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

A week ago I felt my back go and had pain below the knee into my foot . I went to my Family Doc twice. She didn't even bother to check my reflexes much less examine me, Ordered an MRIwhich shows L5-S1 herniation with nerve root compression, scar tissue and a 7 mm disc (bone) fragment pressing too.

Since Friday, the pain has been replaced by complete and total numbness. I've tried bed rest and prednisone 40 mgs 2x day and it has gotten to the point that I am just dragging a stump around.

I now have NO feeling below my left calf and have completely lost the ability to tap my foot or raise it from the heel (this is loss of Achilles reflex I think) The sole of my foot is totally numb, too.

I believe this family doc is incompetent, wants to send me for a "shot" without proper evaluation.

I have 2 questions:

1. Am I correct to suspect that this total numbness and loss of reflex suggests a need for immediate intervention attention as in experiencing the "progressive neurological deficit" I keep been reading about??

2. How long can I be like this without permanent injury to the nerve?

I have been through this twice already with L4-L5-2 surgeries in 2 years. It is so frustrating to deal with this doc-when I asked for a referral to Neurologist they suggested I try to get myself an appt., rather than making a referral.

Thanks for your help,
Grace

Wow, first off welcome to the board..

Secondly, I'm sorry your going through what you are. I know first hand that it can be very frustrating especially when the doctor does not show a special interest in your case.

One thing to remember when dealing with doctors is this. They work for you and it's not the other way around. If you want the referral then demand it. This is your body you have to deal with and I highly suggest that you see someone that specializes in that field to get the quickest resolution possible.

If I reading this right and you are talking about a drop foot problem, I would get this handled ASAP. And please keep us posted.

Mark can help you better with doctors in your area and has a wonderful service that may benefit you. Take his advice.

Good Luck

Hi Grace and welcome,

I agree with martyusa. However, instead of seeing a neurologist, you might want to consider a neuro or ortho surgeon who specialize in spinal disorders. Depending on your insurance company, it might save you one referral.

I also recommend that you see another doctor sooner rather than later. Your gp seems unimpressed by your injury and experience has taught me that nerve damage is trickly. The longer your nerve is compressed, the longer the recovery, if at all.

You've already been around this block. May I ask what previous surgeries you've had? I'm assuming they were discectomies. Statistically speaking, each surgery is less effective than the previous one. Personally, I felt there would be no benefit in going for the third one and opted instead for a 3 level ADR. This option does take more time and your situation is more urgent but perhaps something worth exploring. Mark may be able to help. I implore you to contact him immediatley at globalpatientnetwork.com and I wish you the best of luck.

Dale

I'm shocked!!
 

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.

All of the above x2

Definitely contact Mark. Definitely contact a specialist.

Not necessarily in that order.
Feel better...

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

your family doctor
 

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.