seeking infoThoracic herniation/pressure on spinal cord

[SeanP03]

I've "thrown out" my back 3 times now over the course of 3 years (roughly). I recently had an MRI done on my back both lumbar and thoracic spine images. I had a referral to a Physical Medicine Doctor both the radiologist and the doctor confirmed I have a T8 disk herniation and the disk is putting pressure on the right side of my spinal cord. The odd part is the majority of my pain/spasms is centralized or to the left side under the herniated area. Also since the last injury (aug 2010) I've noticed feeling the urge to urinate and not being able to or "dribbling" before I can make it to go where I have always had great control over my bladder, plus the embarrassing part, I noticed that I've had bowel issues; "fecal leakage" the first 2 times I thought maybe I was in a rush and didn't wipe well (gross i know) but then it was more often, I thought I would mention it to the doc as well (I never actually defecated myself, would notice from being itchy in the area and finding "residue" ) I still feel like I had to go and everything just occasionally find said instance without the urge. I had the appointment today and received a call from the doctor later this evening telling me that after further review it was very important I see the neurosurgeon at "said" hospital for his opinion tomorrow and not to wait, which I am doing. I'm nervous at him not being very specific as to why it was so urgent, has anyone had similar issues that could help me or give me some information.

A little background information on me I'm 28, m, 5'9 and 200lbs... just had the MRI, have some family history degenerative disk disease, but the doc also thinks its unrelated at my age, I had 2 steroid epidurals prior to the MRI and actual diagnosis (urgent care refereed me to a "pain clinic") I thought it was odd that that doc had diagnosed it and started treatments with nothing more than the xray from the urgent care, which was in the same building coincidentally. Other than that I've had doses of steroids anti-inflammatories pain pills and muscle relaxers.

any help, info and insight

thanks

[Pippy42]

You need to see neurosurgeons ASAP so as to rule out 'Cauda Equina syndrome' which is a medical emergency, don't delay with the symptoms you describe. I have had similar issues and they need to rule CAS out as it can lead to permanent loss of bladder and bowel control as well as paralysis! Don't mean to scare u but it needs to be checked. Do u have anal sphincter control?? U can check this yourself by contracting ur muscles like when u stop a urination on purpose.. And I know its gross but u need to put a finger in ur rectum and see if the muscle is very weak or absent, anyway get the doc to check as soon as poss. Also ask for urologist or doc to check ur bladder with 'Urodynamic testing"

[SeanP03]

i hear that, holy hell got off work a little while ago...working, against docs orders, but what do ya do, stop and be broke and evicted, ive been trying to muscle through it. I work in-home patient care, so sometimes assisting lifting and showering patients obviously is hell, so much for the stack of 20lb weight limit restriction papers that my employer was supposed to get, they sit on my desk. ive always been a physically strong person so its mentally debilitating too, tonight by far is the worst yet, no muscle relaxers, pain-killers and steroids come close to takin the edge off. I heard surgery is a nightmare and a last resort but idk how long it will go on like this. ant it was T4 my mistake. I feel it all the way through my chest. I hate analogies but it feels only what I can imagine being impaled feels like.

[twofiftys]

Hi Sean P. I'm Sean also.Man I feel for ya.If it's anything like what I'm going through.I have some of same symptoms as you. 9 months I 've been going to Doctors,Specialists and Neurologists.I just had my M.R.I. about 2 weeks ago and I still don't have a surgery date.AAArrrgggg!!! I have Spinal Stenosis and an L5 Root Impingement and more.Good news is I didnt have a Disc(s) Herniation like I thought.I know how painful it is for me so hang in there man.I was even sent home from emergency recently as it's gotten so bad that I can't walk anymore.(If I do each step is so painful it's almost unbearable) Not trying to scare you my injuries are more than your's? I could go on but I'll leave it there for now.Feel free to reply.

[SeanP03]

Also I have pain and numbness in in my legs and couldn't feel the difference between the spiked roller device (idk what its called) and the dull handle on the inside of my calves.