Disc and Nerve Roots

[punk]

Deb Wrote:I was always confused as to why my pain jumped from the hip to the lower thigh and into the outer part of my foot affectiing the 2 little toes and the big toe but not the others and never affecting the upper thigh now it all makes sense.  Outer ankle hurts like hell too.  However, I do have one other problem that I don't see listed here and am curious about.  I have numbness and prickly tingling in the inner and outer vaginal area.  It is constant and never goes away.  Any ideas?

Deb, yes that's a common problem for those of us with lower back issues. My injury is to L4-L5 and L5-S1. They've tried to fix the L5-S1 with microdiscectomy, it hasn't works thusfar. Surgery was 01-06-06...so I'm falling under the 'failed back syndrome', according to other Dr.'s and my attorney. I'll not be able to get it re-done in any fashion or the other taken care of until my private IC begins to accept this. Yes, when the sciatica begins to affect the labia and scrotal areas it goes on into more problems. Unfortunately, nobody has been able to give me any insight to this. They always say, "Yes, this is just part of it." Never go on to tell me anything more. Thus...the questions about the sex life arrise. It's not a funny matter. But sometimes when people feel uncomfortable giving 'sex ed' or advice to someone they try and make it into a laughing matter. Laughter is a great healing agent...but it doesn't help with nerve endings and such. So, when we talk about a sex life...that's usually the culprit...nerve damage and some just don't want to talk about it outright..therefore, in comes the washing machine and such. LOL However, I will tell you that the washing machine is a viable option for promoting sensations other than numbness and tingling to the area. When the machine begins to vibrate with this cycle it helps to promote blood flow to the area, thus creating greater sensation...thus leading to the ability to enjoy sex. I realize turning on your washing machine isnt' very spontaneous...but vibrators and other 'toys with batteries' can accomplish this without having to be productive at the same time!! LOL I know it's not funny, it's just hard to describe everything in detail so that I can help you to understand....I am in hopes that this will work! I'm very serious, if you have a mate that is understanding of your problem and is willing to work with you then you can get online at one of thousands of adult sex toy stores and order you a toy that is vibrating in nature, or you can go to one of your local stores if you have one. This, (going to a store yourself) in and of itself can be very arousing itself. So, see...the washing machine thread is very valuable in nature, it just didn't explain exactly what the purpose was!!
Hope this helps in some way!! If you need to, you can PM me and we'll talk about it further.....if you want.

[tweety00]

Deb you might want to goggle cauda equina ..... I did when I was having some of the same issues that you are!

Deb Wrote:I was always confused as to why my pain jumped from the hip to the lower thigh and into the outer part of my foot affectiing the 2 little toes and the big toe but not the others and never affecting the upper thigh now it all makes sense.  Outer ankle hurts like hell too.  However, I do have one other problem that I don't see listed here and am curious about.  I have numbness and prickly tingling in the inner and outer vaginal area.  It is constant and never goes away.  Any ideas?

[tweety00]

this is another search that I like to use
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=dermatomes

[Deb]

Thanks Punk I really appreciate the help understanding this. I was beginning to think I was having a return to a menopause phase or something here. Sounds like my injury is something like yours. I am going through the microdisectomy surgery soon. At this point I am waiting on the doctor to send over the request to the IC so it can be approved.
Guess I'm going to have to go buy a new washer (one without a dryer on top) so that I can check this out. I have been married (hold on a sec gotta get out the calculator just kidding) 31 years and hubby will like the "new" idea.
I was injured in January 2007 and from everything that I have read on here I am one of the lucky ones and I count my blessings every day.
My family has been great at helping me out. I have 5 kids, 3 of which live here close to me. My twin sons, 21 years old, both moved back home to help me physically, emotionally, and financially. I cook and do the dishes they do everything else. My daughter comes over on the week ends and pitches in also. The other two live in Mexico and although they can't help on a daily basis they have come in twice now for a couple of weeks to help out too. Now truthfully I really don't need all this "help" but I sure love the pampering. I should be ashamed of myself but.....
The company that I work for has been great up to this point and are pushing the IC to take care of me and as fast as possible. However, the IC did request that I exhaust all conventional methods of treatment before trying surgery. I just pray that the surgery works for me and makes it where I can tolerate sitting for 8 plus hours again so I can go back to work.

[Deb]

thanks tweety00 will do

[Cervical_Fusion]

I don't remember where I found this list.. some where on the internet, I think some spine web page. I thought It was interesting so i copy and pasted it, thinking some people here would like to see it. Hope it has answered some questions for some.

[Lilly]

Hi .
Years ago I had spells where the pain would start low in right abdomen, jump to my hip & then thigh...it was a 3 point pain all at once ...abdomen, hip, thigh.....it was female problems. Endometriousis (sp) and an ovarian cyst. Had laproscopic surgery on the scar tissue & cyst and I was good as new. Maybe you also have female prob & need to go see a gyno.
Lilly