MRI Results

[Bummer Knees]

I went the spine institute today, and I was to upset after the appointment so I waited to post.

The purpose of the appointment was to review the MRI,
(I posted the MRI results earlier on this thread.)

I gave the nurse an update on my condition and reviewed the last two weeks.

Two weeks ago I had an appointment with my family doctor; at this appointment it was pointed out to me I had high blood pressure, likely caused by nerve pain. I was given an RX for pain medication.

Since that appointment I have taken it easy, done little around the house and little shopping. Been trying to get the pain to calm down.
I also developed hives after this appointment; I was upset about my blood pressure and wasn't feeling well.

This week I am doing better, other then one outing where I had some problems.

Back to today, the doctor reviewed the MRI from the spine institute
and told me; you didn't make progress in physical therapy and I see degenerative changes on the MRI and there is nothing I can do for you.

I asked the doctor what he thought was causing the leg pain I was experiencing and he said, I don't know, maybe your knee.

I felt the doctor was treating me as if I was faking my symptoms.
I pointed out the PT report to the doctor and his response was,
"Therapist are not doctors."

(Earlier this week the doctor received a letter from my attorney requesting medical records, I saw the letter in the file.)

Tomorrow I have an appointment with my family doctor and will post then.

[red1030]

Bummer I am so sorry that you are in such limbo and having pain and no one seems to know why. This is hard and I know that it is. I wish that there was something I could do to just take it away from you, hence I have not magic, only prayers that are going up for you. Did you talk to them about doing that other test that Wink and Bad Boy suggested. Or maybe it was Still.. I am not familiar with that test, but they thought it was what helped them identify the problem. Just a thought.. My thoughts are with you... Red

[Bummer Knees]

The doctor refused to consider any more test.

The physical therapist that worked with me said several times, the scaitica nerve was irritated due to my knee and gait.

Red, can the gait alone cause the problems I have been having?

This PT has several initals behind her name besides RPT and special training related to the spine.

According to the MRI report I have a moderate size bone spur in the lumbar area.

[red1030]

Bummer that is a very difficult question. Let me tell you about me and then you decide. I have a lot of pain in my back. My pain is related to weakness and realigment of my muscles related to different uses. For instance if a person typically walks straight then I walk to the side therefore causing a change in the way the muscles around my hip bones function. Anytime you have a change in the way you walk you have a risk of changing your muscular and bone structure. Your MRI did not show any changes in the bone structure, but did suggest some changes in the ability to relay information. The slowing of information should create a numbness and weakness not pain per say. The pain will come from continuous use of muscles that are not use to a particular use such as in a change in walking. The degenerative changes can create a lot of pain, but not typically as you have described. What you have decribed sounds very much like sciatic nerve interruption. The MRI didn't necessarily support that thought. So what is causing the pain is the question. I believe that you need to explore that very question tomorrow with your physician who knows you best and see what he things should be your next course of action. Also you said in another thread that you often your knees give out on you and you feel to the ground. That is the description of weakness in your knees and the ligaments and muscles surrounding the knees...is that because they are receiving poor communication or is it because of the injury itself. So you see, it is difficult to answer your question completely. I am so sorry to hear that you have such a rough day today... Red

[Bummer Knees]

I saw my family doctor this morning. He reviewed the MRI report and shared with him about what has happened the last two weeks, muscle spasms, hives, and pain.

The doctor said I have degenerative changes in my back along with bone spurs and facet arthropathy that will worsen with time.

He is sending me to an specialist to have a cortisone injection in the spine and then I will start physical therapy.

My doctor is an osteopath, thinks very little of work comp.
He is very supportive of me seeking medical care through the courts.

[Still in Limbo]

That's Great News Bummer!! I'm so Glad your PCP was able to get something going for you, and I Wish You Well! Hopefully this will Help relieve some of your Pain, and that everything goes Well! Please keep us informed, and Have a Great Day!!

[Bummer Knees]

Wow! This is moving fast. I recieved a phone call from the doctor's office and I am scheduled for an epidural steriod injection in the morning at the surgery center in Wichita.

I was told I would need a driver, don't know what to expect, new to me.

[Wink]

Bummer Knees Wrote:Wow! This is moving fast. I recieved a phone call from the doctor's office and I am scheduled for an epidural steriod injection in the morning at the surgery center in Wichita.

I was told I would need a driver, don't know what to expect, new to me.

Bummer~
I don't mean to upset you...just concerned for you as I was for myself...but please read one of my posts from the old archived forum concerning ESI's.

http://www.workerscompensation.com/cgi-b...rker_Forum

[red1030]

Hi Bummer, I apolize that it has taken me so long to respond to this again. First, i have had several steriod injections in my spine. I can tell you first hand that they helped for the reason i had them which was a direct attach on my myelin sheath surrounding the spinal cord. It did stop the attach. I don't want to scare you either, but I HATE them. I don't even like to use that word, but they are very painful, and often it takes two or three attemts to get in to the cord itself. Afterwards you may experience a very bad head ache. They will give you literature about this and how to prevent it from happening. Years ago we kept you in the hospital for 24 hours following an injection. That is not really necessary as long as you follow your post directions.

I said that it is very painful. Once they are in, the medication infusion part is not painful or at least it was not for me. It was the attempts to find a the right location for me that was painful. These are Lumbar Punctures...and they do hurt. However, with your pain being as it is, this will most likely be less uncomfortable than the pain you are already having.

For the position, they will have you lie on the bed with your knees coming toward your chest. I would recommend that if your husband can go, ask him to go and then have him sit in a chair and hold you bend over the chair. It is much less comfortable this way and they have a very good view of the spinal cord itself. Just something that worked for me.

I have had this done 9 times. I do not want to do it again, but sometimes, I may have to, just as you are in this situation. Ask the nurse for teaching before and after.

I hope this helps... Carol Please I don't want to scare you...it is not as bad has child birth...if that helps...Red

[jayne]

they hurt no way around it but maybe if you have a really good Doc he will put you to sleep and you wont hurt so bad...mine did