New here - would like some advice

[feethead]

Hello, I have suuffered with pain for years and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2019 and have tried all the medications going. Doctors always tell me that my chronic neck and back pain is fibromyalgia but I disagree that it is all down to that.

I have had MRI's in the past which showed some degeneration and bulging discs in lumbar but my recent MRI has a lot of knew things and im not sure what they mean.

Moderate to severe intervertebral disc degenerative change at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. Moderate endplate sclerosis at L5-S1.

C5-C6 mild posterior disc bulge. Mild central spinal stenosis

C6-C7 minimal posterior disc bulge with bilateral uncovertebral hypertrophy

L3-L4 mild circumferential disc bulge. Mild lateral facet joint hypertropy.

L4-L5 posterior disc bulge asymmetric left with annular fissure and stenosis of lateral recess. Mild bilateral facat joint hypertrophy. Partial impingement of traversing left L5 nerve root.

L5-S1 circumferential disc bulge. Mild bilateral facet joint degenerative hypertrophy.

I would be so grateful if someone could interpret it for me! I am despaired with pain and am wondering if these changes would warrant me seeing a Spinal Consultant instead of a Pain consultant which I have seen many of before.

Thank you!

[Madlegs1]

I would certainly be looking for a spine specialist.

Pain guys should be referring you.

[feethead in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you

[Defenders]

Hello, I’m from the UK. I have lots of bulging discs and my spine is in a state, all due to Ciprofloxacin, a Fluoroquinolone antibiotic. I have been badly injured by this medication, peripheral neuropathy, the list goes on….. I ask everyone with a Fibromyalgia diagnosis and spinal problems, whether they were prescribed one of this family of drugs Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin …….

[feethead in reply to Defenders]

Hi, im so sorry to hear that. I have not taken any of these medications. Wish you the best.

[jpbuk1204 in reply to Defenders]

How often did you take this medication as I thought they wetexan antibiotics which is inly for short term one off use.

[Defenders in reply to jpbuk1204]

I was prescribed Cipro by my then Dr for sinusitis, this was almost 10 years ago. On the 4th day of a 5day course, I woke up in the night with awful pins and needles type feeling in my lower legs and I still have it 24/7. It has been diagnosed as permanent. My other permanent injuries are Axonal Sensory Neuropathy, tinnitus, dizziness, tendon and muscle damage. My most recent diagnosis is the autoimmune disease SS (Seronegative Spondyloaropathy which is Rheumatoid Arthritis and was triggered by Ciprofloxacin! Previous to this I was prescribed with one 5 day course of Cipro by my then Dr.

[miley0710 in reply to Defenders]

So sorry to hear you're having to cope with all this. I have suffered with Ankylosing Spondilitis for 38 years and just cope with it, but developed Tinnitus a few years ago. It now seems to be getting worse and I wondered if you have had any support with yours. I have high BP and Ramipril has increased the noise in my head. What awful things we have to put up with.

[Defenders in reply to miley0710]

None, we are just left to get on with it! I make sure I have radio or tv on during the day. My medication knocks me out at night. Drs don’t want to know when it comes down to medication injuries, even though they prescribed them, I’ve been blanked, laughed at, ignored by drs!

[miley0710 in reply to Defenders]

Yes I always have the TV or music on, but it is so loud now and I can't ignore it. I have never received any real treatment over the years and I no longer have any faith in doctors. Thanks for replying.

[feethead in reply to Defenders]

Just saw this article in the Daily Mail today

dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

[Defenders]

Thanks for this. I do know of them and their stories. There are so many people out there with similar stories and so many others have lost their lives. Ciprofloxacin has crippled me!

[Marylyn]

From my experience & MRI results you have severe spinal degeneration most likely caused from a long term vitamin B12 & D deficiency .Ask for active vitamin B12 , homocysteine,MMA , folate , Vit D , zinc , red cell magnesium levels .I have been having weekly vit B12 injections , folate & cofactors for 12 yrs now .I believe this treatment has healed the nerve pain .Yes I still have numb feet from long term damage.I still may have to have surgery due to structural damage from cortisone shots 50 yrs ago .To learn more view b12awareness.org

[Defenders in reply to Marylyn]

I have taken B12 and D3 for a long time. Thank you xx