Herniated Disc L4 L5 - latest update 1-22-2008
Hello again,
Well things are improving for me. It’s a good news story here so far, and if you’re suffering I know it’s hard to read someone else’s good luck story. I know I hated it, as in I was wishing I would be miraculously be cured.
Basically day to day I’m noticing small improvements. For instance I’ll be walking and slightly jump over a pot hole in the road or something, and for the first time in almost 2 years I jumped over one and didn’t think anything of it… then as I walked away I thought that’s the first time I’ve done that and didn’t have the thought before, during or after that I had leg pain. Very nice.
I’m basically focusing on losing a few kilograms (pounds) to make sure I don’t ever have a reoccurance, because the thought of that leg pain again would drive me over the edge… I’d probably be in the queue for surgery within weeks….
I’m starting to question my job a lot more, and starting to think what to do with my life… previously when my back/leg was really bad I felt I had to take shit at work to make sure I never lost my job.. it was my security.. basically who’s going to employe someone who limps in on a walking cane, can’t really travel… well I’m sure there are employers that would look beyond that, but none the less it makes it more difficult.. even for me.. having to go to interviews with major back pain, not being able to concentrate etc etc.
Also, I’ve got the report from the MRI here, and I’ll type it out in full.. it’s an interesting, slightly depressing read, however you need to know for the last 3 months I’m basically living a normal life without pain… here goes:
MRI THORACIC & LUMBAR SPINE (VISIT 2)
Clinical Notes:
A 28 year old presents with ongoing left leg pain. Also interscapular pain.
Report:
T5/6:
There is moderate disc degeneration. Schmorl’s nodes are present. A focal right paracentral disc protrusion is evident indenting the cord. The cord contains no abnormal signal.
T6/7:
There is mild wedging of the T6 vertebral body. Schmorl’s nodes are evident and there is some endplate irregularity. A focal central disc protrusion is present mildly indenting the anterior aspect of the cord.
T8/9:
There is mdoerate disc degeneration. A central and left paracentral disc extrusion has been shown. The extruded component extends a short distance cranially. The extruded disc lies just anterior to the cord minimally indenting its most anterior margin.
There is a moderate kyphosis in the mid aspect of the thoracic spine. There is a tiny disc bulge at T2/3 and also at T1/2. The other thoracic discs are unremarkable. The thoracic cord is intact throughout with no syrinx formation. The conus lies at T12/L1 and is normal.
L4/5:
There is a large left posterolateral and foraminal disc protrusion. The disc touches the adjacent facet joint compressing the traversing left L5 nerve root. The exiting left L4 nerve root is not compromised. The right exit foramen is adequate.
A shallow annulus bulge is present at L3/4 without neural compromise. The other lumbar discs have retained their normal height and contour. Lumbar face joints are well maintained. Paraspinal muslces are well preserved.
On the sagittal T2 images there is the suggestion of tiny nodules in relation to the cauda equina. These measure up to 2mm in size. These are felt to be of low grade significance. I cannot identify these foci on the axial scans. At most, they could represent small fibromas in relation to the cauda equina.
A tiny right paracentral disc bulge is present at T11/12.
Comment:
1. Scheuermann’s change affects the mid thoracic spine with multiple endplate irregularity and multiple adjacent disc protrusions. Many of these indent the cord.
2. Left sided disc protrusion at L4/5 compressing the left L5 nerve root.
3. Tiny nodules in relation to the cauda equina and lumbar spine. These nodules were present on a prior study from 6/6/2006 and are unchanged. The left L4/5 disc protrusion has increased significantly in size.
END OF REPORT.
So basically, I have a L4L5 disc bulge, I had Scheuermann’s disease as a teenager.. which from what I’ve researched can happen to anybody, and in many cases goes undiagnosed, and basically can’t be treated. Everything else I think is just normal bullshit… that’s my understanding.
In any case it’s hard to type this and read it, because you always feel like your body is kind of like your temple.. that pretty much everything is okay, and you feel okay etc etc.. but reading this makes you realise life is short.. live it.
Cheers
Matt
Subscribe to Bad Back Blog by Email
February 1st, 2008 at 10:58 am
Alright, i think i was talkin to ye before…glad to hear its goin well for ye. I had my 2nd discectomy l4 l5 on monday just gone and i must say its feeling great at the moment. I can actually do a straight leg raise, which was impossible before and when walking around it feels fine, just a little sore where the scar is. Lets hope we can be rid of the pain, ive been in bits for the past 6 years. il let u know how im doing in a while..best of luck.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Matt..37 year old female, living in Melbourne. I have read all your posts and really found comfort in your journey. I have also seen Gary Speck many times over last ten years of back pain.I have another new episode now - large disc bulge at L5 S1, Left leg symptoms when standing or walking. But coping as can sit at work and am very flexible.
Anyway very interested re the cox technique as have never heard of it and never had courage to see a chiropractor before, but now attacking it all from many angles, and spending all my money!! I would like to know who you saw in Melbourne and moreabout the relief. I feel that if I could get some relief when standing I could do more exercise and even get the train to work!! I loved that you said using a cane for the tram/train helped, that is my biggest fear that I wont get a seat so now driving into the city every day which is soo expensive!!
please let me know who you saw. I live in the St Kilda area and work in the city, big thankyou again, Karen
February 9th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Well, if you’re after a spare cane, I’ve got one
They’re totally awesome because most people will give up a seat for you on a train/bus/tram. They also make more room for you when walking down the street etc - ie you’re less likely to be pushed or bumped. I’ve had old ladies look at me like I was an ass for sitting in a seat, and then they see the cane and almost look at you with pitty… a few times I’ve forgotten the cane and I sit there, and older people look at me like I’m a turd and you kind of feel like saying you’ve got a back problem.. but that would be weird.. after a while you just say to your self “stuff it”, I’ve got serious back/leg pain, they can’t see it, but it’s not my problem.. deal with it.
Also, I recommend anyone who can’t walk (like me) should just ask their doctor for a disabled permit.. they’re sooooo frigin awesome, and you have to get over the fact that you look normal so maybe you shouldn’t have one… just do it, love it, and save the cash on parking, and NEVER feel guilty. you know you’ve got major pain.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Woolff interesting re the cane etc, you are right! but re the parking permit, I thought you had to be considered permanently disabled, is that correct? I didnt think my GP would consider me in that way as its a back problem and I’m young? thanks Karen
April 5th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Hi I was involved in a car accident back in September of 2007 I would be interested in chatting with you I have my MRI’s and X-rays I have some of the same things on mine I was never “diagnosed” with Scheuermann’s disease but the MRI to quote it exactly “Signal intentsity from the thoracic vertebrae demonstrate mild dessiccation of the discs and Schmorl’s nodes involving the lower thoracic spine consistent with a mild degree of Scheuermann’s disease” of course there is more but I have been to a number of Dr’s and am “trying” to work through this as best I can at work but am struggling greatly.