Nerve Damage S1/L5

[housemd89]

Thanks guys.

Well after speaking to my physio who also had a copy of the results I apparantely have 3 of those things, One in T10, S3 and S5 (i think). No word on size or anything. Trying to get a copy of my MRI results to get a better idea of what's going on. I can't believe they never told me I had 3, regardless if they are causing the problem or not.

[jsewell]

I don't know anything about hemangioma's but in my experience with these medical things , rarely is everything included. Only when it is the direct target, in my case anyway.
For instance i just got my EMG study of my legs. I went to see my surgeon and read it after i left his office. Well he did mention the biggies, like nerve damage in my left ankle, and the source of my current back pain which is damage to L5 nerve root . Basically what you had titled your thread.
When reading the report, i find out i have permanent damage to several nerves in my right leg causing muscle weakness. The L5 damage is why my toes and right foot are going numb. But there were lots of interesting things left out. Same with my recent sleep study, i will pick up the report on Monday but the tech doing the study told me more already than the doctor mentioned. He just thinks that the CPAP machine will fix things so didn't talk much about atrial fibrillation occuring which is scaring me!!!
Sorry this was too long. just don't want you to feel you are getting bad service or something, but they should certainly explain what the heck they are and what they are doing.
Judy
At least you are making some progress though

[jsewell]

I just googled vertebral hemangioma and much as firemedix stated mostly are no problem or can be causing symptoms mostly the nerve kind . But you definitely have to get them explained to your satisfaction when you seee your doctor. I only looked briefly and did not see anything about multiple ones., I would think it could be a vascular problem., Just my nervous about anything brain speaking.
I would suggest you google them
Write down questions for the doctor
Make sure he answers them all.
Block the doorway if you have to
I have only had to use that technique once and it was for a student of mine that i was with.
When is your appointment?
Judy

[housemd89]

Originally Posted by jsewell

I just googled vertebral hemangioma and much as firemedix stated mostly are no problem or can be causing symptoms mostly the nerve kind . But you definitely have to get them explained to your satisfaction when you seee your doctor. I only looked briefly and did not see anything about multiple ones., I would think it could be a vascular problem., Just my nervous about anything brain speaking.
I would suggest you google them
Write down questions for the doctor
Make sure he answers them all.
Block the doorway if you have to
I have only had to use that technique once and it was for a student of mine that i was with.
When is your appointment?
Judy

Yeah been reading up about it. I just feel my doctors have been useless with the information. Got the doctors next week, will see what she thinks. If im not impressed I'll ask for a second opinion. My foot pain started around summer timel last year, can't believe how long it's been going on.

[jsewell]

Time does fly ! too bad we have to measure it associated with pain. Let us know what the doctor says and make sure you are armed with questions.
Judy

[housemd89]

Well long time since I last posted here. I finally got reffered to Ortho and he told me my MRI showed one of my discs was worn and protruding. He has booked me in for a epidural steriod injection. Has anyone had this? What was it like?

He said if that doesn't help i may have to consider a spinal fusion. I'm just happy to finally get some answers but also annoyed as this was the same MRI image which i was told that there was no problems except the benign hemangiomas.

[mmglobal]

I had 8 lumbar epidurals more than a decade ago as I was doing my best to avoid surgery. Some of them were VERY effective. A couple had no effect. One made me worse.

It's a pretty common early step as you are doing your due diligence in trying to avoid surgery. With spine... less surgery is better. If you are dealing with typical american insurance, I doubt you'll avoid the ESI's unless you are willing to jump straight to surgery... again... less surgery is better if possible.

Less EVERYTHING is better... including ESI's. Nothing is risk-free. Anytime they are poking needles and scalpels around your spine, there is a chance that something will go wrong. I don't see why some pain management doctors and surgeons will do a third ESI when there was no benefit from the first two.

Good luck!

Mark

PS... If you must have surgery, something less invasive than a fusion is preferable, presuming you are a good candidate.