[Vivi_Fruit]

Hello, all. Hoped to never be posting here, but here I am.

According to an MRI about four years ago, my back is pretty shot. I've got some bulging/herniated discs around L4 and L5-S1 w/ spinal stenosis, arthritis and possibly DDD. The thing is, I have no pain or weakness. Zip. Never have. I DO have some tingling in the feet and legs. The idea of surgery scared me at the time. I was referred to a surgeon, who said I'd probably "be fine" with some PT...and I was, for years.

This year, however, the tingling and strange sensations have become somewhat more pronounced. This morning, I woke up with tingling thighs and my saddle area somewhat numb, which, quite frankly, freaked the hell out of me. Bowel and bladder control are both fine.

I've got a neuro appointment next week for other issues. What should I do? Should I mention this?

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by Vivi_Fruit

I've got a neuro appointment next week for other issues. What should I do? Should I mention this?

Definitely, even if s/he wants you to come back (because it's a different issue) or see another neuro/ortho. Even the specialists are specializing further nowadays. The tingling/numbness could be related to the spine, or to something completely different, and just coincidental.

It's common enough for people with identical spinal MRIs to manifest completely different symptoms. One may be pain-free and the other in abject agony, which is why some doctors are initially dismissive of patients complaining of pain based solely on MRIs. Arthritis, bulging discs, DDD, stenosis, bone spurs... are all typical of the aging process, and part of the price we (humans) pay for walking upright. Being overweight/obese certainly doesn't help any, but people with perfect weights/builds for their height can suffer the same kinds of issues - everyone is different, and there can be genetic factors as well.

Doc

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by Vivi_Fruit

Hello, all. Hoped to never be posting here, but here I am.

According to an MRI about four years ago, my back is pretty shot. I've got some bulging/herniated discs around L4 and L5-S1 w/ spinal stenosis, arthritis and possibly DDD. The thing is, I have no pain or weakness. Zip. Never have. I DO have some tingling in the feet and legs. The idea of surgery scared me at the time. I was referred to a surgeon, who said I'd probably "be fine" with some PT...and I was, for years.

This year, however, the tingling and strange sensations have become somewhat more pronounced. This morning, I woke up with tingling thighs and my saddle area somewhat numb, which, quite frankly, freaked the hell out of me. Bowel and bladder control are both fine.

I've got a neuro appointment next week for other issues. What should I do? Should I mention this?

Well, I certainly wouldn't run off and have surgery just because my "saddle" is numb. Although saddle anesthesia is indicitive for centralized space-occupying lesion (a rather serious and obnoxious problem), if you have no motor or bowel/bladder changes, I would also look at metabolic reasons for your sensory changes (thyroid, diabetes, etc...there are others). Polyneuropathy and myelopathy are also a consideration.

I would also get a lab work-up for metabolic problems and repeat MRI of the lumbar spine to R/O new issues, perhaps EMG/NCV and SEP if warrented before I let anyone chase me around the room with a scalpule.

[glenn eckert]

Yes you should even though I don,t have much faith in Docs anymore

[ginnie]

[Do tell all your symptons to your neurologist. don't hold back anything. They can't evaluate you without all the information you have. I so hope you can find an answer. Surgery is always a last resort. ginnie