Back from the MRI center with the loooong report. Thank goodness for the internet and the ability to research all of the terminology that I don't understand. I've printed out a lot of helpful info. More problems at L5-S1; new problems at L4-L5 and L3-L4. However the most important part for me is the absence of pain. My legs just crumple and I can't walk. No pain is wonderful, hence my delay in seeking medical assistance.
But I am living back where I had the 3rd surgery in 2001. I will call that neurosurgeon tomorrow and make an appt (following the recommendation of my primary care). I will explain my symptoms - the legs crumpling, not being able to walk for several days, the intermittent tingling and "feet falling asleep". The decisions between walking home (50 minute walk) on legs that I couldn't feel because strange as it may be it was even harder to get on/off the bus when I couldn't feel my feet. And the problems with my arms/hands. I'll let the neurosurgeon review the MRIs and the report and offer his opinion on whether the MRI results explain the problem or whether there is a disconnect as I believe.
I don't want surgery just for the sake of surgery. That was a strange thing from the back injury in 2000. The post op report clearly comments on the strange fact that at admission and right before the surgery there was absolutely no ankle reflex in my left foot. None, nada.... However the surgeon was surprised because after opening me up there was no obstruction that would cause that. That was just one of the many mysteries of my back problems and walking difficulties. Lots of misdirects and looking for "easy" answers which in hindsight may have been wrong.
Limbo land - always an adventure. :-)
A good doctor will put the puzzle pieces together for you. I have a few other problems that were distracting red herrings and I'm living proof that there are caring, competent doctors out there that can figure things out (I know it sounds impossible right now--been through that).
While you're at it, you may want to mention an MRI of the cervical spine. You never know if lesions will show up there. I have an MRI with and without contrast of the brain and an MRI without contrast of the cervical spine every six months to check my progress.
Like you said, you can't rule out MS with a .7T MRI machine. Can you call back the doctor and ask if you can see just a neurologist (preferably an MS Specialist) because of the other problems you are having? Have you had any new symptoms that you could mention to him to make your case of a neurologist?
I've never been to a neurosurgeon. Maybe that person may order the other MRIs.?????
Deb
Aagh. Good luck to you. I know EXACTLY how you feel, when you are pretty sure there's something the drs ought to be checking out, but they keep getting side tracked. Been there, am still trying to figure out how to get around it. Sounds like your ideas are good ones, though.
Blessings--
dazedmom
I'm sorry to hear your are frustrated. I think lots of people have trouble when there is more than one thing "wrong."
Age, back problems, weight, emotional problems, the list goes on. None of these exclude other medical conditions, but they can all be red herrings and/or roadblocks.
I hope you will be able to find a doctor who looks at the whole picture, and not just once piece of the puzzle.