Doc's write up of my problem: "Low back and left anterior thigh weakness with left hip flexor and knee extensor weakness. Loss of left knee patellar reflex and decreased sensation on the left at L3-4."
MRI Results (just part of them):
"There is minor disk desiccation. Mild to moderate disk space narrowing at L3-4. Minimal retrolisthesis of L5 on S1. Vertebral marrow signal is grossly unremarkable. Small Schmorl's nodes at L2 and L3."
"L4-5: Minimal disk bulging with minor bilateral neural foraminal
narrowing."
"1. Far left lateral superiorly extending disk protrusion at L3-4 contacting the left exiting L3 nerve.
2. Indistinct tissue in the left lateral recess extending inferiorly from L3-4, probably extruded or free disk material and in position to contact the budding left L4 nerve roots.
3. Relatively mild lumbar spondylosis at the remaining levels. "
Basically, this seems to say I got disc tissue pressing on nerves and it hurts.
---
A friend brought by groceries for me today and remarked that I seem to be getting around better. I guess it's true - I can walk better and be upright or seated longer. No opiates required during day or at night. No ibuprofen even. I still can't stand up straight, nor am I quite ready to fully trust my left leg, but it's progress. My pain level stays the same, because I just end up trying to do more normal activities. Not that I'm all that close yet.
Then again, who's normal?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Adventures in Naomi-land
I am delighted to report that I got my epidural cortisone shots yesterday afternoon. Yay! I think they're helping - I was able to sleep in my bed last night, as opposed to the couch for the previous 3 nights (I think I needed to press against the back of the couch to mitigate my back pain signals). And I didn't need to take vicodin last night either. Best of all, I woke up with sensation returned where my left leg has been "tingly to the touch" and I think I may have gained a little strength back. These are great improvements. I'm trying to take it one day at a time and not get my hopes up - disappointments are killer.
Speaking of which: I sprained my left ankle Wednesday night. I was briefly standing in my kitchen and I must have shifted weight to my left left without realizing it. My leg collapsed under me and I fell (not gainfully) into a heap. I lost it for a while, then buzzed my physiologist (who was on call) to make sure the epidural was still a go. At her direction, I now have an appt with a neurosurgeon at the end of the month, which will be, essentially, the followup appt for my epidural. (The epidural doc suggested that it would be good to get "in the system" with the neurologist, just in case.)
At my own initiative, I now have a cane. Before this happened, I was making do with a hiking pole, as I noticed my leg weakening. It worked great on grass, and with the plastic tip on, it was okay on carpet too. But wood floors - not so much. My kitchen is bamboo, plus I mostly wasn't using it in my apartment because there is always something to grab onto as I gimp (and the noise to my downstairs neighbors). The fall in the kitchen caught me unaware. I was very upset ("I can't even get around myself in my apartment???"). The progressive weakening was happening more quickly than I realized, I guess.
My cane happens to be the same model as my mother's. I estimate that at my worst, I am 5% more mobile than she is when she walks. I know I get into and out of autos the same way she does. Thanks for providing the example, Mom!
The epidural procedure itself provided interesting, new sensations (most of them unpleasant) during the injections and lying on my stomach, even with the fentanyl administered, became increasingly painful. However, it was all over in about 20 minutes, and I believe the surgeon did a great job. They say if the surgery sensations are in the same place as your pain, they are getting the right spots -- he was definitely on target. And our pre-op talk definitely covered exactly what happened, including the range of sensations.
The other fun part reminded me of the importance of MORNING surgery appointments. Nothing-by-mouth meant I didn't eat or drink anything all day before the surgery, added to the night while I was sleeping. This made me dehydrated enough that my veins were uncooperative. The first nurse tried once with a vein that rolled (dig dig). Next with a vein that blew. She passed me off to someone with better IV skills, and she used some new techniques but also had two unsuccessful tries. Then a third nurse came in and managed to get one going. Much to my delight, I am only sporting two mild bruises today.
Hooray for modern medicine and canes. And for a truly multicultural surgery center.
Speaking of which: I sprained my left ankle Wednesday night. I was briefly standing in my kitchen and I must have shifted weight to my left left without realizing it. My leg collapsed under me and I fell (not gainfully) into a heap. I lost it for a while, then buzzed my physiologist (who was on call) to make sure the epidural was still a go. At her direction, I now have an appt with a neurosurgeon at the end of the month, which will be, essentially, the followup appt for my epidural. (The epidural doc suggested that it would be good to get "in the system" with the neurologist, just in case.)
At my own initiative, I now have a cane. Before this happened, I was making do with a hiking pole, as I noticed my leg weakening. It worked great on grass, and with the plastic tip on, it was okay on carpet too. But wood floors - not so much. My kitchen is bamboo, plus I mostly wasn't using it in my apartment because there is always something to grab onto as I gimp (and the noise to my downstairs neighbors). The fall in the kitchen caught me unaware. I was very upset ("I can't even get around myself in my apartment???"). The progressive weakening was happening more quickly than I realized, I guess.
My cane happens to be the same model as my mother's. I estimate that at my worst, I am 5% more mobile than she is when she walks. I know I get into and out of autos the same way she does. Thanks for providing the example, Mom!
The epidural procedure itself provided interesting, new sensations (most of them unpleasant) during the injections and lying on my stomach, even with the fentanyl administered, became increasingly painful. However, it was all over in about 20 minutes, and I believe the surgeon did a great job. They say if the surgery sensations are in the same place as your pain, they are getting the right spots -- he was definitely on target. And our pre-op talk definitely covered exactly what happened, including the range of sensations.
The other fun part reminded me of the importance of MORNING surgery appointments. Nothing-by-mouth meant I didn't eat or drink anything all day before the surgery, added to the night while I was sleeping. This made me dehydrated enough that my veins were uncooperative. The first nurse tried once with a vein that rolled (dig dig). Next with a vein that blew. She passed me off to someone with better IV skills, and she used some new techniques but also had two unsuccessful tries. Then a third nurse came in and managed to get one going. Much to my delight, I am only sporting two mild bruises today.
Hooray for modern medicine and canes. And for a truly multicultural surgery center.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
