OfflineI had a lumbar laminectomy L5-S1 in December. Two months into my recovery I started to get pain in my right buttocks. It has gotten worse and worse, migrating down my leg. I might add that I went thru the surgery without any narcotic pain medicine and havent taken any since. So, I have a pretty good grip on my pain scale which is now at times at 9 or a 10. Being a 35 yr old otherwise healhy male, the pain is still almost more than I can take, I mean I could almost cry. Anyways... I went an had another MRI and it showed a "large amount of scar tissue surrounding the L5 nerve root." He basically told me that surgery was not an option and that I would have to try to manage my pain thru injections and narcotics. Have any of you had this problem or heard of scar tissue causing this much pain ? Does anyone know how to look at my MRI pic and point out the scar tissue ? I have been waiting to hear from the pain clinic for 3 weeks and still havent heard from them. I don't know how to stop this pain and it is so awful. I dont go anywhere or d anything. I am taking neurontin, stretching, walking, heat pad but nothing seems to consistantly help. It stays at 5 or so and spikes up to 9 at least 3 times a day. I am in Nashville... Thanks, sorry for the long post.
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I had a failed microD last december and I do not know how you are surviving such constant pain levels. I have read lots of posts about scar tissue causing pain and the fact that it is not operable because it would cause more scar tissue. I am on opiates and muscle relaxers to control my pain and I know how scary it is at first to think of living the rest of your life on narcotics. But believe it or not, when you take the drugs for pain you can actually function quite well. I do not ever experience any type of high off of the meds and pretty much feel normal with less pain and better quality of life. If your PM has not called you back in 3 weeks, I would think that is not a good sign and try to find another if possible. If not possible, start calling them every day and express the type of pain that you are experiencing to them. If they are not able to get you in quickly do you have a GP that may be able to give you something short term? With all of the meds that are available to us there is no reason to live with this kind of pain. Good luck to you and please keep us posted.
I am in no way associated with the medical field. Anything that I post comes from personal experience only.
DDD, Facet Arthropathy, DJD, Sleep Apnea
PT, Epidurals, Facet Blocks,Medial Branch Block, Rhizotomy,Discogram,Annular Tare L3/L4 Endoscopic Microdiscectomy,Laser Surgery
Methadone, Percocet, Soma, Welbutrin
I agree. Either find another pain management doc or go sit on this one's doorstep till they help you. Since you do need the pain med, painintheback is right, you will most likely not feel high or fuzzy from the meds. I am on a fentalyl patch plus percocet and all it does is help control the pain. No euphoria or trippy feeling, just relief from that horrible pain. I don't know how you stand it.
Linda
Ruptured discs L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1 May 2007
One ESI in 2007 with lots of PT
Microdiscectomy and foraminotomy L5/S1 December 2007
Worsening of symptoms (back pain, sciatica, right leg weakness) June 2008
New MRI and Discogram show all three discs torn through the annulus, left to right, all three levels
2 ESIs unsuccessful in managing pain
Currently in PT, Duragesic pain patch and percocet for break-through
Considering three-level fusion after being told nothing could be done
Surgery now scheduled for November 19, 2008 fusing L3/4 to S1
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm opposed to the meds, I just chose not to take them at first and now it's just taking so long to get in to see the PM doc. I have a number for another doc that I am going to call on Monday. And you are right, the pain is awful and it is controlling my life 98%. I have heard people say that they cannot live in such pain and I know exactly what they mean now. Thanks for the responses, it's great to hear from someone who understands.
The best thing to do is get another doctor to take a look at your MRI and give you his/her professional opinion. Here at Spine Health we are patients just like yourself and are not qualified to read your films for you. Sorry.
Sounds like you have a plan of attack for Monday. Do what you feel is best for you.
Welcome to Spine Health,
"C"
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