So remember my "nerve damage"...UPDATED at bottom

They just got the results of my MRI in and it turns out my nerve damage is, in my doctor's words:

"A MASSIVELY herniated disc"

She hasn't told me what I can do about it yet.

I'm assuming this will take me from a neurologist to a orthopedist.

Anyone ever have a herniated disc before? What do they do for it?

Message edited 7/10/2007 7:14:56 PM.

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

I haven't but

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

My mom has a herniated disc in her neck and gets severe numbness and some spots in her vision from it. She was offered surgery to correct the issue, but as with all spinal surgery it is very very risky so she opted out and has dealt with the pain for about 15 years now. She had to go on disability and was not able to continue working after her injury, but she has been able to manage the pain and issues with some light pain meds, acupunture and herbal meds to assist with circulation. FM me if you want...

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

My DH's father had one, he had to have surgery on it to fix it.

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

I have had one. In my lower back, between the L5 and S1 discs. It was torture for month when I dealt with it. I was only 25 at the time, so I was happy my doctors did not rush me into surgery. I took a series of steroid pills for 2 weeks, along with strict bedrest and it healed itself enough. knock on wood its been 10 years and no problems again.

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

I have a bunch...ugh 6. and alot of other stuff with my back.,
I never fixed them-I went to therapy and learn to live with it. I do not like the idea of anyone operating on me.
When it gets to be too much I might.
it really depends on what u can live with.
if its herniated and not completely gone then u might be able to wait.
There is a excellent ortho in stonybrook

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

I did and I ended up having surgery this past April. I believe it was from a car accident many years ago (diagnosed but never bothered me) but when I was pregnant it go soooo bad and never got better. FM me if you have any questions.

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

My ex boyfriend had 3 in his back from a car accident. He went to chiropractors and doctors that kept uping his medication from tylenol with codeine to percoset to demoral.

Finally, he had laser surgery on his back & it was fixed.

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

My mom had one. She lived with it as long as she could until it hurt too much when she walked that she finally had surgery.

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

I have a herniated disc, #5. I deal with it because I don't want to have surgery. I have had 4 BIG flareups since Christmas...they last a week to 3 weeks.

Good Luck!!

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

I have a herniated and bulging disc in my neck. I got it from working on the computer all day. I went to the chiropractor for years. I've been pretty good though, I only have a flair up every once in a while.

If it's really serious, some doctors recommend surgery.

Good Luck, I hope you feel better.

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...

Thanks everyone.

The doctor called back today after she reviewed the MRI films herself and said she's never seen one this bad where the person was walking.



She said the only option she sees is surgery to repair it. It's between my L4 and L5.

I'm making appointments to see neurosurgeons (paging McDreamy!) and orthopedic surgeons to see what they recommend.

I'm so upset.

Re: So remember my "nerve damage"...UPDATED at bottom

That sounds very painful.