Newbie- L5-S1herniated w/ fragment-how bad is it?

Jim M2 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 04:13 AM

Grace,
In my humble opinion

Yes, your family doctor is incompetent.

Question 1 - Yes, it sounds like an acute condition that requires immediate attention, I mean like today!

Question 2 - Probably no one can answer this question as it would depend on so many factors.

I think you should call the neurologist or NS and ask to speak directly to the doctor, on their cell phone if need be. To keep it simple tell the staff and doctor the alarming symptoms "...pain has been replaced by complete and total numbness. I am just dragging a stump around." "NO feeling below my left calf and have completely lost the ability to tap my foot or raise it from the heel The sole of my foot is totally numb, too"

Ask them to work you into their schedule immediately.

If that doesn't work consider going to the ER for a referral. Why not? Too many of us fall through the cracks of the medical bureaucracy.

Good luck, keep us informed.

Eddie G · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2008, 05:45 AM

All of the above x2

Definitely contact Mark. Definitely contact a specialist.

Not necessarily in that order.
Feel better...

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008, 03:03 PM

Grace has anything happened since your original post?

It's frustrating to get stopped by the system when you have such a serious problem. Any bowel or bladder issues?

The family doctor may or may not have the correct approach with conservative treatment, epidurals, etc...; but I would hope that especially in someone with a history of spine issues, that such a decision would need to come from a spine specialist, not the family doctor.

Please let us know how it's going.

All the best,

Mark

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 05:11 PM

With your original complaint I may have made an appt. with the doctor such as you did or preferably my OSS depending on what appt. I could get the quickest). With the MRI report I would have expected a referral to be made to an OSS or Neuro and with the next set of complaints you had if I'd not have had the OSS or Neuro consultation within a timely manner I would have gone to the Emergency Room/Dept. to be further evaluated.

Perhaps at the ER you might be told you need to see a specialist for your problem but it might speed up your referral or consultation and/or maybe have landed you access to a specialist within a 24 hr time frame.

I'd not see the GP/PCP for this problem any longer but I would be seen ASAP if you still have these complaints/symptoms. How are you doing now? Please let us know if you're able.