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← Return to Chronic Back Pain for Years
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Have been having constant severe lower back pain for past 7 years with increasing numbness/weakness down right leg. I have asked my doctor for many years to please order an MRI so we can see what is going on. He says over and over that it is not needed. He finally relented about a week ago, as I am now (as of a few months back) in a wheelchair 24/7 due to unbearable back pain. My doctor has given me nothing for pain nor ever given me any type of muscle relaxers. He said it best, "to tough it out". He also will not refer me to specialist as he says this is not necessary either..
Results of my MRI:
"L1-L2: No significant disc bulge. No spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal narrowing.
L3-L4: Diffuse disc bulge with superimposed right subarticular zone disc extrusion, with approximately 11 mm caudal migration of disc material.
There is bilateral facet arthropathy and facet effusions. There is spinal canal stenosis, primarily secondary to disc bulge. There is narrowing of the lateral recesses bilaterally, with abutment of the descending right L4 nerve roots.
There is severe right neural foraminal narrowing.
L4-L5: Broad-based disc bulge. There is moderate bilateral facet arthropathy. There is moderate right neural foraminal narrowing.
L5-S1: Broad-based disc bulge.. Moderate bilateral facet arthropathy with facet effusions bilaterally. Moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing, greater the right.
S1-S2: Broad-based disc bulge. Severe bilateral facet arthropathy, with a left facet effusion. Extraforaminal synovial cysts are noted to project anterolaterally from the left facet joint, with significant encroachment upon the exiting nerve roots. There is an additional small synovial cyst projecting inferiorly from the facet joint. Mild right and moderate left neural foraminal narrowing."
END OF MRI REPORT.
Please, please help. I don't know where to turn, and I don't even begin to understand the MRI results. My doctor just told me , "Nothing to worry about."
But pain increases daily and I have no quality of life.
Replies to "Have been having constant severe lower back pain for past 7 years with increasing numbness/weakness down..."
@lifetime you need to see another Dr.Pain specialist or orthopedic Dr.Shame on that Dr.letting you go all this time he should be reported to the AMA.
Hi,@tennessegirl!!
My Doctor is actually my Primary Care Doctor at the VA (Veteran's Administration) Medical Center. I am a Veteran.
I have put in a request several times to the proper office to ask to change doctors, but this had been years ago, and so far they say they are too understaffed. In fact, they highly, highly discourage any change. One nurse bluntly told me that if I put in another request to change doctors, I will become labeled as "a troublemaker patient", and I sure didn't want THAT, she said.
My Primary Care Doctor is just a General Practitioner, with no specialty as of yet.
You are giving me so much courage!! I will do my very, very best, but my pain overrides everything. Even my doing this. It is so hard to think.
Thank you again for caring!!!
Oh, thank you, too,@lioness!!! I needed that!!!!!
@lifetime Your MRI looks a great deal like mine. I was referred to a pain clinic years ago. I am having trouble recently because my pain medicine is not working as well as it was so we are talking about switching it. But my goodness, you MUST get to a pain specialist and/or orthopedist. Whatever you do, don't submit to a back surgery anytime soon. You need to exhaust your non-surgical options first and there are a lot of them. I have the same chronic burning down my leg and have several bulging discs and stenosis along with scoliosis and facet issues. Did not know I had any of this until about 10 years ago when the pain got really bad. You would not know it to look at me. I so agree with the other folks here who have told you to stand up for yourself and let them know you need to see someone who can look at your MRI and explain it to you so you can understand your pain and be a better advocate for yourself. Find out in your town who the best pain management people are as well as the best orthopedic people who specialize in spinal issues . If you can self refer great. If not, then maybe a visit on your own dime if at all possible is a good investment. At least you will then have more information about your issues and know what to ask for and be able to back it up. I so feel for you. No one should have to go through this kind of pain and be treated like you have been--with such disregard. Anyone who looks at your MRI will know that you are not a "problem patient". Just because they are understaffed does not mean that you don't deserve to be treated with respect. Please keep all of us posted on your progress. You are not alone and we are on your side.
@lifetime, first, thank you for serving in the Armed Forces. Second, your MRI is very much similar to mine only mine involves L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3. And third, I totally agree with @lioness, @tennessegirl, and gailg, as shown below. I'm unfamiliar with VA rules, but are you old enough for medicare? If so, based on your MRI perhaps you can just find our own doctor without a referral. What you have been put through with the VA I find unforgivable. I go to my PCP. She no longer prescribes opiods. But she is working with me to do everything she can to help my back pain. I wish I could be of more help. But please don't give up, and please remember we are here pulling for you. Good luck. And please stay in touch with the group. @cognac
@lifetime Thank you for your service I live in a Sr. Build alot of veterans here One man got a civilian Dr.when he was very discouraged by the VA you can get a civilian Dr.there's no law says you cant I feel so sorry for you Just because you have serviced your our country doesn't mean you have to stay with the VA Wish you the best .
@lifetime.... Ah...the VA. Don't let them intimidate you. You have the same rights and deserve proper care!! And let me say I completely understand how you feel. Like doing nothing...especially dealing with problems such as this...even going to the Dr. Surely you have someone to help you deal with this..to lean on provide ..mental support close to you!!! Don't let them intimidate you. I am here for you ..everybody on this website is here for you. Maybe another Veteran is reading this too. There are ways to send private messsages if someone reaches out...so you may find someone from your state on here. Problems w the VAare legendary should be the last place with problems getting treatment. Try not to get discouraged and don't give up
@ cognac. She needs our support badly. I find it unforgivable as well. I hope she finds someone thru the group in her state also dealing w the VA! Thank you.
I love hearing people saying/writing, "Thank you for your Service". I will NEVER get tired of it. Each time, I hear it, I walk a little taller, feel a little stronger and live my life a little more blessed. THANK YOU so much!!
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@lifetime not be redundant...but are you sure you need a referral? Are you seeing a pain specialist. If you have Medicare..I'm 99% sure you can self refer. Is this guy your PCP? Part of a network? Demand a referral! Its your right . if he is not your PCP have them refer you! This really is terrible and I feel for you. I have had chronic pain for over 5 years. Stick up for yourself. Demand a referral!!! Ask around for a reccomendation for a pain management clinic. Sign a release for copies of all your records. You have that right too.! Hope you have a friend to stand with you! If necessary...who's your emergency contact.We are all here for you and there are a lot of knowledgeable folks on here!