MRI Scan results

[Twitchen]

Two months after having an MRI scan, I today received a copy of the letter sent to my GP by the neurologist.

It is pretty brief and very disappointing in that it does not actually say whether or not this could be what is causing the neuropathy in my feet.

Please does anyone know how to interpret this jargon:

" At the level of L5 there is a paracentral disc bulge that appears to make contact with the exiting left-sided root. No canal stenosis or any other abnormalities have been identified."

Is this purely a wear and tear age thing? Any feedback greatly appreciated.

[Patdoyle]

I recently had MRI for the same thing numbness in feet. The neurologist report was very similar to yours. Bulging discs but I also have spinal stenosis probably age related. The neurologist was non committal as to whether the feet would be affected by the disc or the stenosis. I feel disappointed too. Still no firm diagnosis

[Twitchen in reply to Patdoyle]

Thanks for your reply. It is so frustrating isn't it? You just want to be told what is causing all of the tingling and numbness in the feet.

With me it changes; started purely in right foot and back of leg, but is now in both feet - some very strange sensations going on. A few months ago I was in absolute agony in that the top of my toes and part of my foot felt like they were burning all the time and extremely painful. I couldn't stand anything touching that area - even the bedclothes hurt. However, that eased off after about a month, so this does seem to be a variable condition.

I have tried B12 supplements, magnesium supplements and lately expensive fish oil capsules, but don't really know if any of it makes a difference.

[Judmilla in reply to Twitchen]

To Twitchen: You say you have tried B12 and magnesium supplements; but have you ever had your levels checked? A deficiency of some things can develop due to an inability to absorb the substance, even if you are ingesting it. If you are unable to absorb B12, then taking the supplement won't help. You may need the shots. Or you might try to see if the high dose sublingual tablets will work; these are absorbed through the tissue under your tongue, directly into the blood stream. But either way, you need to know what your blood levels are, before and after. See if you can find a doctor who will order a comprehensive test of multiple nutrients. You might have to pay for it out of pocket, but it might be worth it.

[Twitchen in reply to Judmilla]

Yes levels were checked and I was told B12 was within range at 235. So I have been taking sublingual B12 for the past couple of years and last blood best results showed level being at 900+ and was told to stop supplementing (but I didn't). Magnesium I took in the form of ionic Mega-Mag added to cordial, not a lot just a bit daily to see if it made any difference, but it didn't

[Judmilla in reply to Twitchen]

I don't know where you live, but 235 is a deficiency level, even though in the U.S., they try to say that a deficiency is only levels below 200. In most of the rest of the world, a deficiency is a level below 500 or even 550. A level of 900+ is fine, from what I've heard from people in the know. I wouldn't worry about it. I doubt that "too much" B12 is toxic, the way too much vitamin A would be. I haven't been able to find any upper limit for blood levels, just that it should be well over 500. And that is a bare minimum, according to what I've read on it. Medicare and the insurance companies want to keep it at 200, so they don't have to pay for the shots.

[ILovetoSew]

Hello.. Basically it says that you have a bulging disc that is pressing on a nerve root, thus causing pain. You have no spinal stenosis, which is narrowing of the spinal canal. Not a wear and tear thing. Follow up with someone.

[Twitchen in reply to ILovetoSew]

Would an osteopath or chiropractor be a good idea? Probably far better than a physiotherapist.

[Marz in reply to Twitchen]

.... or gentle yoga to help strengthen the surrounding muscles. I had surgery for stenosis 9 years ago and started teaching yoga some 5 years ago at 65 I also see an osteopath for re-alignment ....

[Hidden]

Had virtually the same diagnosis 4-5 weeks ago and I was hoping the MRI result on the L5 and disc bulge would solve the problem of PN, but NO purely wear and tear.

Don't give up, after seeing on the news last week what they did for one patient with parkinson's who couldn't even hold a Pen is remarkable. a CURE FOR PN and other nerve damage is bound to be conquered SOONER rather than LATER.

[Twitchen]

Thanks so much for your reply.

It is just awful not knowing the cause, especially when it is getting worse.

Went for a walk today and it felt like I was walking on sandpaper - very strange. Do you get bad cramping in your toes and foot arch?