|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 26, 2016 13:24:28 GMT
I finally got the reading of the MRI and it is showing a slip disk.
Has anyone here know of or have this problem and what I may come to expect from this diagnosis...? What treatments, I know it depends on the damage in there but any ideas on what may be done will ease my mind then sitting here waiting to see another doctor...
I am to see another doctor on this and I am waiting for their office to call to set up an appointment.
The pain I had in my right side and going to the back last month landed me in the hospital and I was not able to come here daily to bump the animal rescue site and many peas noticed my absence and bumped it up for me( thank you peas)
Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.
|
|
|
|
Post by sugarmama on Apr 26, 2016 14:04:45 GMT
They could remove the disc. It's a much easier surgery than it used to be.
|
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 26, 2016 14:06:31 GMT
that sounds scary...been reading up on WEBMD as well
|
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Apr 26, 2016 14:29:52 GMT
My daughter had it. She tried injections for the pain. Didn't work. Then she had surgery to have the herniated portion removed (2x). Each time more would herniate, and then the bit left degenerated. She ended up with spinal fusion surgery and has rods and screws in her back now. Her back has been 100% since the last surgery. Praying you don't have to go that far for effective treatment!
|
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 26, 2016 14:36:38 GMT
Thank you Patter, it all sounds a bit scary to me...
I will see what this other doctor has to say. I am back to walking outdoors and do not push myself.
I try for the 10,000 steps with my FitBit though...
My weight is an issue and at 5 foot 2 now(use to be 5 ft. 3 ) the weight needs to come off...down 5 pounds since the doc saw me last but need 40 more off this frame.
thank you
|
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Apr 26, 2016 14:41:06 GMT
gailoh, sounds like you are doing the right things. Hopefully you won't have to go the surgery route but it wasn't too bad. But she just had open heart surgery too so in comparison, the back was a piece of cake. For her, she got so bad, she was in a wheelchair because the nerve pain got so bad, her left leg would not support her. So, the final surgery was AMAZING because she could walk again. Now she has been fine. She does have a bit of nerve pain when she does too much but overall, she is leaps and bounds from where she was. Don't read too much. Just make sure you have an amazing neurosurgeon if you end up having to have surgery. The first few docs we saw were awful, and finally we found a GREAT surgeon that made all of the difference in the world.
|
|
|
|
Post by alexa11 on Apr 26, 2016 14:43:49 GMT
I suffer from herniated discs-from L5-6 to S1. I've been to numerous doctors/surgeons and all but one say that I don't need surgery. I do get the epidural cortisone injections about once a year. You can get up to 3 a year. They have been relieving the pain for a little while, but still waiting on this last one that I got a couple of weeks ago to kick in. Hope you find some relief soon!
|
|
gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,091
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
|
Post by gsquaredmom on Apr 26, 2016 15:48:32 GMT
Get your posture correct and walk. One of the best things you can do. If you are already aiming for 10k steps, your pain must be down.
Find out what movements you should not do while you heal. Bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, etc are sometimes restricted while you heal.
Also PT. Epidural injections work for many, but not all, and can be used to make PT more successful.
Surgery is usually a last resort. Your body can heal a lot given the time and support it needs.
ETA. The best doctor I have is a physiatrist/spinal rehab specialist. If you are near Chicago, I will share his info. Fantastic doctor.
|
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 26, 2016 16:30:06 GMT
thank you ,Ladies...
gsquaredmom, I live in central Ohio but thank you...i didn't know that a slipped disk could heal some...so hope this is the case with me...
I plan to copy this page with all he peas responding to help me remember and maybe have a little heads up when I do see this new doctor...
|
|
zztop11
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,537 
|
Post by zztop11 on Apr 26, 2016 16:43:48 GMT
Having back surgery is ABSOLUTELY not like it was in the past. I had a spinal fusion and it was the best thing that I ever did for myself. My husband had a 4 level spinal fusion. He is a new man because of it. They make a tiny incision. It is done microscopically. It really isn't the big deal that it used to be back years ago.
|
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 26, 2016 16:48:57 GMT
thank you zz, I have heard bad stories on this
|
|
gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,091
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
|
Post by gsquaredmom on Apr 26, 2016 17:10:21 GMT
thank you ,Ladies... gsquaredmom, I live in central Ohio but thank you...i didn't know that a slipped disk could heal some...so hope this is the case with me... I plan to copy this page with all he peas responding to help me remember and maybe have a little heads up when I do see this new doctor... A slipped disc is usually a bulging/herniated disc. Some say they can heal, some say not quite completely heal but managed well. It sounds like yours has improved quite a bit already! The McKenzie Method is a common PT approach, but don't try it on your own if you Google. They need to screen you to see if it is the right approach. |
|
|
|
Post by micpea on Apr 26, 2016 17:24:04 GMT
Yes, I suffered with herniated L5 for over 4 months. I went thru Pain Management & got injections that just didn't work. Got to the point that I had surgery. L5 had herniated so bad that part of it ended up behind L4. The pain was the most excruciating pain I had ever felt. I literally felt like I was being electrocuted! If I had a gun, I would have used it!
This surgery was also the best surgery I had, I credit my neurosurgeon for that. I had a laminectomy & discectomy, L4, L5, S1 involved. I woke up from surgery, PAIN FREE, my incision was a bit sore, but nothing like what I was going through before the surgery. I was up walking around 2 hours after & had no pain meds until 2 weeks later when I had to walk way too far to the doctors' office & stand in a long line.
I have several co-workers that have had the same type of issues in L4, L5, S1 & mine was the worse damage & my original surgery corrected my issues, they on the other hand continue to have issues. I believe it's the doctor & his talent!!
Every situation is different, I hope you get the relief you need! |
|
|
|
Post by mom on Apr 26, 2016 17:32:11 GMT
Last August I had a slipped disk. I did not have to have surgery though - through rehab I was able to let my back heal and recover. It took about 6 weeks before I was back to normal though.
A big part of my healing was strengthening exercises and stretching. It took 2 weeks 2 be pain free completely and then I went through PT for a month before I was released to do life normally.
Edited to add: because of a blood clotting disorder I have, surgery is never the first option for me unless it is absolutely necessary.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 29, 2024 8:19:05 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2016 18:38:47 GMT
I have a herniated/bulging disk in L4-L5 and L5-S1. I also have degenerative disk disease. When I saw a surgeon about a year ago, he recommended a double fusion and I left the office in tears. I'm not ready to try surgery yet, although PT and shots aren't very effective for me. Some of the stories above are encouraging. I'm trying to get back to walking and strengthening my core, but it's been pretty challenging for me. Good luck with your appointment. I hope they can help you.
|
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Apr 26, 2016 19:08:14 GMT
@trezmom, truly the spinal fusion was the best thing my daughter ever did. It really was not that bad. And I see you are in NC. If you want a GREAT/amazing neurosurgeon in Charlotte, PM me. I can give you his name.  |
|
blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,004
|
Post by blue tulip on Apr 26, 2016 19:30:59 GMT
my husband was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, and had a herniated disc. he had cortisone injections and physical therapy, but neither worked well so he had a partial discectomy surgery about 8 months later. it was a really good thing for him, and tho he still has some pain if he overdoes stuff (he has a bulging disc above where the slipped one was) he's MUCH better. we had a great surgeon who had also worked on my dad and aunt. with his degenerative disorder, it's likely that spinal fusion will be in his future. but the surgery was 9 years ago and 99% of the time he is still pain free, so he's going strong.
wishing the best for you!
|
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 26, 2016 20:49:00 GMT
Thank you peas...I will be printing this off...so much info to learn from here
|
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Apr 26, 2016 21:18:02 GMT
The first time I slipped a disc I was given steroids for a week. They helped immensely. In fact even when I herniated my disc they gave me steroids. And then after the steroids I had to go to physical therapy for about 3 months.
|
|
eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
|
Post by eleezybeth on Apr 26, 2016 21:36:54 GMT
I have 2 currently herniated and have had a discectomy on one. I agree with the PP who said she woke up pain free and it was amazing. I had been wishing to die before my surgery. I still have nerve damage in my foot. I treat the other two with exercise and Advil. I put off surgery for 9 months out of fear. I have had injections galore. Surgery worked.
If I had to do it over... I'd work really, really hard before surgery working my core. I'd suck it up because I know it would kill me but I'd yoga like mad. Then, I'd have surgery. It took me a long time to heal because I was so weak.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Apr 27, 2016 1:55:00 GMT
Is that the medical term they used on the MRI?? Slipped disc?!
|
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Apr 27, 2016 10:33:34 GMT
Is that the medical term they used on the MRI?? Slipped disc?! I would think they used herniation followed by a degree of herniation. I know that's what our neurosurgeon always told us about my daughter's back. The discectomies did not work so she had a fusion. |
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 27, 2016 11:22:11 GMT
So sorry...I have been saying disk instead of disc
cindyupnorth,doctor said it was a slipped disc.
Also I see a lot of you using things like L4-L5...I am assuming our spine is on this number system and my doctor was talking on some numbers, more then one, I will have to ask for a print out from him...
It is going to take me a bit to know terms and I want to learn BEFORE I see this other doctor to get a kind of heads up...that is why I like asking the peas, you guys do not mind teaching me and I am not a fast learner...lol...thank you for helping me.
|
|
gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,091
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
|
Post by gsquaredmom on Apr 27, 2016 11:58:38 GMT
So sorry...I have been saying disk instead of disc cindyupnorth,doctor said it was a slipped disc. Also I see a lot of you using things like L4-L5...I am assuming our spine is on this number system and my doctor was talking on some numbers, more then one, I will have to ask for a print out from him... It is going to take me a bit to know terms and I want to learn BEFORE I see this other doctor to get a kind of heads up...that is why I like asking the peas, you guys do not mind teaching me and I am not a fast learner...lol...thank you for helping me. Yes, your vertebrae are designated by letters and numbers. C is cervical, T is thoracic, L is lumbar, S is sacral. I think I remembered all there. L5-S1 disc is a very common place to have problems, with L4-L5 often messed up, as well. If you have symptoms like sciatica or numbness down your leg, it is likely L5-S1. Our spines did not evolve for the modern stresses we place on them. Sitting, slouching, picking things up wrong, weight, weak abs are just some of the reasons our spines don't hold up well. There are some good spine websites you can learn from. |
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 27, 2016 12:23:21 GMT
gsquaredmom, thank you...
|
|
|
|
Post by Patter on Apr 27, 2016 12:33:57 GMT
And just for comparison, my daughter's issues were L5-S1. That is where she is now fused.
|
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 27, 2016 12:40:55 GMT
Just so you know i borrowed those numbers they are not mine...lol...he talks so fast at times I didn't really pay attention to what the numbers were...so i will go in and ask for a print out...there is so much info on our backs isn't there?
|
|
|
|
Post by gailoh on Apr 27, 2016 21:51:50 GMT
btt
|
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Apr 27, 2016 22:54:27 GMT
A friend of mine has a herniated disc at the moment - has had terrible sciatica and pain. She's just on painkillers plus rehab I think, plus she mentioned that acupuncture has been helpful.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Apr 27, 2016 23:12:55 GMT
doctor said it was a slipped disc. I find it odd that a medical Dr would read a MRI and say "slipped disc". Like Patter said, they usually use herniated disc, and the degree and area of the herniation. Unless it's not herniated and bulging? What kind of Dr did you see? and what sort of Dr will you be seeing?! |
|
