back problems

[birdnutz]

I had an MRI a couple weeks ago. They found a tear in my disk. Now they scheduled me for a diskogram. Has anyone had one of these? They want to test 3 disks to see if thats where my pain is coming from. Is this really painful? I talked to a friend that stated it was Very painful. But shes kind of a wimp(still love her). I was hoping someone else could give me they're input. PLEASE

 

[joanc]

Sounds painful. Maybe search diskogram on the internet and find out the procedure. Ask your doctor lots of questions: do you get put under, how long does it take, will you be put under restrictions for physical exertion, do you need a ride to/from clinic or hospital, etc.
Good luck.

 

[birdnutz]

I did the search,but it says discomfort. I have to be fully alert and free of pain medicine. Someone does have to drive me home. The one thing I am going to request is that they inject lidicane into the disk when they're done.

 

[quadcam79]

not sure about the diskogram, butmy GF just went through about 3 months of hell with her back. The pain in her lower back started out of nowhere and got progressed to the point where she could hardly walk, had to roll out of bed onto the floor and slowly pull herself into a standing position.

to make matters worse, we're in the process of buying a house, she had just finished nursing school and started working as an LPN and here she was having to keep callinging to work. To top it off when she started the job she was supposed to get medical insurance and they totally screwed her out of it, apparently this nursing home only has one book with the insurance info in it and someone had borrowed it so HR told her as soon as the book was back they would go over it with her. Well by the time they got around to it they said "oh you have to wait for open enrollent because it's too late to enroll you now"

instead of fighting them on it she let it go figuring she wouldnt need it anyway...well lo and behold she did . She ended up going to the ER 3x for her back and got 3 different diagnosis, back muscle sprain, herniated disk and arthritis.
after the 3rd visit they finally gave her an xray that confirmed arthritis but that wasnt what was causing all the pain. the she went to see her regular Dr and he scheduled her for an MRI $2000,

and put her out of work for 2 week....she has no sicktime so that was 2 weeks without pay

but it did confirm that she had a bulging disk and arthritis in her lower back. funny thing was about 2 days later the pain just went away and shes been doing good for about a week now

 

[jeaucamom]

As a nurse, who has been out of work since May with a back injury, my best advice to you would be question why you need this test. Will it change how you treat your injury?? Probably not. I also had a tear in my L4-L5 disk and 6 months later I am almost healed. I was off it almost completely for a few weeks and have gradually increased my ability to move and live again. Did you injure it at work. If you did, make sure you understand your rights. They can't make you have any tests you do not agree to. If not, I would still want to understand completely what you plan to gain by having this test and what information it will give you. You can always email or pm me if you want any more info. Suz

 

[CarriBrown]

Birdnutz-
I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease when I was 22 and I was recently treated for 7 pinched nerves and two bulging disks. I spent 4 months in physical therapy but it was so worth it.
My word of advice- DO NOT have surgery. Do everything you can to avoid it. Look into different options like acupunture, chiropractic, etc. I was very leary of the chiropractor but she was able to align me back up, do physical therapy, and the results are amazing.
I would get more information before going on with this. Get a second opinion, read up, talk to people, etc. Do not do anything you're not sure of. And, I can't stress this enough, do not have surgery. That is a last resort ONLY!
Get rest, do not over extend yourself, and stay off your feet for as long as you can. The worst thing you can do is ignore the pain. If you do something and it hurts, stop. Take this from someone who's been to the hospital, on muscle relaxers, vicodin, etc. It's just not worth it. You only have one back. Take care of it!

 

[CarriBrown]

PS I've had approx. 10 MRIs on my back. Use the opportunity for a nice nap!

 

[birdnutz]

They want to do the test to make sure that the disk is whats giving me the pain. I think he plans (not me) for it to lead to fusing my disks. I'm having a hard time doing anything without the pain getting worse. It's not work related. Not real sure when I injured it. But I've had discomfort for around 10 years now. It's always went away. Now even on vicodin it's still there. Flat on my back with the pain pill is the only time it eases.I'm also starting to get some weakness in my legs.
I'm not real comfortable doing the test,and even less about the surgery. I have until the 2nd of December to decide whether to cancel or not. I think you guys are right and I need a second opinion. I would much prefer trying other methods first.
Quadcam79,they tried that one with my son also. I think they use that open enrollment to their advantage. He got it pushed through some how.

 

[bantymum]

Hi, there may be some doctors on here who might be able to give you some basic tips.
I think I know what you are going through!!

I have degenerative disc problems, scoliosis, spondylisitis(spelling?)
multiple sclerosis, and a fracture in my L4.

I was told during an MRI that judging by the damage I should not be walking but in a wheelchair.
If rain is near i really suffer. I also suffer at that time of the month when all my stomach muscles relax.

My neurosurgeon told me the only way to fix all this is by an operation which he said would be a really BIG one!!
I said no way and he agreed that it's risky.
So I purchased a fitball and I lie over it for relief and take a panadol (mild painkiller) if needed.
Your bed is your best friend, make sure it is really firm and if possible go out and invest in a really good one. You spend 1/2 of your life in it so it is worth it.
Tiger balm helps if i rub it in too, winter isnt very kind to us!
Good luck and PM me if you want a shoulder to lean on!
Hugs
Helen

 

[nccatnip]

I have had recurring back issues since I was 21. It finally led to a herniation. I did all to avoid surgery but finally it was too far gone. They removed the disc and I felt wonderful immediately. After living for two months on steroids and vicodin, I took a total of 2 tylenol post op and thru therapy. The worst part was trying to keep on the post op instructions to limit activity. I have another herniation but it is not to bad so I just practice some back safety and try not to overdo but if it ever gets as bad as the first, I will book the surgery myself!!!!!!!!