I had a discogram 5/10/11 on the lumbar area to confirm a bulging disc at L-4 and a possible tear at L-5. My pain level was an 8 going in and is now a 12 with much swelling across the lower back. My spine caves in at the L-4 to S-1 area normally, but it is bowed out now. I can only stand for about 10 min. and cannot bend forward. The pain is constant down my left leg and burns in my right leg when I lie down. I can feel it going down the buttuck area and my left foot is now numb. It feels like it is stabbing in the back of my left thigh. Using ice makes the sciatic nerve hurt worse. The hydrocodone and lyrica do nothing anymore. Why am I getting worse? The doctor won't tell me anything. I finally pulled it out of the nurse that the Dr. sees nothing on the CT and wants to schedule a nerve study for next Tuesday morning to make sure there is no permanent nerve damage. He is an orthopeadic surgeon. Should I see a Neurosurgeon? How long is this pain going to last?
George C.