I am new! can you help?

[joyneau]

Hi-Two yrs ago, drs found small bulges at L1, 3, and 5.
Now, I have large hernmiations at L-5, stenosis at two
levels and spondylosis[osteophytes growing in the thoracic
area].
The L-5 concerns me the most. It is pressing into the thecal sac
[near as I can figure out this is the lining of the cord?], and
causing buzzing/crawly feelings in the legs and feet and numbness
with tinglies! The pain in the back is sharp-more than I ever ex-
perienced! Rotten!
It is stiff in the thoracic area with pain when I move too much or
stand too long. And I get quite off balance and dizzy should I put
my head down for too long. The cervical has been checked with
only loss of lordosis present.
Here's the questions:
If I leave the herniation alone that is causing so much pain and symptoms,
will it jsut get worse or stay the same? Why is the thoracic so tight and painful after standing? I really don't want a fusion! Watched hubby go
through one two yrs ago and it was awful. Anyone know of options??
Pain meds don't work very well for me. Just make me out of it! And I have lots
of allergies so I can't take many anyway.
On top of all this I am 38 with tachycardia, carpel tunnel, and arthritis of the hips, knees and feet. What happened?>?? I feel as though jsut cause I hit 35 I am now suddenly a broken woman! I was fine until then!
If anyone can offer any advice of answers, please let me know. All blood work
is done! No answers there either. Even checked for vitamin deficiencies.
Thanks and Hey if you are still reading after this long....God Bless you!
Love Joyce

[Wise Young]

Joyce, it sounds as if you need surgery to relieve compression of your spinal cord. You are correct to be cautious about surgery. Too much surgery can result in a stiff spinal column that would aggravate the problem. Do you trust the doctor that you have been seeing and what does that doctor recommend? I would suggest a second opinion if you are really unsure of the options. At the presence, the options are to do a laminectomy to increase the size of the spinal canal and discetomy to relieve the most severe compression. The decision of how much surgery to carry out requires the judgement of an experienced orthopedic or neurosurgeon. You should, however, not be afraid o surgery because delaying too long can result in the symptoms become long-term. From your description, I think that you need surgery.

Wise.

[joyneau]

Thank you Wise.
You put it bluntly and I apreciate it! And thanks for the promptness of the reply! Was hoping that surgery could be delayed, but the pain I have been having is more frequent and intense. So I suppose the conditions are getting worse.
I trust my dr as a fusion surgeon, but not for other procedures,. He admitted he is not a practicing surgeon of anything else but IDET.
So if anyone knows of a ortho in Carmichael Ca. , I would love to hear from you!
God Bless.
Joyce

[Chris Chappell]

A referral suggestion. One of the best decompression surgeons is Dr. Scott Falci, Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO 303-789-8000. Ask for his office and speak to, I think her name is Charlotte. They might be able to give you a referral.

Onward and Upward!

[joyneau]

Thanks Chris-Will call tomorrow~!
Blessings!
Joyce