Hello--

I'm just joining this group in hopes of getting my problems in perspective as I guess they are pretty minor in the larger scheme of things. However they are really bugging me! I have spondylolisthesis which does NOT cause back pain (other than a few acute episodes); rather it is giving me increasing numbness and leg cramps and pain in my toes. The first doc I went to frightened me by acting mystified since I didn't have pain. However now I have one who seems willing to do surgery if my quality of life is severely affected. I can't be on my feet for more than 1/2 an hour and can only sleep on my left side, and lately the backs of my legs have been aching. And I can wear nothing but Birkenstocks. I think it's definitely getting worse. The doctor said he would only do a fusion if I had pain; but with the numbness, etc. laminectomy is a possibility since I also have stenosis.
I would be very grateful to hear from anyone with similar problems.--

Thanks very much, Constance

Hi Constance! Welcome to NeuroTalk! I've posted the link to the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain Forum. Hopefully you can find others there with a similar experience as you. Feel free to join in on any forum, though, as there are lots of fantastic people here!

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Hi there Constance, and welcome to NeuroTalk.

I'm sorry that you've been through so much, so please don't think your problems are only minor. It certainly sounds like you're in need of help and support, and you've come to the right place for that.

Welcome again. I hope you like it here.

Hello Constance and Welcome ton NeuroTalk. Glad you found us, so please make yourself at home.

Hi, Constance! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

It sounds like you're really struggling, I'm sorry to learn this. The link Kelly offered is a good start. Let us know if we can assist you in any way. Enjoy the forums!

I can't figure out yet how this site works but thanks for your replies. I just went to the doc I saw last year and he threw me out! I had a new MRI but the report said nothing had changed. So the doc said "it's not your back. I can't help you." Last year he was all friendly and helpful. Now apparently I don't even have a diagnosis for numbness, crampiness even though it seemed clear this was all emanating from the back. I don't know who to go to next!

Constance

Go up to the bar across the top of the page and click on FAQ. Then click on General Forum Usage. That should answer a lot of your questions about how to use the forums.

I'm sorry your doctor was so rude. It might help to keep a log of all your symptoms on a daily basis. That way, when you do find another doctor you can give them up to the minute data on your condition.

If you have any questions just post them here - we'll try and help you along! We were all new here once!