Quote:
Originally Posted by cath1
Hi Sandy,
I'm definately NOT a doctor, but I've had enough MRI's of my own explained to me that I should be able to give you a little bit of info on yours... here's what I understand it to mean... if I get anything wrong, someone else can jump in and correct me!! LOL
L2-3 moderate asymetric bulge greater towards right, mild spinal stenosis
This means you have a bulge in your disc (to the right) with a mild compression on your spinal cord
L3-4 moderate bulge, mild facet hypertrophy , mild left lateral recess and neural foramen stenosis
This level also has a bulge in the disc, again mild, you also have an enlargement of the facet joint (this is wear the nerves come out) and neural foramen stenosis means there is a narrowing of the area where the nerves pass through to your upper or lower limbs.
L4-5 Moderate bulge, moderate facet hypertrophy, mild spinal stenosis
This level also has a bulge, a little bit more then the above level, moderate. (everything is measured in mild, moderate or severe in these tests). Spinal stenosis means compression on the spinal cord.
L5-S1 moderate bulge a facet hypertrophy, moderate right neural foramen stenosis. Degenerative changes and dextro convex scoliosis of lumbar spine
degenerative changes occur with everyone, it's how our joints age and essential loose the cushiness and go flat as we age, scoliosis deals with the curvature of your spine, meaning it's crooked and most likely pushing on nerves causing you pain.
My descriptions are pretty basic, but it is my understanding in real terms. I had similar descriptions on my MRI.
I agree with Doc, you should address your pain issues with your doctor, I would not think it wise for you to rush into another major surgery with what your body is already healing from. Give your body a change to heal before you put it under any more stress. Be kind to yourself.
There should be a way to control your pain, so talk to your GP about this.
I hope this helps a little bit. Wishing you less pain and much healing.
Cathie
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Thank you so much Cathie! I know I'm definately not ready for another major surgery. My body is still in shock from the mastectomy. It has been a long rough haul and I'm still working on regaining strength in my arms. My chest muscles still have alot of issues as well. Sometimes I can't even twist off a bottle top still! But slowly I'm getting there. I still need additional reconstruction surgeries, but minor finishing touches. Hopefully soon so I can get some closure on that issue. Thanks for deciphering that medical jargon for me. I understand now why my right leg gets that tingly numb feeling. I was attempting short term disability, and now my attorney and dr feels i should go for social security, since i basicly can't sit for long periods, or stand for long periods. Kind of hard to find a job to fit that criteria. I will be turning 50 this Saturday, but I'm a young 50. Very athletic, or at least used to be. I swam alot this past summer and that was the best therapy ever for my chest and arms, and actually helped my back also. I would look for a public pool to hit this winter, but my immune system is pretty beat up fromj lymph node removal, so it's risky for me. The last thing i need is to get an infection and reject these implants!! I appreciate your help so much!!! Thanks for being an unknown hero!!! Take Care Sandy