SCIATICA MRI update

[Carolina]

So dearest Sjogren's Angels,  It appears that my spine has some problems that have developed since my last Lumbar MRI in 2010.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

This is the key data:

L3-L4: Small disc bulge with facet hypertrophy and ligamentum flavum
infolding. Marked narrowing of the central canal. Minor narrowing of the
bilateral neural foramen. A left sided facet effusion is associated with a
12 x 9 mm synovial cyst extending into the dorsal aspect of the spinal
canal (axial T2 series 4 image 18) at the level of the L4 vertebral body;
this mildly effaces the dorsal thecal sac.

So I have a cyst and marked stenosis of the central canal.....which I'm sure has caused my first ever episode of Sciatica.

I have an appointment with physician specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, on August 9.  I am so tired of doctors right now.

I woke up a bit depressed, since I can't drive and worry about walking around the house, since the sort of 'episode' that makes me fall can't be stopped by hanging on to something.  I do use my walker, when I think of it.  I hate it, and there isn't a lot of room for it, for example in the bedroom where I have 'cr@p' all around.   Sigh.

I, of course, have NOT felt like picking up and moving the 'cr@p' lately, since a) I'm in pain, and b) I'm afraid of falling.

Well, of course, this too shall pass, as do all things.

I did get to the pool this afternoon, and it was good but I was profoundly weary...that sort of 'emotional' exhaustion.  And I don't want to possibly HURT something?  eeek.

Oh well, stay tuned.  I'm 74 and this is my FIRST ever back problem (my Cervical spine is a complete wreck of course).  So I should be grateful.

Why does it turn out that we aren't grateful we didn't have a problem BEFORE we have it?   oh well.

Hugs,  Elaine

[SjoGirl]

Oh Carolina I am so sorry though glad that you now know the cause of your issues. Here's hoping the new doc can help!

[Carolina]

Just posting with the hope that someone can help me.

Hugs,  Elaine

[anita]

Did the neurologist order the MRI?  What did he say about the results and whether the cyst needs to be removed or not?  What will rehab do for you?  It seems your have the cyst and stenosis...which might be complicating your neuropathy as well as the sciatica.

[Carolina]

Hi Anita,

I had this 'sciatica' for the first time ever, but I thought it was a pain in my hip.  So I saw my orthopedist. 

The diagnosis was sciatica, but the orthopedist ordered the MRI.

The cyst was found then, along with the stenosis.  I did NOT have these two findings in 2010 when I had a lumbar MRI because I had profound peripheral neuropathy.

So my PN isn't caused by my new spine problems, the cyst and the stenosis, but the pain when I try to walk is caused by the cyst.

I see a spine specialist on August 8.   I don't know what the recommendations will be.  But PT can't address the pressure from the cyst.  It must be 1) aspirated, or 2) surgically excised.

So between the pain, the prospect of possible spinal surgery, the immobility (beyond what I already have from the PN) and not being able to drive or go out alone (for fear I'll fall) I am depressed, to say the least.

I'll adapt, of course.  I am decreasing the gabapentin to find out if my jerking movements are caused by the drug.

Thanks so much for your  attention and support, Anita.

Hugs,  Elaine

[trejonina]

Hi, ggogle  youtube+Quick Fix for Sciatica  by PFITtv. It has helped me and another 74 yr old lady I showed it to. Also in youtube+ exercises for sciatica pain    there are plenty other exercises too. Good luck. Nina

[Carolina]

Thanks nina,

I did Google exercises for Sciatica and did them, and also some exercises in the pool, twice.  But once I saw that the cyst is on my spine, I realized that all the exercise in the world wouldn't stop the pain when I stand and the cyst is pressed into my spine.

Of course the Spine specialist may send me for PT, and I'll do whatever is recommended.

Exercise can often work miracles for pain.  It always cures the pain from my Interstitial Cystitis.

Hugs,  Elaine

[Carebear]

You have a genuinely positive outlook, Elaine.  I admire that. 

I wish you a productive appointment with your specialist, and please keep us informed.     

[Jenny]

Elaine, I'm glad to hear you are seeing a spine specialist. I have had back issues for half of my life and have had 2 major surgeries with 4 levels of my lumbar spine fused. I had a terrible episode of sciatica a year ago where I couldn't walk without screaming. I spent most of the summer in bed or a wheelchair. My spine specialist finally did a "nerve root injection" at L5S1. Within a few days I was walking again and in another few days I was 90% cured. My husband thought it was a miracle as he thought I would be wheelchair bound for life. I hope your outcome is as good as mine.

[Carolina]

Dear Jenny,

What an inspiring experience you have shared with me.  I don't know if an injection can manage the presence of a cyst that is pressing the nerves in my spine.  I think the cyst has to be either aspirated (the liquid inside the cyst 'sucked' out) or removed surgically.  Either procedure I think will cause complete relief.

I don't stand up and walk except for very short distances in the house.  As long as I am sitting or lying down the pain is gone.  I have to go to the hospital for my monthly IVIG today, and it is a long walk to the Infusion Clinic.  I will ask for a wheel chair attendant to take me to the clinic and then back to the front where my husband picks me up.

This is a difficult way to live, for sure.  But we do what we must to manage.

I see that you have had a shoulder replacement.  My orthopedist says that is 'in my future' given the state of my right shoulder (pain).   Would you share that experience with me (perhaps in a private message)?   i've only known one other person who has had shoulder replacement surgery and that was years ago.

I realize I'm 'waiting until Monday when I see the spine specialist' hoping for relief then......this spine business is so new to me and i realize that an office visit is unlikely to provide relief, but I'm so hoping for a miracle.

Hugs,  Elaine