Dave from MN, How`d it go??

[Brokenwrench]

Dave,
Read below you got back from the doc. Did they find anything they can go after and treat??

 

[Dave from MN]

The "doctor" just said we should work on physical therapy, didnt get into the MRI report to much for some reason. Asked for a copy, Lot of words I dont understand, I know the pics show 3 bulged disc that I can see for sure. It says I have:

1.a straightening of the normal lumbar lordotic curvature
2.an 11x9mm hemangioma in the L3 vertabrae
3.L5-S1 intervertabral disc space is decreased in height and hydration(?)
4 Posterial central annular tear with central and left paracentral 5mm anteroposterior focal disc protrusion indenting the edges and thecal sac, mild facet joint arthropathy
5.L4-L5 intervertrable disc is decreased in height andsignal intensity with Modic Type 2changes, diffuse disc bulge with a posterial central 6mm anterposterial paracentral disc protrusion indenting the ventral thecal sac
6L3-L4 disc likely represents a contained annualr tear
7 L4-L5 and L5-S1 degenerative disc disease with posterior central annular tear at L5-S1 and Folcal 5mm central left paracentral disc protrusion at L5-S1 and central and right paracentral disc protrusion at L4-L5
8. Psterial central and right posterolateral contained annular tear at L3-L4 without disc herniation, central canal stenosis or foraminal narrowing.

Thses are just a excerpts that gave me a bad gut feeling reading it. I am surprised the doc didnt explain more, when I asked he just said I shouldnt worry about if to much that he thinks I "should" get on the Phy therapy again. I dont know, something tells me I should have a 2nd or 3rd opinion on the MRI results.

 

[Kirk Grau]

I have similar issues at L5-S1 and the PT as well as just being mindful of what I try to do has been enough so far (~10 years). I tell people that I can do about 95% of what I ever did. The 5% I can't, I probably should not have been doing anyway.

My very informal survey of people who have gone under the knife indicates about 50% success for disk issues.

Just my thoughts,

Kirk

 

[Anonymous-0]

There is big hope in MN. My brother lives in Hutchison and has been bent over for probably ten to fifteen years. He spent lots of money on chairs with a drop out bottom, and he priced wheel chairs. He could not walk but twelve to fifteen feet without droping to his one knee on the ground /rest position. He gave up all hope, then heard of a new proceedure, I think in St. Paul / Minapolis area, not sure.

When asked what options he had he agreed to have the surgery. He had been informed that surgery would never help, only complicate.

If you have any questions I could get you a phone number. His wife of 54 is in serious troubles right now with health issues. Otherwise you could visit with him if you can catch him, plays volleyball, bought a new motorcycle, and can do anything, jumping down off sprayer rigs. I hear he doesn't take time to climb down anymore. He still walks humped over a little as he says because of a habit, not because he has any pain at all.

 

[Brokenwrench]

I wouldn`t be scared to get more opinions. When it comes to your back, I`d be pretty cautious, and darned sure of what`s going on...

If you asked the doc to explain the MRI stuff to you, and he was still vague, that might mean that he isn`t overly commited to what`s in your best interest. You may have to do some checking around to find a doc you can relate to.

Just a thought, would you let someone make an expensive repair on your car or tractor without fully telling you what`s wrong or what it`s gonna cost...

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, I hope you can find something to give you some relief. BW

 

[chuck t]

lots of words, but not nearly as bad as it sounds. Relating it to old tractors; if you did a report on some vintage iron you would find a lot of stuff wrong with it; meaning things that are noted in your report would describe things that are not new. The report would say clutch is worn, tires are worn, fenders are rusted, etc. To someone who doesn"t know what those things mean the report would look horrible, though the tractor is in decent condition, and working every day. Your MRI is typical of someone with some miles on them. Understand that MRIs on people with no pain will be about 25% positive for disc bulge/rupture. I think the doctor is telling you that are not a candidate for surgery, and you will get better with time or conservative care. See my previous note about McKenzie trained physical therapists.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Sounds familiar. My doc told me when we are 12yrs. old our teeth and backs are as good as they will ever get. From then on it is down hill with both. Take it easy and watch what and how you lift .