[bcyak]

Wanted to say hello and good morning. I just registered for this site after peeking around the past couple of days. I suffer from chronic low back pain and have multiple diagnoses From L2/3 down to L5/S1.

As far as chronic back pain goes, I am still just a newbie - I have only had my symptoms for the past 3 years. I am under the care of both an OSS and a PM at this time. My OSS has recently recommended a 3 level ALIF fusion which I am trying all I can to prevent (yeah running scared with good reason).

I have an appoint this afternoon with PM to do a 4 level bilateral rhizotomy with much anticipation and hope for some long lasting relief.

More details about me and my back:
I am 35 (I consider young), and have DDD From L2/3 through L5/S1. There is confirmed annular tears and herniation as well as bulging at multiple levels which is pushing on the thecal sac and imping nerves. I have pain medially throughout my low back which radiates into my rear and hips and down both legs.

I have been through every diagnostic you can imagine - MRI, Myelogram, CT, EMG, Discogram (OUCH!!), and exploratory injections Selective nerve root block, ESI, transforaminal steroid injections, facet injections. I have also tried PT, chiropractic, spinal decompression, and massage.

So today I am going for the rhizotomy. My next step should this not provide the relief I am looking for is to trial SCS. I want to rule out ALL possibilities before seriously considering the fusion.

Sorry for the LONG post.

[Rrae]

Welcome to NT! You certainly have found a forum full of caring people, great information and understanding.
I'm sorry for the reason which brings you here, but you'll soon realize it's the best place to be.

Our spinal forum is pretty active. Here's the link to get you there
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Also, I'd highly recommend you check out the peripheral neuropathy forum.
Especially if the pain you describe is burning in nature. Your lower back problems could very well be hindering the nerve plexus which run into the legs, etc. There is alot of hopeful stuff, especially if you read the top part of the page at each of these forums, called the 'Stickys'.
Here's the PN Link:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=20

AND! If you are looking into the possibility of the SCS, we have a very active specific to that discussion, check it out!
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...prune=-1&f=118

I've had an SCS for lumbar/legs for 2 yrs and I love it! I'd be happy to answer any Q's. I hope to see you at the SCS forum

Good luck with your rhizotomy! Please let us know how it goes!

Caring
Rae

[Darlene]

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

There are great number and caring fellow members here, just let us know how we can assist you. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[eva5667faliure]

hello and welcome

You sure have been thru a bunch! I admire you for the gumption you've still got going into the rhizotomy. Wow, attitude counts for so much in these things, & you've got that all going for you big time!

I'm glad our Community folks have pointed you to the places where you'll find the most action for what you'll need. The folks here are caring & so generous with what they've learned the hard way. You will find a loving community who will share in ups & downs alike.

Let us know how it goes. I'll be sending good thoughts out your way.