Posted: 7/7/2010 5:39:23 AM EDT
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I had fusion in 10/07 at L5-S1. I've had off and on back pain but nothing like what happened last Wed. I was bent over pulling some weeds when out of nowhere my right butt cheek got this terrible toothache feeling and my right foot went numb. I went to see my surgeon and he did an x-ray and said the hardware looks intact and gave me a steriod injection.
Here it is exactly 1 week later and my ass still feels like a bad toothache and the top of my right foot (and the toes) are numb as well as a portion along the back surface of my right calf. My pain mgt. doctor gave me a dose pack (I started yesterday) and said see if that helps. Any back doctors or other experts know what is going on with my body?? I don't want to have permanent foot numbness. Is there anything else I should be doing that I haven't done already. Please!! Your input is most gratiously appreciated!!! |
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Not an expert but could it be your sacroiliac joint? Had this go out and experienced somewhat the same things you describe. I've also had surgery in the same area. Discectomy.
http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/sacroiliac-joint-pain.php |
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Maybe there is something your doctor is missing. Get another doctors opinion. Do some research though. There is a dr here in NOVA Dr. Childs
Probably the best orthopedic surgeon in the country. Maybe make a trip up this way if you can't get straight. I am in need for L4-5 fusion and a cage. I really don't want to get it I'm managing it right now but eventually? Good luck bro, I kinda know what your going through. |
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I'm laying here recovering from L-3/4 discectomy, so I feel your pain.
Are you seeing a nerosurgeon? You may well have another problem not related to your past surgery. An x-ray can't see the soft tissue disk problems. You probably need an MRI. Best of luck. BACK PAIN SUCKS! |
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Quoted:
I'm laying here recovering from L-3/4 discectomy, so I feel your pain. Are you seeing a nerosurgeon? You may well have another problem not related to your past surgery. An x-ray can't see the soft tissue disk problems. You probably need an MRI. Best of luck. BACK PAIN SUCKS! This is correct. On all counts. |
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I'm no doctor, and I'm not diagnosing anything, but here are my thoughts. Sounds like your sciatic nerve. Could be pinched from inflammation of the surrounding tissues, or it could be piriformis syndrome. Could be torn nerve fibers. The steroid shot was to treat any inflammation. Doesn't sound like it worked, so rule out inflammation. Could be the piriformis muscle pressing on the sciatic nerve. Is there any change if you rotate your right leg so that your foot is pointing sideways? Does the pain lessen, or get worse? If no change, rule out piriformis. Could be torn/severed nerve fibers in the sciatic nerve. You'll need an MRI to know for sure. If you go to another doctor and they want to give you another shot, or more pills, just leave, you're wasting your time. |