What it is to suffer with L4 - L5 prolapsed disc

Well, I had L4-L5 prolapsed disc surgery way back in 1988. I suffered with severe back pain for more than a decade, as the radiologist who did my myelogram made a blunder, or didn't know to read it properly, didn't mention anything about the disc. It came to that stage when I felt, I was walking on hot coal, feet used to burn, when clothes touch my thighs, it will pain and burn !

Sadly, 2 orthopedics to whom I went, only read the report of the myelogram, didn't see the film, made me go through traction, which worsened my pain, made me swallow tons of painkillers, which lead to my kidneys being scarred and small in size. Suggested so many therapies, including acupuncture, nothing worked. Then ultimately, one of them said that I need psychiatric treatment,  as I didn't respond to any pain. At that time, the physiotherapist, who was treating me, said that none of the treatments are going to help, find a good surgeon and only operation will give me relief. What a physio could say, the orthos couldn't detect !?

When I decided that I'll not see any more doctors, one of our friend, said one last chance, I'll fix with an orthopedic, let us see what he says. You'ld not believe, it was the same orthopedic, I had met 12 years ago, who wanted me to get a spinal x-ray done, to which my father-in-law refused saying that a doctor who can't decide by seeing x-rays taken about 15 months ago, isn't a good Dr. ! Because of his decision that I suffered for 12 long years.

When I went to see the ortho now, I had a pile of x-rays and myelogram. It was a small cabin in which he was seeing patients.To examine me, he said go and lie down at the table which was hardly 2/3 feet behind him. He examined me and asked, " haven't anyone noticed that you're walking in a peculiar way. I said, sorry I don't understand, what you mean. He then said, didn't anyone notice that your one shoulder is lower than the other ! I said NO. 

Then he asked for the myelogram, saw only the film taken 6 years before that and he said it clearly shows you've a problem, didn't anyone tell you ? I said no. He said, surgery is the only cure, to decide the date and tell him. After surgery, within 24 hours, he made me get up from the recovery room, saw my bladder was full, said that he'ld not like to put a catheter, as it leads to infection. He helped me walk to the rest room !. But my pain really vanished after the surgery. For 3/4 days, they had put a drain from my spine, to drain out all the fluids, in a container kept on the floor. My father was with me in the hospital, every time, I had to go to the rest room, he had to bend down and pick and give me the container and I had the long tail behind me !

Once, I recovered, when I went for follow-up, I asked the surgeon, how come the moment you saw me, you knew my problem, while the others didn't know. He said, those with L4- L5 prolapsed disc problem have a peculiar walk, which no one can mimic ! That is the reason, we always need to search for the best surgeon in the field, when you need any surgery.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
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Pain Management and Spinal Stenosis

  Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of spaces in the spine (backbone) which causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. About 75% of cases of spinal stenosis occur in the low back (lumbar spine). In most cases, the narrowing of the spine associated with stenosis compresses the nerve root, which can cause pain along the back of the leg.

There are many  causes for spinal stenosis-

• Ageing: With age, the body's ligaments (tough connective tissues between the bones in the spine) can thicken. Spurs (small growths) may develop on the bones and into the spinal canal. The cushioning disks between the vertebrae may begin to deteriorate. The facet joints (flat surfaces on each vertebra that form the spinal column) also may begin to break down. All of these factors can cause the spaces in the spine to narrow.
• Arthritis: Two forms of arthritis that may affect the spine are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Hereditary: If the spinal canal is too small at birth, symptoms of spinal stenosis may show up in a relatively young person. Structural deformities of the involved vertebrae can cause narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Instability of the spine, or spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward on another, that can narrow the spinal canal.
• Tumors of the spine: Abnormal growths of soft tissue may affect the spinal canal directly by causing inflammation or by growth of tissue into the canal. Tissue growth may lead to bone resorption (bone loss due to over-activity of certain bone cells) or displacement of bone and the eventual collapse of the supporting framework of the spinal column.
• Trauma: Accidents and injuries may either dislocate the spine and the spinal canal or cause burst fractures that produce fragments of bone that penetrate the canal.

 Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis may result in low back pain as well as pain in the legs. Stenosis may pinch the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in the legs. Additional symptoms may include:

• Frequent falling, clumsiness
• Pain and difficulty when walking
• Numbness, tingling, hot or cold feelings in the legs

 Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis

Spinal stenosis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be caused by other conditions. Usually, people who develop stenosis have no history of back problems or any recent injury. Often, unusual leg symptoms are a clue to the presence of spinal stenosis.
If simple treatments, such as postural changes or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, do not relieve the problem, special imaging studies may be needed to determine the cause of the problem. An MRI (magnetic resonance image) or CT (computed tomography) scan may be requested. A myelogram (an X-ray taken after a dye is injected into the spine) may be performed. These and other imaging studies can offer details about the bones and tissues and help with diagnosis.

Treatment For Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis can be treated several ways. Treatment options include:

• Changes in posture: People with spinal stenosis may find that flexing the spine by leaning forward while walking relieves their symptoms. Lying with the knees drawn up to the chest also can offer some relief. These positions enlarge the space available to the nerves and may make it easier for people with stenosis to walk longer distances. 
• Medications-In some cases, the pressure on the nerves is caused by inflammatory swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines  such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help relieve symptoms.
• Rest: Rest, followed by a gradual resumption of activity, can help. Aerobic activity such as bicycling is often recommended.
• Surgery: If other treatments do not ease the pain, surgery may be recommended to relieve the pressure on affected nerves. 
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  this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.
  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations
  https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes
  

  https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement