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vickinat · (This post was last modified: 09-24-2007 06:20 AM by adelekeri.)

Hi all:

I'm considering either switching doctors or requesting a referral(don't know if I need one), to either a neourologist, neourosurgeon or an orthopedic spine specialist. This all depends on my doctor's visit tomorrow.

I have had my physical therapists, and the FCE evaluator as well as others tell me that I should get more diagnostic test done, like a mylegram or another updated MRI (last one was 12/06), or an MRI with/without contrast. My doctor up to this point has been hesitant to have additional test done, besides a bone scan. He aslo said that I should be healed by now, since it has been 10 months.

The MRI initial report from the radiologist was wrong, and later found after 3 differant doctors looked at the films, that I do have 3 mild bulging discs, L3-4, L4-5 & L5-S1 with L5-S1 being the worst, but still mild. The EMG/NCS (2nd one) that was done in Aug/07 showed some improvement in the radiculpothy of the L5-S1 nerve roots, from chronic acute to only chronic. The Sural nerve and Longus nerve in the left leg showed something abnormal.

I have already gone thru 3 transforaminal epidural injections, 4 trigger point inj, 10 treatments of Iontophoris, PT 3x's/week, mechanical traction 3x's/week and Aqua therapy 3x's/week. I'm currently on sedentary light duty and am working with increasing pain.

I have still been having pain in the lower back left hip and buttocks, along with the left foot and leg going to sleep at times. I still have problems with my balance. Then the newest problem with the good right leg trembling during exertion in PT.

I'm not sure which type of doctor I should see.

Any help in this area would be appreciated.

Tahk you
Vickie

Pooh · 09-24-2007, 07:21 AM

Vickie

since this is a back related problem with nerves involved I would suggest that a neurosurgeon be consulted.

I also have mild bulges at the same levels you mention - but I don't have the problems that you are having - my problems come from the neuropathy that I have - even my emg/ncs verify that I don't have nerve entrapment involving the spinal cord at this time. I was told that when those nerves start showing entrapment that I would be referred to a neurosurgeon.

~~capricorn~~ · 09-24-2007, 07:27 AM

I agree with Pooh, Vickie BUT you really should in my opinion start with a neurologist. IF surgery is needed then he will send you to a neurosurgeon. JMO< I am not seeing anymore surgeons unless Ineed surgery. I don't feel they are the best at any sort of PM. They are indeed surgeons and in my case I have found they aren't much help UNLESS you are having surgery.

CAP

~~Still in Limbo~~ · 09-24-2007, 09:24 AM

I would also agree with the others as far as a Neuro. Dr. goes. a Neuro. deals with the Nervous System of our Bodies, while an Ortho. deals with the skeletal and Muscle Systems of our Bodies. I also have Mild and Large Bulges throughout my Spine, but they are not compressing any Nerves, thus causing me no Pain, so it is possible for Your Problem to possibly be lying in Your Thecal Sac near Your Hip, or another Area. MRI's are not always the answer either, I would suggest a CT Scan over the MRI, it shows the Dr. more. I wish You the Very Best, and I Hope You find the Care You Need!! Wink

AQA · 09-24-2007, 12:26 PM

Vickie, All I can do is reflect on what happened with me. My first Dr. was a neurosurgen. That was when I went to the er. I had to change Dr. because he did not take wc patentence (sp). I then changed to a ortho. He had some tests done and then he refered me to a neurosurgen who had some tests done. What type of Dr. are you seeing now?

vickinat · (This post was last modified: 09-24-2007 04:03 PM by adelekeri.)

Thank you all for your responses.
I'm currenty seeing a DO (Osteopath), PMR (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitaion), before that the one that WC sent me to was a Pysiatrist.

I guess I'll find out tomorrow if the doctor will send me to someone.

My therapist suggested this place which is a Neurological Assoc. Services, which is Neurosurgeons.

Thanks for the advice.
Vickie

vickinat · 09-24-2007, 10:21 PM

What type of test would I need to consider, have had EMG/NCS, X-rays, MRI, and bone scan.?

Someone said CT scan, mylogram and MRI with contrast, would this be all that could be used to find why I'm not healed yet?

Thanks for your advice
Vickie

AQA · (This post was last modified: 09-24-2007 10:46 PM by timlab1955.)

Vickie, There are several test that can done. Which one is appropriate, I can only guess. I did want to let you know that I looked at the medicine you are taking. I told you my pcp told me to stop taking neurontin and see if my left arm would stop shacking. Your medicen has the same possible side effect as neurontin. I hope all goes well tomorrow.

vickinat · 09-24-2007, 11:29 PM

AQA
Thank you for your response. Years ago I took Neurontin for a long time at a very high dosage, but never incurred these type of behaviors in my extremenities, but I'll keep that in mind.
Thank you for the the hope for tomorrow, I'll let you know after I see the Dr., unless I'm ticked off, then I'll have to wait awhile then update you.

Thanks again
Vickie

ky8ztz · 09-26-2007, 07:45 PM

vickinat Wrote:Hi all:

I'm considering either switching doctors or requesting a referral(don't know if I need one), to either a neourologist, neourosurgeon or an orthopedic spine specialist. This all depends on my doctor's visit tomorrow.

I have had my physical therapists, and the FCE evaluator as well as others tell me that I should get more diagnostic test done, like a mylegram or another updated MRI (last one was 12/06), or an MRI with/without contrast. My doctor up to this point has been hesitant to have additional test done, besides a bone scan. He aslo said that I should be healed by now, since it has been 10 months.

The MRI initial report from the radiologist was wrong, and later found after 3 differant doctors looked at the films, that I do have 3 mild bulging discs, L3-4, L4-5 & L5-S1 with L5-S1 being the worst, but still mild. The EMG/NCS (2nd one) that was done in Aug/07 showed some improvement in the radiculpothy of the L5-S1 nerve roots, from chronic acute to only chronic. The Sural nerve and Longus nerve in the left leg showed something abnormal.

I have already gone thru 3 transforaminal epidural injections, 4 trigger point inj, 10 treatments of Iontophoris, PT 3x's/week, mechanical traction 3x's/week and Aqua therapy 3x's/week. I'm currently on sedentary light duty and am working with increasing pain.

I have still been having pain in the lower back left hip and buttocks, along with the left foot and leg going to sleep at times. I still have problems with my balance. Then the newest problem with the good right leg trembling during exertion in PT.

I'm not sure which type of doctor I should see.

Any help in this area would be appreciated.

Tahk you
Vickie

I had many of the same issues. I finally seen a pain management doctor. Pain is his speciality. I had a Spinal Cord stimulator implant for sciatic nerve pain. It works great. 85 of pain is gone. A pain Specialist is the only doctor who can refer you for this surgery. The surgery has to be done by an orthopedic surgon. The Pain Management doctor assists with the implantation. Was it worth the surgery? You bet it was. Any more questions e-mail @ky8ztz@msn.com.