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Having Headaches, Chronic Pain, Weakness, Numbness, Constant Bladder And Vision Problems. Suggest

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Posted on Mon, 3 Jun 2013
Question: i had an mri done and the results are as follows. I have the following symptoms.headaches in the back of head upon standing up. chronic pain, weakness, numbess and constant bladder, numbness when urinating. Numbness and tingling - cant open jars, pop cans, rx bottles, comes on suddenly and then dissapates. While movement, i have a hard time walking, (wobbly), sitting, very clumsy when i walk, i trip over my own feet, legs jumps suddenly. When i walk i hear a clicking noise, sounds like in front but hurts and feels like it is coming from the spine. Vision problems - Double vision, blurring in both eyes, floaters and flashing lights. Eyes closed and open, c shaped floaters, blurring vision cant bring things into focus when i have severe spasms 4 times per week, 10 times per day. Difficulty thinking - Cant find words to say and get confused, foggy thinking, sometimes i try to think about something and cant explain like i used to and it frustrates me. Sleep - Cant sleep on my back, side, face. Have to sleep in fetal position uppward with legs curled up to chest. Cant bite my nails. when i bite my nails or push on my checks on my face i have a terrible sharp pain in back of my head. my skin hurts to touch. it burns, back, legs, upper chest hurts, legs and arms. When going to bathroom, cant push with out sharp long radiating pain in lower back, cant feel buttocks - numbness. Very hard to sit on chair or toilet or rise from a sitting position. Pelvic front abdomen hurts when walking. Pain is at a 15+ evey day all day. numbess in my hands and feet. excruciating pain in my shoulder region, scapula i think, in the middle of back toward the shoulder blade. For years I have had all facet blocks, epiderals, injections, physical therapy and everytime i go I cant walk the next day. Doctos have told me no more injectins, no more physical therapy. I have a blood clotting disorder, Factor 5 leiden. I am on Norco 10/325, 1 morphine per day and cymbalta 30 mg for Fybromyalgia. I also have CRPS, Severe Fybromyaligia. Can not ride in a car without sever pain and vommit because the pain is so excruciating Finally my family doctor, not my pain doctor, had an MRI on cerical spine and lumbar: They are as follows:
MRI of the Lumbosacral spine without contrast
Partial sacralization of the left aspect of L5 noted.
L1-2 Small central disc protrusion with superimposed annular tear noted. no evidence of spinal canal stenosis or neuroforminal encroachment.
L2-3 No evidence of disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, or neuroforaminal encroachment. Mild degenerative changes of the facet joints.
L3-4 same as L2-3
L4-5 Central disc protrusion with superimposed annular tear leading to mild effacement of the ventral thecal sac. No significant spinal canal stenosis. Mild to moderate degenerative changes of the facet joints. Mild bilateral neuroforaminal encroachment.
L5-S1 - No evidence of disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, or neuroforaminal encroachment. Mild degenerative changes of the facet joints.
IMPRESSION
Central disc protrusion with superimposted annular tear at the L4-5 level leads to mild effacement of central thecal sac. No signifcant spinal canal stenosis seen. MIld bilateral neuroforaminal encroachment at this level. 2. Small central disc protrusion with superimposed annular tear noted at the L1-2 level.
2nd MRI was of the Cervical Spine without contrast
Incidental note is made of small central disc protrusion at T2-3 level.
C2-3 No evidence of disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, or neuroforaminal encroachment.
C3-4 Central disc protrusion with mild mass effect on the ventral thecal cord. No evidence of spinal canal stenosis or significant neuroforaminal encroachment.
C4-5 Minial disc osteophyte complex with no evidence of spinal canal stenosis or neuroforaminal encroachment.
C5-6 Disc Osteophyte complex with effacement of the ventral thecal sac. Minimal spinal canal stenosis. No neuroforaminal encroachment.
C6-7 Broad based central disc protrusion with effacement of the ventral thecal sac. Minimal spinal canal stenosis. No neuroformainal encroachment.
C7-T1 No evidence of disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, or neuroforaminal encroachment.
IMPRESSION:
Mild multilevel degnerative changes of the cervical spine, ,as detailed above. Of note, minimal spinal canal stenosis noted at C5-6 and C6-7. No evidence of significant neuroforaminal encroachment.

My question is I have tried everything since 2003. I had a micordisectomy at L5-S1 in 2005. I am on XXXXXXX disabillity because i can't do anything.. I try to clean my house in 1 day and i cant walk for 3. Do you think I should have some type of surgery and is this mri suggesting surgery. I am scared I will become paralyzed because the pain is just too much to handle even with medication. Thank you for your time and assistance in this matter. I am 41 years old and just too young for all this pain!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Samik Basu (4 hours later)
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
I understand your concern.
Do not panic.
You do have a very painful chronic disease which only be controlled by steroids and painkillers.
I really appreciate your courage and spirit.
Your MRI does not suggest any major problem which will require surgery at this moment.
the condition of your cervical spine and cord are Ok. The LS spine changes does not suggest immediate surgery but shows degenerative changes and nerve involvement.it might require traction and neurological consultation.
Kindly follow up with your physician.
I really hope that the almighty gives your some relief from this pain and suffering.
Hope this answers your query.
If you have any other queries kindly direct them to me.
Wishing a speedy recovery.
Have a nice day.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Samik Basu (2 hours later)
Hello and Thank you Dr. Samik XXXXXXX
I appreciate your reply. I have had mris every year since i had an accident in 2010 which basically broke the camels back and the pain has just got worse each year. one doctor wanted to do a cervical fusion and because of the risks, I didnt do it. now pain is extremely unbaraeable and the physical symptoms that i have is just all too much somedays to walk. I had lots of pain injections enough that none has worked and doctors have said no more. They have done traction for years and each time i end up in the ER because i cant walk. Once doctor suggested a pain pump and lidocain infusion. I just had this mri days ago and waiting for my next steps. I have strong faith and God has provided and been here with me carrying me and waiting for his timing. But in the meantime, my legs, pain, tingling, numbness, electric shock feelng link, sharpness take my breath away stabbing pain is all for one person to bare and I wouldnt wish this on anyone. I am just wondering, about a decompression surgery. Since i cant do traction anymore or physical therapy? Im in extreme, extreme pain and since every year, my mris are getting worse and worse. I do have a nuerologist appointment next week. I really appreceiate all your help and thoughts to this matter. My prayers for many years is to find a doctor who can help me with my pain mangement. May God Bless you and your family and thank you so much for your suggestions.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Samik Basu (3 hours later)
Hi,
May God bless you and decrease your pains.
Neuralgic pain killers should ease some of your pain.
Why don't you try Yoga and acupuncture. They might help you.
Get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Samik Basu

Pediatrician

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 711 Questions

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Having Headaches, Chronic Pain, Weakness, Numbness, Constant Bladder And Vision Problems. Suggest

Hi,
Thank you for your query.
I understand your concern.
Do not panic.
You do have a very painful chronic disease which only be controlled by steroids and painkillers.
I really appreciate your courage and spirit.
Your MRI does not suggest any major problem which will require surgery at this moment.
the condition of your cervical spine and cord are Ok. The LS spine changes does not suggest immediate surgery but shows degenerative changes and nerve involvement.it might require traction and neurological consultation.
Kindly follow up with your physician.
I really hope that the almighty gives your some relief from this pain and suffering.
Hope this answers your query.
If you have any other queries kindly direct them to me.
Wishing a speedy recovery.
Have a nice day.