[EE03]

I went last week for one and I verified that the results were delivered to my GP on Monday. I called their office yesterday - no return call. I called again today, still no return call. I made sure that he's in the office as they are usually very good at getting back to you with results. The end result is now I'm imagining all sorts of horrible results being the reason they aren't calling. Silly, I know, but this is so atypical of their usual procedures. I hate it when I'm left hanging. I guess I have no patience right now to boot.
Thanks for letting me vent

[EE03]

Finally, they called. It seems I have a herniated/bulging disc at L5-S1 and the report mentions narrowing at L4-L5. I don't have the report in hand, but my GP is referring me to an NS for a plan of treatment/attack. I knew something was up. This is really, really, sad and I guess I'm really bummed about it. I've been dealing with hip pain for quite awhile and then the muscles in the lower back stay in a spazzed state with pain associated with it. Now I wonder if the hip pain is from this. Anyway, I'm totally depressed now.

[Fancylady_2006]

I have in the passed had the same results from a MRI reading. Please don't let it upset you so much. Dr.'s don't usually jump into surgery right away because this don't often fixed the problem. I have had 7 back surgeries, and if one would of fixed the problem, I wouldn't of had more. The narrowing means spinial stenosis. I have had it when it was called severe.

Here is what my back surgeon told me. We can operate, but the trouble is it usually you'll have more pain either up or down your spine after that. My one fusion turned out into 5 fusions, later on. Try what they suggest frist, then if that doesn't help, they will do surgery down the road. Surgery is not a quick fix! I wish you the best.
Fancylady

[EE03]

Well, I got the report and its not good. I have annular bulging and facet hypertrophy, creating mild central and lateral recess stenosis of L4-5, and a protruding disc herniation at L5-S1 with moderate recess stenosis. I continue to have pain, no surprise, and I'm still waiting to hear from a neuro surgeon with an appointment. I'm guessing they'll want a myelogram, but thats only a guess on my part and based on my cervical experience. This stuff is really getting old quick and I'm staying bummed over this stuff. Any words of wisdom from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

[Fancylady_2006]

I'll be surprised if they do a Myelogram. I haven't had one of those in years. If they are concerned about surgery, they may do a Diskogram. They are painful, but tell the doctor a lot. Hang in there!
Fancy

[brokenlady]

i have a herniated disc and lumbar stenosis as well at L5 S1. the hip pain i think your experiencing is called referred pain. your dr will probably try conservative treatment first to avoid surgery if possible such as meds (steroids, neurontin, narcotics, etc.) and physical therapy. then they will try esi shots in your spine. i've not had surgery as of yet on my lumbar im trying to avoid it if possible. i also have cervical damage as well. i hope this helps ...tc ...