By the right place I don't jus mean to make new friendship an get help and advice but being computer illiterate I'm also hoping I pressed the right button to post this introduction about myself, it seriously took me three days to take the plunge and I'm dreading that this might pop up somewhere totally inappropriate.

My names Dawn I'm 51 have 6 daughters all grown up and am now repeating the whole child rearing experience with two of my grandchildren aged 3 & 5. They are great and keep me on my toes which is really why I'm here...hoping to find advice to keep me on my toes.
I have suffered with cluster headaches for 30years which interfere with my life for months and months at a time so I felt really sorry for myself when last may I developed lower back pain and sciatica symptons that lasted all through the summer getting progressively worse until I wasn't able to stand or walk far because of the pain. The symptons eventually went leaving me with just some weakness an stiffness and occasional night time cramps. I was given a MRI but no one ever shared the results with me till last week when I went back to the GP after the symptons returned with a vengeance, (already walking is hard) He let me briefly skim through the MRI report. At least 4 herniated discs were mentioned, separate to a annula tear and bulging disc, compression, spinal stenosis and degenerative disease there was a load of other stuff but that's what I can remember. I was pretty shocked and had the 5 yearvold with me (who is chatty and active) so was distracted. He explained nothing except to say I need a op that I am too young to have so all he can do is prescribe painkillers and gabapentin. His painkillers don't work I'm in agony!!!
Surely that's not all on offer? Could really do with some advice on what those results are suggesting my back problem is and is it likely too get worse? Am I allowed toask for a copy of the MRI report?
Suppose I'm saying "help" really ...I need to stay mobile enough to keep jumping in muddy puddles for a good few more years!
Anyway thank you for reading and if anyone can shed some light on things I would be so grateful. Looking forward to getting to knowing you all ( once I have mastered how to use iPad/site xxx

Hello & welcome.

I will place a copy of your post on our spinal forum to help you get answers.


Here is the link to it-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...d.php?t=201676

Hi Dawn!
Actually you can call the hospital or outpatient center that done your MRI and tell them you need a copy of the disc for your personal records. This would be picked up in the radiology department. Then proceed to medical records and obtain a copy of the MRI report. Be prepared, have your drivers license in hand and most hospitals charge fifty cents per page for the report...should only be two pages.
The bulging disc can be treated with NSAIDS and Physical therapy.
My advice would be to ask for a consult for a Neurosurgeon to further advice you on your results. Hope this helps.
B

Thank you for the warm welcome and advice. I will try and get myself informed and be more assertive next time I see the GP. Looking forward to learning how to navigate this site

Hi D4wn,

Welcome and glad you are here. Jo*mar placing your post in the spinal forum will generate a lot more responses that will be on point with your concerns. Frustrateddaughter gave some good advice for obtaining a copy of your MRI and corresponding report. Having a copy of the report will be beneficial in many ways. You will be able to quote some of the findings and get great explanations from some of the members here that are well versed in MRI spinal reports that many doctors don't have the time to explain. It will also help to be able to bring those items with you if you consult a specialist. And another reason to have a copy is you never know when you will need a copy and may not still have access to it.

Treatment modalities will differ from patient to patient and doctor to doctor so you might want to get an opinion beyond the one you have from your GP. I am personally a believer in second opinions.

As for getting around on the NT site, it takes some getting used to so the more you visit with us, the better you will become at navigating your way around. There are also very useful guides under the frequently asked questions. Members are always willing to help, too. In a box of computer literate bulbs, I am only a 7 watt bulb but there are many brighter bulbs in the NT box.

Hope you find all the answers you seek. The members are here to help. Welcome aboard. Looking forward to seeing you around. Best wishes to you.

It is great to have come be with us. You will find some wonderful people here to listen with open ears. Please just let us know how to do so. You will find a group of dear friends that will asset you.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you with you.

Darlene