38 female: Mild scoliosis, Vit D deficiency. Multi-level DDD with compression fractures along thoracic, 4 herniated discs in thoracic, & 2 in lumbar. Conservative treatment for 8 months: inversion table, physical therapy, chiropractic, medications, injections, bed rest, accupuncture, massages, TENS unit, hot tubs. Recent mri shows progressions: t4-t5 (deforming anterior surface of spinal cord), t6-t7 (not contacting cord), & t7-t8 (extrusion, disc material has extruded into spinal canal & deforming thecal sac). Compression fractures spread. Schmorls node on t10, cracks close to meeting. I own a dance studio & an aerobic instructor & personal trainer. I'm having difficult time doing my job. Now I must work in morning, lay down till evening, so I can go back to work in evening. I'm getting ready to stop all the classes I currently teach because it has become too difficult. Symptoms are: t10 dull ache, deep burning pain over t4/5 & t7/8 vertebraes with radiating pain: chest hurts to breathe, under chest with numbness (near diaphragm where ribs meet), sharp pains around heart, under right ribcage, deep burning into R shoulder, traps & neck. I have R foot numbness & 4-5 occasions of bladder incontinence. I have pvc's (premature ventricular contractions) & the last couple of weeks as my back pain has become unbearable, the pvc's are worse making my blood pressure drop low making me feel nauseated & dizzy. My Internist said the herniations could be indirectly affecting my heart beat. Do you agree? Local neurosurgeons not qualified to perform thoracic surgery. I have an appointment with Vanderbilt University on June 30. I want as many different opinions as possible. Do you believe surgery is only option at this point? In your opinion, if I do have surgery to fix the offending discs, do you think I will be able to resume my current occupation? Is there a chance I could be left with permanent damage to my heart, R foot sensation, & kidney function? Thanks so much!!
Anna