Whatcha think?I need advise from ppl that know pain!!

Sunshine Shannon

Hey guys! I'm a newbie.... In desperate need of advise. I had an MRI done when I was 29, 3 yrs ago... About 11 years ago I was in a severe car accident. I was in the backseat when the car flipped through the air and ejected me out the back window. Anyway, fast forward to now, I am in constant pain. My MRI showed:
L3-L4 level: left paracentral disk protrusion abutting left L4 nerve root.
L4-L5 level: mild faucet hypertrophy & mild enlargement of the ligamentum flavum... Say what?
L5-S1 level: right sided disk protrusion w/ disk material seen adjacent to the right S1 nerve root, neural foramina are widely patent. The faucets demonstrate mild hypertrophy.
And then in the impression it says correlation for size and distribution recommended.

I'm in so much pain, there are no words to describe it. I have not had any treatment other than meds here and there and I'm wondering what all this means. Can anyone help me make sense of this and what do you think I should do? I see a new primary care tomorrow. My last one told me this stuff healed itself up on its own to avoid prescribing pain meds. Meanwhile, I'm losing my mind trying to cope. Does this kind of injury heal itself and what does that all mean?

AllMetal

I'd ask the new primary for a referal to a spine specialist (either ortho or neurosurgeon). I wouldn't stress out or give much thought to the radiologist report. Just take your CD with you to the surgeon. The surgeon will read the actual images and form his own "report". Even someone with a perfectly healthy spine can have a lengthy report. Hopefully you can get in with a spine specialist soon and get some answers (and treatments).

flowerpots

I think you should see a spine dr or nerve dr and they will determon if you need anything done.Welcome to this site, there are lots of good people here that know what it is to be in pain.You can learn alot about the spine here.Dont get discouraged you will find your answers.Im having Alif L4L5S1 Surgery wed the 13th.Hope you get answers soon. Kathy

Sunshine Shannon

AllMetal said:

I'd ask the new primary for a referal to a spine specialist (either ortho or neurosurgeon). I wouldn't stress out or give much thought to the radiologist report. Just take your CD with you to the surgeon. The surgeon will read the actual images and form his own "report". Even someone with a perfectly healthy spine can have a lengthy report. Hopefully you can get in with a spine specialist soon and get some answers (and treatments).

AllMetal, I really appreciate the advise. I have been reading a lot today and have come across a few of your posts/answers. Sounds like you have been through it all!! I will be requesting a referral as soon as I speak with this new pcp. I hope he is more interested in helping me than the last one... I have insurance now so maybe. I'll keep you all updated as to what the new doc thinks. Thanks again for the reply, it means a lot to me. I am trying my hardest to quit complaining to friends and loved ones about this pain, so it's nice to let it out here!

Sunshine Shannon

flowerpots said:

I think you should see a spine dr or nerve dr and they will determon if you need anything done.Welcome to this site, there are lots of good people here that know what it is to be in pain.You can learn alot about the spine here.Dont get discouraged you will find your answers.Im having Alif L4L5S1 Surgery wed the 13th.Hope you get answers soon. Kathy

Thank you also for responding to my post. I am so happy to meet other people that understand what this is like! I hope all goes well for you on the 13th! Keep us updated on how you're healing. I will let you all know what happens with me too.

Kind Regards,
Shannon

AllMetal

We all need to vent, and we all know how it is to feel like we can only complain so much to family/friends before we are just seen as "whiney" and not actually in pain.

And you are right, I have been through a lot... possibly the worst includes being a fanatic UGA football fan and moving into the heart of UF Gator territory, but we all survive some how.

Take care, let us know if the new primary gives you a referral.

KC Thatsme

I agree with all the previous posts. A primary care physician will not be much help, you really need to see a specialist to determine which avenue you need to go down. I have had 3 low back surgeries and 2 neck surgeries so you can say I've been there, done that. I wish you the best of luck in your recovery Shannon

Sunshine Shannon

This new primary care doc is pretty cool, as in I like his personality, and his bed side manner. I was in a ton of pain when I saw him. My blood pressure was 160/100, so they knew I'm not handling the pain well. He didn't order any tests for my back because he wants to get my records first. He did give me Flexeral and Lodine for the pain, which helps slightly... He was more concerned with the size of my thyroid, so he's planning to address that first off. I have another appointment with him right off and I really hope he plans on giving me a referral to a surgeon or neurologist this next visit.
Thanks for all of your suggestions and support! I hope you all have a pain free day

agrey

Hi! If you need a quick and safe professional opinion, I would recommend EDIT. This isn't some generic question and answer website... it personalizes your questions by asking your age, current conditions, and medications. I've been asking questions for a while now, and I highly recommend this if you're looking for fast and reliable answers on health issues like back pain and pain management!


Link removed, website not permitted
Post Edited by The Spine-Health Moderator Team

Sunshine Shannon

agrey said:

Hi! If you need a quick and safe professional opinion, I would recommend EDIT. This isn't some generic question and answer website... it personalizes your questions by asking your age, current conditions, and medications. I've been asking questions for a while now, and I highly recommend this if you're looking for fast and reliable answers on health issues like back pain and pain management!

Thanks for the link, I will def check it out. I thought of my friend who was just diagnosed with bone marrow edema in her vertebra and she has a million questions about that... And thank you for the support!! After having been through all of that, I'm sure you understand how much it means to get any advise and support from someone that's been there already.

Sunshine Shannon

Today was the first day I wasn't in excruciating pain all day long!! My new pc gave me some real pain meds now at least. I know it's not going to fix the problem at all, but it will help me get through until I can find a better solution. It's so nice to be able to do things like laundry and dishes without suffering all night from pain!! I know how weak that sounds, I'm all excited to do house work, but let me tell ya, it is awesome! I hope the next step is actually fixing the disks in my back so I won't need drugs to be able to function like a normal person... I can't wait to see family on Easter and not be miserable and lying about how I'm doing... At least I will have a genuine smile on my face

I hope you're all feeling well and moving forward too. Thanks again for all the encouragement!!