > started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I > don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd > ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. > > Thanks! > Kori Jo > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Thanks Debra I too am an RN and Im sure I injured my back with all the lifting and pulling of patients as well as being hit from behind while driving when I was doing home care, I was hit about 3 times, which ended my carear in Home Care which I really liked. So I have had many, many Epidurals over the past 2 years, I am always awake, no problem, but sometimes they hurt a day after more than other times. So the Radiofrequency bought you some time? I know I need to bite the bullet and do a Discogram, I just have been afraid of possible complications. You know my Neurosurgeon said the same thing about the Discetomy, that it would cause instability further on down the road. He told me if I could live with this I would be better off. Unfortunately its the almost daily severe sciatica that is driving me crazy! Not to mention that weakness I have on my right glute medius which affects hip adduction, abduction. So I have to do daily exercises to make sure those muscles stay strong, if they get weak than I develop an Upslip in the Sacrum which is excrutiatingly painful! Anyway the Sciatica is the pitts... It comes and goes with a mind of its own. Funny, my back doesnt really bother me anymore. So thank you for your feedback! Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Yes it bought me five years before the first surgery. I originally hurt myself lifting a 280 lb quad as a new grad. At that time I was maybe 95 lbs. Then I was hit on the highway I was stopped and hit by 5 cars. My pain management doc does not recommend a discogram. They are extremely painful. The neuro surgeon never requested one either. If I could do another radiofrequency abaltation I would in a heartbeat. You are asleep for most of the procedure. They wake you up to make sure they are in the right spot...if you are screaming they are in the right spot and they put you back to sleep. Increase in pain for 3-5 days and that's it. Deb RN From: spinal problems [mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 11:53 AM spinal problems Subject: RE: Bulging discs and stenosis Thanks Debra I too am an RN and Im sure I injured my back with all the lifting and pulling of patients as well as being hit from behind while driving when I was doing home care, I was hit about 3 times, which ended my carear in Home Care which I really liked. So I have had many, many Epidurals over the past 2 years, I am always awake, no problem, but sometimes they hurt a day after more than other times. So the Radiofrequency bought you some time? I know I need to bite the bullet and do a Discogram, I just have been afraid of possible complications. You know my Neurosurgeon said the same thing about the Discetomy, that it would cause instability further on down the road. He told me if I could live with this I would be better off. Unfortunately its the almost daily severe sciatica that is driving me crazy! Not to mention that weakness I have on my right glute medius which affects hip adduction, abduction. So I have to do daily exercises to make sure those muscles stay strong, if they get weak than I develop an Upslip in the Sacrum which is excrutiatingly painful! Anyway the Sciatica is the pitts... It comes and goes with a mind of its own. Funny, my back doesnt really bother me anymore. So thank you for your feedback! Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 screaming huh? jeez that sounds horrible. Thought when I had my first SI injection by a physiatrist who clearly didnt do them often, well I used lots of curse words and would have confessed to anything. One Neurosurgeon I saw said I didnt need a discogram, but the physiatrist seems to think I need to rule out whether its the bulge or the annular tear at L4. I know I have heard they are extremely painful, thats why I havent done it! wendy Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 , Pain management docs do the most of these injections. Radiofrequency ablation basically they are burning the nerve that causes pain. As they apply the heat your nerve dies. They can not do these awake. Was the physiatrist going to do the discogram? My neuro surgeon does not believe in them. Deb RN From: spinal problems [mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 12:24 PM spinal problems Subject: RE: Bulging discs and stenosis screaming huh? jeez that sounds horrible. Thought when I had my first SI injection by a physiatrist who clearly didnt do them often, well I used lots of curse words and would have confessed to anything. One Neurosurgeon I saw said I didnt need a discogram, but the physiatrist seems to think I need to rule out whether its the bulge or the annular tear at L4. I know I have heard they are extremely painful, thats why I havent done it! wendy Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 I had a discogram or some call it a discography. I'm glad I had it done. I was very much afraid but I have a great doctor and the nurses were such a blessing. One nurse even held my hand all the way through the procedure! My pain doctor performed the discogram and it did confirm my worst nightmare, a torn disc at L5-S1. Now I have the peace of mind of at least knowing exactly what causes the pain and how to go about treating it. I would have a discogram again in a heart beat. It was less painful than facet injections I had received months earlier. Good luck to you, Jill > > From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1> > Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com > Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM > > Hi Kori Jo, > I read your post.... > seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching > the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think > it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. > Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? > > thru > > Bulging discs and stenosis > > Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to > the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc > bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right > lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. > It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, > why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my > rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm > just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right > why is my pain worse on the left?? > > Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping > sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That > started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I > don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd > ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. > > Thanks! > Kori Jo > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Jill, Did this show up on MRI..if not what did your MRI show? Were you awake with your discogram? My PM said he puts you to sleep and wakes you up only to reproduce the pain... what did they suggest to treat the problem? Deb RN From: spinal problems [mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of Jill Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:08 PM spinal problems Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis I had a discogram or some call it a discography. I'm glad I had it done. I was very much afraid but I have a great doctor and the nurses were such a blessing. One nurse even held my hand all the way through the procedure! My pain doctor performed the discogram and it did confirm my worst nightmare, a torn disc at L5-S1. Now I have the peace of mind of at least knowing exactly what causes the pain and how to go about treating it. I would have a discogram again in a heart beat. It was less painful than facet injections I had received months earlier. Good luck to you, Jill > > From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1> > Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com > Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM > > Hi Kori Jo, > I read your post.... > seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching > the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think > it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. > Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? > > thru > > Bulging discs and stenosis > > Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to > the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc > bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right > lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. > It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, > why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my > rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm > just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right > why is my pain worse on the left?? > > Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping > sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That > started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I > don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd > ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. > > Thanks! > Kori Jo > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 My Ortho discussed with me about implanting tens in back of my head just last week. > > > > From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1> > > Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis > > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com > > Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM > > > > Hi Kori Jo, > > I read your post.... > > seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching > > the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think > > it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. > > Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? > > > > thru > > > > Bulging discs and stenosis > > > > Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes > asymmetric to > > the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc > > bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, > and right > > lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. > > It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on > the left, > > why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my > > rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the > left. I'm > > just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the > right > > why is my pain worse on the left?? > > > > Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new > popping > > sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That > > started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I > > don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I > thought I'd > > ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. > > > > Thanks! > > Kori Jo > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 My MRI only showed that I have a slightly bulging disc. I found out later I had a low quality MRI. I was awake during the whole procedure. My PM gave me a sedative to calm me down. It relaxed me and my doctor told me exactly what he was doing step by step. It was not as traumatic as I thought it would be. The only treatment for me is disc replacement. I have not had the surgery yet. I have an attorney fighting Blue Cross/Blue Shield because they will not cover disc replacement only spinal fusion. I refuse to have my spine fused. Thanks to Joanne from this support group I found out about Stenum Hospital in Germany. I'm in the process of getting all my films together to send to Stenum s I can have replacement surgery there. I have heard many good things about Stenum. Let me know if I can help you with any other questions, Jill From: Debra <i_ownaberner@...> Subject: RE: Bulging discs and stenosis spinal problems Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008, 2:21 PM Jill, Did this show up on MRI..if not what did your MRI show? Were you awake with your discogram? My PM said he puts you to sleep and wakes you up only to reproduce the pain... what did they suggest to treat the problem? Deb RN From: spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com [mailto:spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com] On Behalf Of Jill Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:08 PM spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis I had a discogram or some call it a discography. I'm glad I had it done. I was very much afraid but I have a great doctor and the nurses were such a blessing. One nurse even held my hand all the way through the procedure! My pain doctor performed the discogram and it did confirm my worst nightmare, a torn disc at L5-S1. Now I have the peace of mind of at least knowing exactly what causes the pain and how to go about treating it. I would have a discogram again in a heart beat. It was less painful than facet injections I had received months earlier. Good luck to you, Jill > > From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1> > Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com > Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM > > Hi Kori Jo, > I read your post.... > seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching > the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think > it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. > Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? > > thru > > Bulging discs and stenosis > > Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to > the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc > bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right > lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. > It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, > why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my > rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm > just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right > why is my pain worse on the left?? > > Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping > sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That > started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I > don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd > ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. > > Thanks! > Kori Jo > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Hi Debra Yes the Physiatrist was going to do the Discogram, the Neurosurgeon at town whom I have seen doesnt think I need it. I am torn because I realize that the disc maybe more complicated in structure than just " bulging " as seen on the MRI. My L5 has a central bulge and the L4 has the Annular tear. The Neurosurgeon thinks its the L5 and one of the Physiatrists in the group I have seen thinks its the Annular Tear, so you can see you get differing opinions on what is causing pain and god knows maybe its both of them! So I guess I feel that maybe I need to rule it out to make sure we know for sure which is the pain generator. I checked at town and the Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology also does the Discogram and there they put in the IV with some lite sedation where as the Physiatrist just has you take oral valium before the procedure. That makes me nervous because what if there is a complication? I like the idea of lite sedation. Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Definitely go with the IV sedation which is what I had. I had to have extra sedation because I was so nervous. With an IV that can be done immediately. Oral meds take awhile to take effect. After being on narcotic pain killers for months oral Valium does not work very effectively for me. Jill From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1> Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM Hi Kori Jo, I read your post.... seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? thru Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 thanks for the feedback. Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 I have had 3 discograms over the last 7 years and nothing good came out of them. And yes they are painful, but you do have to be able to feel some pain for them to do the test. I would get as far away from any one as I could that just wanted to give me a pill before one From: Joanne Shively <thruhiseyes1> Subject: Re: Bulging discs and stenosis spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 1:33 PM Hi Kori Jo, I read your post.... seems to me that is the direction the bulge is touching the nerve and causing the issues on the left side..I think it might be the angle....but I am not a Dr. Do you know if you have any tears..in the disc? thru Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 thank you for your input. Thats what I thought. They told me that the prolotherapy would help and that put me back like 6 months in therapy and caused a lot of nerve pain. Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Hi Deb, after reading about the screaming I'm going to make sure I'm asleep when he does it!! I'm having it done in a procedure room at the doctor's office. He didn't mention anything about fluoroscopy and to be honest I'm not sure what that is. I wish I could spend more time at the computer so I could read up on all these types of procedures, I think I wouldn't feel so afraid if I understood more of this back stuff. Fusions, lamenictomy, discograms, etc......He told me about fusion surgery but it sounds like there's many procedures that are done for back pain/problems and none of them sound like very much fun and it doesn't sound like there's one specific procedure that works great for everybody. I'm 35 and have had 9 surgeries in my life (mostly women related stuff that started when I was 14) including a back surgery at the T11-12 level in 2004 where they removed a very large congenital cyst that I didn't know I had, but this is the first time where the thought of surgery scares me. Kori Jo Bulging discs and stenosis Hi everyone, my MRI shows moderate facet hypertrophic changes asymmetric to the right at the L5-S1 level. At the L4-5 level it shows posterior disc bulging asymmetric to the right, mild facet hypertrophic changes, and right lateral stenosis. There's also posterior disc bulging at the L2-3 level. It seems most everything is on the right but most of my pain is on the left, why would that be?? I have this horrible burning type pain all across my rear and halfway down the back of my thighs but it's worse on the left. I'm just wondering why if it says most of the stuff is happening on the right why is my pain worse on the left?? Also, when I do this leaning back kind of stretch I have this new popping sound and it feels like bones are rubbing together or something. That started just a couple weeks ago, does anybody know what that might be? I don't see the dr again until the 18th, for my first ESI, so I thought I'd ask this group if they could answer any of my questions. Thanks! Kori Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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