Lumbar radiculopathy

[Ayomide1970]

Two lumbar microdiscectomies- one in April 2014 and revision microdiscectomy in June 2014. Now have facet joint overgrowth, epidural fibrosis, desiccated discs with narrowed disc space, two level "minimal" disc bulges, and facet joint narrowing. Also have rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism. Constant intense pain no matter what I attempt- normal life activities of mom with three children and full - time employment. Lots of pain medications, no pain relief though. Waiting for an epidural steroid injection to help ease the pain. Not very optimistic, but trying to keep the faith going.

[Bonnie39]

Long story short, 18 months ago my thrn 12 year old very sporty son had an accident in athletics training at school. He fractured a vertebrae, slipped two discs and tore three muscle groups in his back. We also discovered at this point that he had a spina biffida. It looked like his football and athletics days were over.

6 months later he was in control of his pain well enough to return to school, and promptly a boy pushed him down the concrete stairs and gave him another spinal fracture near the original one.

As you can imagine, from 6 months lying flat on his back or sat upright in a wooden chair he was very stiff and had little movement. The fractures slowly healed and the muscles repaired (but were very tight) and the discs were still slipped. He had very little movement.

The hospital referred him to a physio and now he is fitter, stronger and more flexible than ever before.

From a keen but middle skilled footballer and a fast but technique hit runner he is now the best footballer in his league and was awarded a trophy for being an "outstanding runner" at school by the ex Jamaican sprint coach. He regularly represents school at County level and competes against boys up to three years older than him.

Whilst he was in severe pain and the future didn't look good, strict physio and careful exercises have made him better than ever. He still has the bifdida and slipped discs but because he has strengthened his muscles the pain no longer troubles him much.

Please ask for physio and do as they tell you. Physio has improved enormously over the last 20 or so years. Good luck x

[Sarah-Jane in reply to Bonnie39]

Wow what an inspiration

[Ayomide1970 in reply to Bonnie39]

Very inspirational- a mother's love has no limits. Good luck to you and your son.

[bwaite]

Sounds like you have a lot going on!

I hope the shot works for you. I

know sometimes its hard to keep

the faith but your not alone. X

[Sarah-Jane]

OMW! That's awful! How do you cope?

[mitziblue]

Sweetheart I'm so sorry!!! Have you been to a pain clinic? If so have you tried Opana ER It has really helped me and I suffer with Fibro, OA, RLS, and bulging disks, among other health issues. Hope this helps and you get some relief from all you are going through!!! xxx Mitzi

[nadine111]

what an amazing story of a childs strength mixed in with a mothers love that helped this child get through what must have been hell for many long months. can't begin to imagine how bad your body must have paid the price of getting your son well. i have had two radio frequency oblations for major bulging discs in lower back. has worked each time for about 6-8 months with no side effects. i have had facet injections in the past and continue to do so for my neck. one suggestion-if taking any form of cortisone be prepared for cortisone "overdose" which will leave you shaky and anxious for a few days before settling down. worth the few days dealing with the side effect since the facet does help my neck some. with 6 bulging discs in neck any relief is welcome. hope this is of some help to you

[wiseEagle]

Steroid shots= weight gain. Beware.

[TheAuthor]

Hi Ayomide1970

I am so sorry to read that you are suffering in so much pain and I genuinely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to these issues. It really sounds like you have so much going on for you at this time and it is never easy to cope with multiple problems of such severity.

I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck and I sincerely hope that you can find the answers that you so desperately desire and deserve.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x