After months of misdiagnosis I finally had surgery on a herniated disc on my c6-c5 neck. After the surgery I was still in rough shape. I found a miracle doctor that really helped me with physical therapy, mind body connection, and how to relax. Things were really starting to help. I was getting weaned off of the narcotics and showing real progress.

Finally off the narcs, I was vacationing, and got some really bad lower back pain. I tried working with my Pain clinic "miracle" doctor, and he just kept saying I was having a "flare up". We tried ever non-narcotic way to break-up this flare-up, nothing worked. He kept saying that my mind wasn't allowing my body to heal, and to work with a pain psychologist. I worked with the psych, and she said she didn't think my mind was contributing. My doc finally just said he can't help me and to seek help from a psychiatrist.

The pain-psychologist that worked with my doc, said she didn't think that was the answer. She said I could either goto my primary care, get referred, get tested, get more appts and wait 2months, or goto ER and get it checked in one fell swoop.

I chose the ER route. I was so frustrated with the Pain clinic. It felt as though they gave up on me and just thought I was drug seeking. The ER took an immediate MRI and found a tumor at my S1 nerve root (lower back). I don't even know what that means. Anyone have any experience?

I was so frustrated when the people you are supposted to count of for help, give up on you (and don't beleive you). As a patient, you really have to be your own advocate.

Any advice, please comment. Thanks!

Do you have the report from the radiologist? Do you know what KIND of tumor it is??? First, the kind of tumor needs to be determined. To find that out, they'll probably have to do a biopsy. You'll have to go to your GP to find out what he wants to do about it. He'll have to refer you to a surgeon probably. Do that as soon as possible ~ you don't want to waste alot of time. Best of luck and let us know what happens. hugs, Lee