Guest guest Posted June 24, 2008 Report Share Posted June 24, 2008 Hi , I wonder if an annular tear is similar to a radial tear. I was told I had 3 tears 3/4 " long each that they had to do laser to try and seal them. I was able to gain more time before having to have disc replacement that I will undergo in a few weeks. I know when I fell I felt a tearing in my lower back, like a ripping and since then have had the burning pain that never went away. Do you have a burning pain in your lower back, that goes down your buttocks and electrical pain that shoots down your legs? In my case I was told the only thing that can be done for me is surgery, on tears like this. Mine didn't heal.... Perhaps yours over time will, they say that it takes about 18 months to heal. Mine is going on 4 years and still hurts as bad as it did from the beginning.... Anyway I did a search for you here are a couple sites for you to check out... Blessings, Joanne http://www.jbjs.org.uk/cgi/reprint/74-B/5/678.pdf http://www.chirogeek.com/000_Radial_Tears_1.htm Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion-Electro study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord compression sites]to the brain. The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know here. DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . Thanks in advance to all and good luck. in South Louisiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Hi Joanne I have been told I have tears at L3-4, and tear and small hernation at L5. I have the burning in the right sacral area and it shoots down the leg, through the knee into the big toe, 2,3 toes and I too have been having this off and on but more on now since 2003. the pain is terrible, unless I take pain meds, I have no relief. wendy Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion-Electro study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord compression sites]to the brain. The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know here. DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . Thanks in advance to all and good luck. in South Louisiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Hi Joanne Im curious, what kind of surgery are they recommending? wendy Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion-Electro study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord compression sites]to the brain. The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know here. DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . Thanks in advance to all and good luck. in South Louisiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Hi , I am going to Stenum Hospital in Germany, in about 3 weeks. The kind of tears I have were not something that would heal on there own. Mine are significant so the disc is basically shot. I did have the endoscopic discectomy. Which gave me more time, and less of a bed-ridden state. They also tried to do laser to seal the tears but I was told it helped 40-50% which it did. It allowed me to not have my head at my knees from the sever pain, it allowed me to sleep with my legs straight, where before it was curled up in a fetal position with a pillow between my knees. I lived on a tens unit turned up to full volume frying my back, horrible pain. What I am going to have is a Maverick disc replacement, it is probably the best thing available thus far, made of stainless steel and would last my lifetime, without removal. Something that is years away from receiving here in the states. They are years and years more advanced in doing disc replacements. I should gain 100% recovery, if not in the high 90% range of motion and be able to do everything I ever did before my fall at work. I have another disc under that the L5/S1 that has a 4-mm bulge but they say it is probably due to the stress of the one above that needs replacing L4/5. So they don't push to do other discs that are unnecessary. The wonderful thing about them is that, it doesn't cost what it is here. http://www.stenumhospital.com/technology/maverick.asp The recovery is less than fusion, which is what is recommended here in the states. You probably know having a fusion is an open door to more fusions, so I won't go that route if I can help it. I want my active live back and I believe from all of the other people I have contacted who have had that procedure are doing very well and are grateful that they have their lives back. So , do you have a similar issue? Let me know if I can offer more help or info.. Thanks for the queston...... I know I gave a long answer...but wanted to offer as much info I could ..... I know two people who did pool therapy walking in the pool, it took a long time but there herniation went away. Mine from the significant tears, did not. Best of Blessings, Joanne Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion-Electro study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord compression sites]to the brain. The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know here. DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . Thanks in advance to all and good luck. in South Louisiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Ok, I just now read this e-mail and responded to the other one you wrote first. Tell you what, try the pool therapy and see if he helps, my tears were pretty long. The pool therapy consists of walking laps in the pool, building up strength in the pool for your back with less stress. Raising knees in the water, and sitting on the noodles and doing a bicycle motion. Yeah, I am on meds also, and I know the horrible pain you are referring to. Norco and lyrica....I took myself off the fentenyl patch cause I ended up in ER from an overdose reaction. The Dr. gave me a patch that was too strong for my system. It was a very scary experience so no more of that stuff...yikes Did you have an accident? What meds are you on...? Bless you, Joanne Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion-Electro study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord compression sites]to the brain. The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know here. DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . Thanks in advance to all and good luck. in South Louisiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Gosh thanks for the information. I have a discogram July 24th. I have two discs with tears, but at this moment I dont think they know how big, all I know is Ive been having problems since the massive back spasm summer of 2003. All I did was lean over to pick up some dog food, not heavy or anything. I think I developed these from wear and tear of nursing. I have worked in a lot of settings and did a lot of hands on patient care, with lifting, turning, you name it- stresses the discs. So right now we dont know how big the tears are. So far with meds I am on percocet 5/325 prn for pain- usually 2-3 a day- I was on cymbalta but the side effects ran me off. Neurontin was recommended but honestly anything that makes me dizzy and confused I just cant tolerate. Ive tried Ultram, Vicotin, Vicoprofen, Lodine, and nothing worked. So they moved me up to the percocet which I try to use very sparingly but when that sciatic pain is off the charts I have no choice. I have sciatica every day, and at least once a day its about at a level 8. This has been going on for at least 6 months at the terrible level, and longer than that in general. thanks for the recommendation about the disc replacement in Germany. Good to know if I have to go that route. I want my life back too!!! thanks for the info. Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion-Electro study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord compression sites]to the brain. The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know here. DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . Thanks in advance to all and good luck. in South Louisiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Hi Again , U poor Girl, I know how you are suffering.....OUCH The wonderful thing about Stenum is that the have no issue with being able to do more than one level. I have talked with 10-12 people who went to Stenum, all share that it was incredible, all are doing well, all have much more of there life back. We are talking they can go back to riding, breaking horses, skiing, football, baseball, basketball. Tho to get to that place they were about 1 year in recovery. I talked to several people who had multi-level disc replacements are as still at that level of recovery. Go to the testimonials and they are so good about contacting you, calling you and giving you all the support you would want or need. I sent off a CD of my MRI's and X-rays and got an e-mail and phone call from Germany in 2 days they shared that I was a perfect candidate for 1 level. They only go up about 4,000.00 or so do do the 2nd level if you need it, so if they have to go in the one time to do the second it is easy enough to do that. I know where here in the states you might with WC only get authorized to do one level you have to have approval to do more than one, which is crazy.....and that is a fusion...usually. Disc replacements here in the states are still under clinical trials and you DO NOT WANT THAT We are talking only a weekend or so of training and you are there trials patients. Heard enough horror stories on that....so get someone who has done hundreds and hundreds, with " great success " ....and you'll not find much of that in the states, tho there are a few who are, but the prices are terrible. I was told in the states it would cost me $ 250,000.00 to do one level. approx.....35,000.00-40,000.00 in Germany, full hospital stay for 14-18 days there, including the hotel either the Hilton or the Park hotel, one meal is paid for the second person to stay is rated fairly for them to be affordable....maybe 30 dollars more for them a day. Lots and lots of reasons to consider....going out of the country... Germany is high tech in so many areas, their cars, their motorcycles, the way they design and think.. Yep, I know the pain you suffer....so if I can help in encouraging...be glad to...I will have to write an update when I get back...and will also have a blog regarding the procedure and will have two friends manage the blog for me in the beginning of my recovery. So, praying for it to be as successful as everyone else I hear about. The do the procedure every 2 weeks and have a US section so I would meet others who came from the US to have this done. We will be healing together and sharing and comparing...LOL Blessings, Joanne Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion-Electro study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord compression sites]to the brain. The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know here. DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . Thanks in advance to all and good luck. in South Louisiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 wow Joanne Ill be reading your blog avidly! Please keep us posted, that sounds so encouraging. thank you, Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion-Electro study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord compression sites]to the brain. The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know here. DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . Thanks in advance to all and good luck. in South Louisiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Thanks Joanne The research page links was very very helpful, thank you. I will be incorporating the hydro thearepy into my routine. That was a recomendation from the Neuro-surgeon today. I did leave my appointment with a feeling that I accomplished what I came to LSU for. The Neuro-surgeon was very interested in expecially the Thorasic herniation with cord comprimise because there so " RARE " along with the new finding on the tear of the root nerve at L-5. The surgeon kept the DVD's of the MRI's to futher study and make a game plan and to prioritze what to do first. After he figures out a game lan he will call me. He thanked me for being prepared as a patient for the examination/evaluation process . I thought that was very nice for him to acknoledge that I had presented him with all the necessary materials he would need to treat me. I can expect to hear from him by the middle of next week. Thanks to all in South Louisiana > > Ok, I just now read this e-mail and responded to the other one you > wrote first. > Tell you what, try the pool therapy and see if he helps, my tears > were pretty long. > The pool therapy consists of walking laps in the pool, building up > strength in the pool for your back with less stress. > Raising knees in the water, and sitting on the noodles and doing > a bicycle motion. > > Yeah, I am on meds also, and I know the horrible pain you are > referring to. Norco and lyrica....I took myself off the fentenyl > patch cause I ended up in ER from an overdose reaction. > The Dr. gave me a patch that was too strong for my system. > It was a very scary experience so no more of that stuff...yikes > > Did you have an accident? > What meds are you on...? > > Bless you, > Joanne > > > Hey Group , Here another good one , so get yur brains to workin > > I was diagnosed back in late March this year of a Thorasic Spine > herniation at T-4 & T-5 with Spinal Cord compression at both sites. > These THORASIC herniations are rare. Naturally I have one.. > > I have had to wait until now [tomorrow] to get seen by a neuro- > surgeon at LSU-Shrevport. It seems like an eternity. > > Yesterday, my neurologist had preformed a {Evolked Pro}motion- Electro > study to measure the delay of the impulse signals [from the cord > compression sites]to the brain. > > The test showed up something very weird down in my Lumbar region. He > questioned the technician on the matter, re-read the computer files and > advised me that something unexected showed up on the test . He > immediately sent me to get a MRI.. ok... > > This morning prior to me driving 220 miles from South Louisiana to > North West La I picked up the results and films. I am exausted upon my > arrival in Shrevport at 6pm tonight. Below is the diagnosis if anyone > has had this or have knowledge on the condition please let me know > here. > > DX: LEFT PROMINATE RADIAL TEAR AT L-4 THRU 5 . > > Thanks in advance to all and good luck. > in South Louisiana > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.