Sciatica Support Group

Well, I've never had it switch legs, but I've had it for 21 years ~ caused by surgery.

I'm wondering if the same thing didn't happen to you ~ the surgery caused it. Many times fusion causes other levels to screw up, as you well know. I hope that's not the case for you. You certainly don't need more problems! The only thing I can think of is you may have herniated on the right side this time. I pray not!!

I told my surgeon to install Velcro the last time so he wouldn't have to keep cutting! Sheeesh.

I'll be interested in hearing what your CT scan says. Please let us know, ok? God bless and prayers are coming your way. Hugs, Lee

Hi,
Just got back from my surgeon, according to my CAT scan the level above my fusion shows (9 months out of surgery) minimal stenosis quite a bit of facet arthritis. He said he felt like it was a severe flareup. duh!! He said if I was the average person he would suggest Steroid Injections, but me being the women of strange problems ( I develop meningitis after each steroid injection) he wouldn't suggest it. So I left with the promise of wearing my back brace, anti-inflammatory and h2o therapy. I'm to stay in contact with him and let him know in a week or so if the anti-inflammatory and therapy help. You know I have been through this way too many times and I know his protocol. Injections, therapy, and if all else fails surgery. I will do everything he told me to but I know this is a more of a problem than what he is saying. Not much of a explanation of why its the other leg. After 5 surgeries we get to know the signs!
Thanks for your help, I was so desperate a frightened I just couldn't function. Thanks again

Velcro would be a good thing!
Thanks again
Nan

Yeah, facet Arthritis. I'd forgotten about that. I've got it too but that's the least of my problems. LOL.

Good grief, meningitis??? You poor thing! I wouldn't take the shots either! I've never heard of that, but I don't think much of the steroid injections anyway. They rarely work and are just a big moneymaker for the docs!

Have you tried alternating heat and ice on your back? You might try ice and heat and 20 minute intervals each a few times a day. That seems to calm my back ~ the ice especially helps the pain when I'm having a bad flare, but the HEAT feels better. The trouble is, heat draws blood to the area and if you have swelling, the heat will cause more. So you're darned if you do and darned if you don't. LOL. Sometimes I do it anyway cause it feels so good. LOL.

I hope you can relieve some of your pain! God bless. Hugs, Lee

New Symptom again, Been on the naproxen for about a week and now a week dose of Steroids. No help with the pain and walking. The pain Dr did increase the Kadian from 20 mg to 30. This week I have noticed some swelling but never enough that anyone noticed. I had horrible pain in my legs last night and noticed they were swollen quite a bit. So in the recliner with my legs up above my heart. Could this be from my back???? i just started the steroids yesterday morning, not sure if it could be that?