Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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I was in hospital November -December last year & the mri's (had 2) showed I have protruding/herniated disks at L4 - S1 lower back, & C4-6 neck near head.
Saw orthopaedic Dr's in hospital & seen Orthopaedic surgeon at outpatients on Monday 5th. He went through the back & neck pain & mri's. He said I have myelin damage, progressed more since last mri's, arthritis through most of my spine & the protruding disks.
For the L4-l5 (won't go lower), suggested the cortisone with local ansesthetic to try to ease the inflammation. It would take a day or 2 to see results if work.
For the neck he thought the pain may be so bad because of damaged rotator cuffs in shoulders, when he pressed on back of shoulders both hurt with left being a lot more severe. He suggested to get ultrasounds of shoulders before next visit. If it is issues with rotator cuffs then would look at the cortisone injections too.
If injection to spine/back doesn't work the other option would be fusion surgery of L4'& 5, major surgery & rehab after it. About 2 weeks in hospital & 6 in rehab.
For the shoulders would not suggest the same surgery as wouldn't be able to use arms for walker etc & would be in wheelchair for healing time.
I have had the injection in left shoulder at least 3 times, 1st time worked for between 3-6 months (can't remember fully), 2nd time only lasted 6-8 weeks & 3rd one didn't work.
I had the injection by epidural last Wednesday with locals in muscle (felt like hips), 1st locals didn't work so had to have more. I felt 6-8 injections of them & it was bad pain. I was in a lot of pain for rest of day & still in a lot of pain on bac. Feels like it is on fire for a band across from hip~hip, also got what I presume is neuropathic pain as feels like getting zapped/ electric zaps constantly. I am struggling to sit still as back is sore & making me very fidgety.
Add to the back pain:
my neck has been sore all the time & movement is limited,
My left arm & leg are very painful, were jammed when I woke - leg stuck straight out & arm bent up from elbow. I did stretches before trying to get up.
Right leg also in pain at the top hurts most when first stand up.
Walking has been painful, both back & legs & knees keep buckling when standing/walking all day.
My right eye especially is sore & feels like it is burning & keeps blinking rapidly & closes. This is Dystonia & I have Botox injections in both eyes to try to control it, that usually stops working 2-4 weeks prior to when due again.
I am having trouble swallowing sometimes at the moment so small mouthfuls, lots of chewing & drinks (cordial/water)
Today abdomen lower is also sore & has been having spasms.
Wondering if I am having a relapse as so much is hurting.
Saw orthopaedic Dr's in hospital & seen Orthopaedic surgeon at outpatients on Monday 5th. He went through the back & neck pain & mri's. He said I have myelin damage, progressed more since last mri's, arthritis through most of my spine & the protruding disks.
For the L4-l5 (won't go lower), suggested the cortisone with local ansesthetic to try to ease the inflammation. It would take a day or 2 to see results if work.
For the neck he thought the pain may be so bad because of damaged rotator cuffs in shoulders, when he pressed on back of shoulders both hurt with left being a lot more severe. He suggested to get ultrasounds of shoulders before next visit. If it is issues with rotator cuffs then would look at the cortisone injections too.
If injection to spine/back doesn't work the other option would be fusion surgery of L4'& 5, major surgery & rehab after it. About 2 weeks in hospital & 6 in rehab.
For the shoulders would not suggest the same surgery as wouldn't be able to use arms for walker etc & would be in wheelchair for healing time.
I have had the injection in left shoulder at least 3 times, 1st time worked for between 3-6 months (can't remember fully), 2nd time only lasted 6-8 weeks & 3rd one didn't work.
I had the injection by epidural last Wednesday with locals in muscle (felt like hips), 1st locals didn't work so had to have more. I felt 6-8 injections of them & it was bad pain. I was in a lot of pain for rest of day & still in a lot of pain on bac. Feels like it is on fire for a band across from hip~hip, also got what I presume is neuropathic pain as feels like getting zapped/ electric zaps constantly. I am struggling to sit still as back is sore & making me very fidgety.
Add to the back pain:
my neck has been sore all the time & movement is limited,
My left arm & leg are very painful, were jammed when I woke - leg stuck straight out & arm bent up from elbow. I did stretches before trying to get up.
Right leg also in pain at the top hurts most when first stand up.
Walking has been painful, both back & legs & knees keep buckling when standing/walking all day.
My right eye especially is sore & feels like it is burning & keeps blinking rapidly & closes. This is Dystonia & I have Botox injections in both eyes to try to control it, that usually stops working 2-4 weeks prior to when due again.
I am having trouble swallowing sometimes at the moment so small mouthfuls, lots of chewing & drinks (cordial/water)
Today abdomen lower is also sore & has been having spasms.
Wondering if I am having a relapse as so much is hurting.
The back pain did start to ease a little on the weekend but I did physio on Tuesday & that made my back spasm constantly.
My husband gave me a back, neck & arm massage & that eased the pain a lot.
It is still not back to what it was before the injection but more able to sit & manage with pain relief.
I am taking tapentadol which is working well for pain. I take 100mg every 8 hours (3times a day) & I take Tramadol 50 for breakthrough pain which was down to once a day.
That is controlling the pain so I can at least function,