Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Hah..I went off a horse and hit and broke my coccyx at age oh..24 or so...and had a double cervical fracture when rear-ended at age 40, and...no problems with neck or butt...it's good ol' L4-L5 that gave out. Seems to be a basic design flaw at L4-L5 and L5-S1. In a message dated 1/16/2011 1:58:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, figure1789@... writes: So much for all those hard falls I took off a horse. Completely racked my body hitting the ground at some speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 I'm a little confused because the message didn't come through clearly. I have arach, but not from injections, do you have arach? What condition are you wondering about treating with a TENS? Plus, what can be bacterial and non-bacterial? Arach is not a bacterial infection. Barb > > Re: Arach janice freq warns about and dismisses in lastvthread-- > > My understanding from literature and recently trained ortho surgical residents u CAN get arachnoiditus from the puncture of dura by needle regardless of type ofvsteroidvused. > > And that it can be bacterial or non bacterial- is this not correct? > > Also, to group--after failed discectomy 7 weeks ago, I am on my back in bed from 10pm-2:30pm everyday. Sept /oct had severe sciatica and 30# oxy to last a month so was having 6 days little to no sleep then used Rx day 7 for two months. Finally got into pain doc who said given all thevapproaches I'd tried over years, it was down to increased neurontin and pain killers and resulting side effects, TENS, or surgery. > > He wants to see me again to talk about TENS b4 giving me a referral to a surgeon for a second opinion after the failed surgery. > > ***********Does anyone have one and like it or know of anyone w success w - TENS********* > > I really don't want to lose another 4-6mos of my life to a second surgery, but being asleep 1/2 the day on Rx or getting a TENS also don't look to attractive. > > Advice? > > Happy 2011, > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 I think they still have figured out that anything punctures the dura can cause arachnoiditis whether or not they use the same steroids. If you get scar tissue inside your dura, or foreign substance (including blood) and your nerves start adhering scar tissue and each other from a puncture then it really doesn't matter what they put in your back, it's the actual puncture from the dura. The old preservative in steroid injections use to be a major factor, but now they have figured out that any substance enters inside your dura into your CSF can create the swelling (or scar tissue) and arachnoiditis starts. http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/arachnoiditis > > From: Janice <faraway1@...> > Subject: Re: New to the Group > spinal problems > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 5:27 PM > > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Hello I am Janice and if I can help you in any way please let me know. I also started out at the L-5 S-1 so we already have something in common. Really though the area that your dealing with is the same many of us have to deal with it seems to be a very soft issue to deal with.The sciatic is also pretty weak also.Please do not let anyone injct you in the spine. Epidural steroid injections can cause you more trouble that you can imagine. It's called Arachnoiditis you can llok it up on the puter and see how it can effect you. This is why the doctors speak of scare tissue problems. > > It's good to have you in the group. I hope that you spen a lot of time here learning. Please don't hesitate to ask. > > Janice > > New to the Group > > > > *Hi, > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing with back problems for > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up to: > > * > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > - *bursitis left hip* > > - *bursitis right hip* > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after one week. Hated it. > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and feeling of being hooked up. > > * > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am weaning off morphine > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and hopefully find new ways > > of treating my problems. > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > OH > > * > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 I love oral steroids but my neuro will not let me take them. You should do some research sometime and see what steroids do to one's body. It is not a long term solution and even causes issues in the short term, but for me it eases my pain more than anything can. I just wish they weren't so dangerous to stay on long term or I would be eating them every day.It would probably make me gain 100 pounds, which would be even worse on someone's back, but the thought of no pain sometimes makes me want to take them! > > *Janice, > Do you take oral steroids? I asked about them but was told they would not > be effective. > > OH > * > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 That's so strange that y'all say oral steroids don't help back pain, but it made me virtually pain free when I had to take them. Probably because I have other issues other than herniated disks, etc., but it made my pain reduce greatly, but as soon as they wore off the pain was back. I guess it reduced my inflammation where I have my pseudo and it felt wonderful. BUT like I said my neuro disagree's with using them for back pain because of all the side effects. Of course Janice you have to take them for your other issues and that is totally understandable. I think it would probably be like anything else, after using it awhile it doesn't help anymore. > > From: R. <figure1789@...> > Subject: Re: New to the Group > spinal problems > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 8:44 PM > > > > *Janice, > > Do you take oral steroids? I asked about them but was told they would not > > be effective. > > > > OH > > * > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 To me, that indicates that at least one of the sources of your pain was due to inflammation since steroids control inflammation. and the gang -- jacdobe@... Birds: Sadie (GW) Cookie (MMxBuffons) Nissa (LJ) Sylvie (RB2) ie (CAG) Cats: Sully(DSH) Shadow(DMH) Sanouk, Gabi, Cami & Hocus(Siamese) Dogs: Skye (Dobe/Husky) Reece (Dobe) Bridge kids: Jaderbug, Flirt, Tia, Munchkin, Jasmine, Chuckles, Angel, Indi, Kayla, Sabien and our heart, Bubba. Pics of the gang: http://community.webshots.com/user/jacdobe Allparrots: http://pets./group/allparrots The Coalition of PA Aviculturists: TCOPA On 1/16/2011 12:24 PM, Me wrote: > ut it made my pain reduce greatly, but as soon as they wore off the pain was back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Thanks for sharing that Janice! That makes complete sense to me.  I myself had decided early on to never have those kind of injections, long before I knew of any of the potential side effects, but it just didn't FEEL like it was a good thing to do. It's interesting to see how my intuition was correct! I was 18 at the time of that decision...funny. --- Babbitt From: Me <ellijaygal@...> Subject: Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 12:17 PM  I think they still have figured out that anything punctures the dura can cause arachnoiditis whether or not they use the same steroids. If you get scar tissue inside your dura, or foreign substance (including blood) and your nerves start adhering scar tissue and each other from a puncture then it really doesn't matter what they put in your back, it's the actual puncture from the dura. The old preservative in steroid injections use to be a major factor, but now they have figured out that any substance enters inside your dura into your CSF can create the swelling (or scar tissue) and arachnoiditis starts. http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/arachnoiditis > > From: Janice <faraway1@...> > Subject: Re: New to the Group > spinal problems > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 5:27 PM > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > > Hello I am Janice and if I can help you in any way please let me know. I also started out at the L-5 S-1 so we already have something in common. Really though the area that your dealing with is the same many of us have to deal with it seems to be a very soft issue to deal with.The sciatic is also pretty weak also.Please do not let anyone injct you in the spine. Epidural steroid injections can cause you more trouble that you can imagine. It's called Arachnoiditis you can llok it up on the puter and see how it can effect you. This is why the doctors speak of scare tissue problems. > > It's good to have you in the group. I hope that you spen a lot of time here learning. Please don't hesitate to ask. > > Janice > > New to the Group > > > > *Hi, > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing with back problems for > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up to: > > * > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > - *bursitis left hip* > > - *bursitis right hip* > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after one week. Hated it. > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and feeling of being hooked up. > > * > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am weaning off morphine > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and hopefully find new ways > > of treating my problems. > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > OH > > * > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Wise advice Janice. Especially about doing your research. That practice will never do you wrong! As far as I know, only injections INTO your dural space can cause arachnoiditis, yes? Injections of anything into your back itself do not bring this risk. Am I correct? I have had a discogram, when I was 18, I know now that puts me at risk, but I think after 15 years, I'm clear from that worry. Maybe not! --- Babbitt From: R. <figure1789@...> Subject: Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 8:44 PM *Janice, Do you take oral steroids? I asked about them but was told they would not be effective. OH * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 , An epidural injection is any fluid substance that is injected into the dural space. The dura is a tough membrane that surrounds your brain and spinal cord in one continuous 'sheet' or 'sac'. Anything that gets injected past the dura bathes the brain,cranial nerves, spinal cord and nerves that come off the spinal cord called the spinal nerves. An injection in your back that is not epidural, is a substance that is injected into a joint space or in the area where potentially offensive nerves reside. These can be facet injection, medial branch blocks, trigger point injection. These all inject a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid into a very specific space in attempt to kill the inflammation. The best use of this injection, in my humble opinion, is to get the nerves to calm just enough to allow one to more comfortably engage in physical therapy or exercize in effort to reduce pain through stability. The steroid injection is temporary in nature, and will become less effective with every injection. Not to mention the weakening of connective tissue that holds your joints and bones together! --- Babbitt > > > > From: R. <figure1789@... > <figure1789%40woh.rr.com>> > > > > Subject: Re: New to the > Group > > To: spinal problems <spinal problems%40gro\ ups.com> > > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 8:44 PM > > > > > > > > *Janice, > > > > > > Do you take oral steroids? I asked about them but was > told they would not > > > > be effective. > > > > > > > > OH > > > > * > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 *Yah, had those, too. Good explanation, . Thanks. One time I asked if there was any way to remove the sciactic nerve. I was told, " No. " I have nerve damage and I will for the rest of my life. So much for all those hard falls I took off a horse. Completely racked my body hitting the ground at some speed. OH * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 You have great insight . The injections even for child birth can and does cause Arachnoiditis in some cases not all but some. I got it from to many surgeries (5) to many injections and the chemicals they used in the injections. I do know people who gotten this darn disease from a child birth injection. In my opinion this injection should be out lawed. PERIOD Janice New to the Group > > > > *Hi, > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing with back problems for > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up to: > > * > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > - *bursitis left hip* > > - *bursitis right hip* > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after one week. Hated it. > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and feeling of being hooked up. > > * > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am weaning off morphine > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and hopefully find new ways > > of treating my problems. > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > OH > > * > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 there are several things that can cause Arachnoiditis not just an injection. You can get it from trauma to the spine like impact injurites like a car wreck or falling off a ladder and so on.Back surgeries can and do cause it too. I believe that mine came from to many injuries and to many surgeries. But since I was having the injections regularlly too so I couldn't name one thing. Most people don't even know they have it until they continure to have pain after surgery or an injury to their spine then the doctor should ask for an MRI if it is found there are many things you can do for yourself, Janice Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 8:44 PM *Janice, Do you take oral steroids? I asked about them but was told they would not be effective. OH * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 *Ok, is there a definitive test for this Arachnoiditis? * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 I dont come on here much but I do watch the board being a member. Sometimes you all scare the hell out of me. This Arachnoiditis has me worried. I dont have any L5 problems or surgeries or anything like that but I have been given intercostal nerve blocks for years. I started with severe pain after a very long drive down to Florida from Canada. When I arrived I could barely walk. This happened a few times. Then it progressed to the point it became constant. I have been off work now for 3 years. I then had the joys of a very close near fatal esophagus tear. After this I had a lot of pain in my stomach. So they found it was nerve related because of cuttingme open like a cow all the way down my left side of my back. So they then decide to do those intercostal nerve blocks to stop the pain in my stomach. I would go once a week and get up to 8 needles down my spine. I admit it really helped. They did this for several years till they decided to stop. Then back to the lower pain in my back which they found out was an extra bone about an inch by an inch square off of my L6. So picture it now after 48 years now settling onto my hip. That is the cause of my pain now and has been for 4 to 5 years. They decided to do the depo medril intercostal nerve blocks for that also. Again back to 8 needles every Monday morning for about 2 years. I will admit again it really helped out with the pain. I got up to 31 hours pain free. So they decided to stop them because I couldnt get any higher than 31 hours pain free. So after telling you all this you can just imagine how many of these needles I recvd that you are all talking about. Now that I am very concerned about this Arachnoiditis;;;;;; can you please tell me just what signs I am to look for in having this. I have experienced some new pain in the center of my back which has me comcerned. Please give me any signs of this disease. Thanks " " " ROB " " " New to the Group > > > > *Hi, > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing with back problems for > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up to: > > * > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > - *bursitis left hip* > > - *bursitis right hip* > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after one week. Hated it.. > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and feeling of being hooked up. > > * > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am weaning off morphine > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and hopefully find new ways > > of treating my problems. > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > OH > > * > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Rob, You CANNOT get arachnoiditis from an intercostal nerve block. Don't worry about that part anyway. I myself have had just as many steroid injections as you...there's nothing you can do about what's done, and most of us who have had ANY relief from the injections are comfortable with the odds as far as steroid risks are concerned. It's the LONG TERM steroids you have to really watch out for. --- Babbitt From: Me <ellijaygal@...> Subject: Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 12:17 PM I think they still have figured out that anything punctures the dura can cause arachnoiditis whether or not they use the same steroids. If you get scar tissue inside your dura, or foreign substance (including blood) and your nerves start adhering scar tissue and each other from a puncture then it really doesn't matter what they put in your back, it's the actual puncture from the dura. The old preservative in steroid injections use to be a major factor, but now they have figured out that any substance enters inside your dura into your CSF can create the swelling (or scar tissue) and arachnoiditis starts. http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/arachnoiditis > > From: Janice <faraway1@...> > Subject: Re: New to the Group > spinal problems > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 5:27 PM > > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Hello I am Janice and if I can help you in any way please let me know. I also started out at the L-5 S-1 so we already have something in common. Really though the area that your dealing with is the same many of us have to deal with it seems to be a very soft issue to deal with.The sciatic is also pretty weak also.Please do not let anyone injct you in the spine. Epidural steroid injections can cause you more trouble that you can imagine. It's called Arachnoiditis you can llok it up on the puter and see how it can effect you. This is why the doctors speak of scare tissue problems. > > It's good to have you in the group. I hope that you spen a lot of time here learning. Please don't hesitate to ask. > > Janice > > New to the Group > > > > *Hi, > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing with back problems for > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up to: > > * > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > - *bursitis left hip* > > - *bursitis right hip* > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after one week. Hated it.. > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and feeling of being hooked up. > > * > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am weaning off morphine > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and hopefully find new ways > > of treating my problems. > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > OH > > * > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Right, but it has to be an injury that causes a tear in the dura or immediate to the dura an injury that was enough to cause scar tissue. Yes? You can't just get arachnoiditis from having any old back injury. I would hope that the folks on here who are getting freaked out by arachnoiditis are researching it. It is a SEVERE condition and not easily ignored. --- Babbitt From: R. <figure1789@...> Subject: Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 8:44 PM *Janice, Do you take oral steroids? I asked about them but was told they would not be effective. OH * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Yes there is and it's an MRI but the disease has to be advanced in most cases. Not to the point of killing pain. I have a friend who was diagnosed with in 6 months of getting it. She had a baby and never walked again and doesn't walk to this day. Her doctor had a great insight he figured out what it was and ordered the MRI and viola he was right. The pain can be menacing or suttle or it can be so bad you want to die. There is help out there too you just have to search for it. A good pain doctor who will understand why you won't take injections or anything that is invasive at all.I am not a doctor you have to do the research and ask for the MRI. As always I advise everyone to see a doctor and do your own research too. You need to go to the doctor and discuss all that you find. Janice Re: New to the Group *Ok, is there a definitive test for this Arachnoiditis? * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 I think a lot of people who have arachnoiditis can't pin point the exact cause or when it started, but when it advances they care tell you exactly when it did! The pain is not like any other herniation, pinched nerve, nothing, it's indescribable. I never knew the disease existed until I was diagnosed, but after diagnosis and reading about it I think I had it for YEARS which caused me to have the tethered cord but it hadn't advanced to the stage that caused the pain that could not be ignored. Mine is NOT from injections of any type whatsoever. Mine could be from anything starting at birth because I was born with spina bifida and it was repaired before I was a year old. So who knows how I got it. It is a horrid horrible condition/disease and I wish more research was done to see what actually causes it so that fewer people would get it. They also can not say why some people who get injections get it and some don't. I totally agree with , people should research, research, research anything that a doctor wants to do to you. You can always talk to other people, read information, check with people like who have not only lived through the back issues but worked in the field and had the opportunity to see what truly helped not only them, but others, and can tell you what they know may help temporarily but can cause you problems later. I don't want to be one of those people who gets to where they despise the medical community, but I see so many people who have injections (various types), surgeries, etc. and they come out just as bad as they were going in, or worse. It is my opinion (and I am entitled to it)that it seems some doctors are doing more and more unneeded procedures that are not known to help someone and I hate to say it but it seems like it is financially motivated without letting the patients know what the risks may be. I have never had a choice about any surgery I have had. I love my neuro to death. She has kept me walking for a long time when I shouldn't be able to, BUT she didn't warn me of arachnoiditis. She had this look of horror on her face and told me I had it and I was looking at her like okay what do we do? I didn't understand until I got home and researched it. For all the people terrified thinking you may have it. MRI's show that you have it. It will show your nerves are clumped together and sticking to each other. A lot of times you will get a syrinx from where your nerves are stuck together. (I had the syrinx for at least 5 years and two tethered cord surgeries before being diagnosed with AA). Some doctors lump a lot of failed back surgeries into arachnoiditis, but it is NOT the same thing. So if your MRI doesn't show it get another opinion if you are ever diagnosed with it. Don't be afraid you may have it, just research and see what it is, what causes it, and make up your mind whether or not the things they *think may cause it is worth having done to reduce your pain. Again, I really wish there was more research so that they could point blank tell you what causes it in some people and not others who have had the same procedures. I am hoping for a cure for MS (jut because I hope there is a cure) but also, if they could figure out MS maybe they could also figure out what causes and cures arachnoiditis. > > Right, but it has to be an injury that causes a tear in the dura or immediate to the dura an injury that was enough to cause scar tissue. Yes? You can't just get arachnoiditis from having any old back injury. > > I would hope that the folks on here who are getting freaked out by arachnoiditis are researching it. It is a SEVERE condition and not easily ignored. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Janice, I hands down agree with you! --- Babbitt From: Me <ellijaygal@...> Subject: Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 12:17 PM I think they still have figured out that anything punctures the dura can cause arachnoiditis whether or not they use the same steroids. If you get scar tissue inside your dura, or foreign substance (including blood) and your nerves start adhering scar tissue and each other from a puncture then it really doesn't matter what they put in your back, it's the actual puncture from the dura. The old preservative in steroid injections use to be a major factor, but now they have figured out that any substance enters inside your dura into your CSF can create the swelling (or scar tissue) and arachnoiditis starts. http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/arachnoiditis > > From: Janice <faraway1@...> > Subject: Re: New to the Group > spinal problems > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 5:27 PM > > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Hello I am Janice and if I can help you in any way please let me know. I also started out at the L-5 S-1 so we already have something in common. Really though the area that your dealing with is the same many of us have to deal with it seems to be a very soft issue to deal with.The sciatic is also pretty weak also.Please do not let anyone injct you in the spine. Epidural steroid injections can cause you more trouble that you can imagine. It's called Arachnoiditis you can llok it up on the puter and see how it can effect you. This is why the doctors speak of scare tissue problems. > > It's good to have you in the group. I hope that you spen a lot of time here learning. Please don't hesitate to ask. > > Janice > > New to the Group > > > > *Hi, > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing with back problems for > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up to: > > * > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > - *bursitis left hip* > > - *bursitis right hip* > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after one week. Hated it. > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and feeling of being hooked up. > > * > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am weaning off morphine > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and hopefully find new ways > > of treating my problems. > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > OH > > * > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Yeah, I know the feeling. What they can do though is nerve ablation, burning or freezing. It only works about 50% of the time, and isn't usually permanent, but can cause long lasting relief. I'm unsure about it's uses on the sciatic nerve...have to look that one up, but they do use it on the spinal nerves. --- Babbitt From: R. <figure1789@...> Subject: Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 1:57 PM Â *Yah, had those, too. Good explanation, . Thanks. One time I asked if there was any way to remove the sciactic nerve. I was told, " No. " I have nerve damage and I will for the rest of my life. So much for all those hard falls I took off a horse. Completely racked my body hitting the ground at some speed. OH * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 AMEN!!!!! VERY well well said! --- Babbitt From: Me <ellijaygal@...> Subject: Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 3:39 PM Â I think a lot of people who have arachnoiditis can't pin point the exact cause or when it started, but when it advances they care tell you exactly when it did! The pain is not like any other herniation, pinched nerve, nothing, it's indescribable. I never knew the disease existed until I was diagnosed, but after diagnosis and reading about it I think I had it for YEARS which caused me to have the tethered cord but it hadn't advanced to the stage that caused the pain that could not be ignored. Mine is NOT from injections of any type whatsoever. Mine could be from anything starting at birth because I was born with spina bifida and it was repaired before I was a year old. So who knows how I got it. It is a horrid horrible condition/disease and I wish more research was done to see what actually causes it so that fewer people would get it. They also can not say why some people who get injections get it and some don't. I totally agree with , people should research, research, research anything that a doctor wants to do to you. You can always talk to other people, read information, check with people like who have not only lived through the back issues but worked in the field and had the opportunity to see what truly helped not only them, but others, and can tell you what they know may help temporarily but can cause you problems later. I don't want to be one of those people who gets to where they despise the medical community, but I see so many people who have injections (various types), surgeries, etc. and they come out just as bad as they were going in, or worse. It is my opinion (and I am entitled to it)that it seems some doctors are doing more and more unneeded procedures that are not known to help someone and I hate to say it but it seems like it is financially motivated without letting the patients know what the risks may be. I have never had a choice about any surgery I have had. I love my neuro to death. She has kept me walking for a long time when I shouldn't be able to, BUT she didn't warn me of arachnoiditis. She had this look of horror on her face and told me I had it and I was looking at her like okay what do we do? I didn't understand until I got home and researched it. For all the people terrified thinking you may have it. MRI's show that you have it. It will show your nerves are clumped together and sticking to each other. A lot of times you will get a syrinx from where your nerves are stuck together. (I had the syrinx for at least 5 years and two tethered cord surgeries before being diagnosed with AA). Some doctors lump a lot of failed back surgeries into arachnoiditis, but it is NOT the same thing. So if your MRI doesn't show it get another opinion if you are ever diagnosed with it. Don't be afraid you may have it, just research and see what it is, what causes it, and make up your mind whether or not the things they *think may cause it is worth having done to reduce your pain. Again, I really wish there was more research so that they could point blank tell you what causes it in some people and not others who have had the same procedures. I am hoping for a cure for MS (jut because I hope there is a cure) but also, if they could figure out MS maybe they could also figure out what causes and cures arachnoiditis. > > Right, but it has to be an injury that causes a tear in the dura or immediate to the dura an injury that was enough to cause scar tissue. Yes? You can't just get arachnoiditis from having any old back injury. > > I would hope that the folks on here who are getting freaked out by arachnoiditis are researching it. It is a SEVERE condition and not easily ignored. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 What about epidural steroid injections? Do those cause arachnoiditis? Doctor may want to do one of those (and I have had a few in the past) to relieve my post op nerve pain if the oral steroids dont work. " Without rabbits a rabbits foot would be nothing but a disembodied hand full of unidentified toes. " -Pogo spinal problems From: tpowell1977@... Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:47:50 -0800 Subject: Re: New to the Group Rob, You CANNOT get arachnoiditis from an intercostal nerve block. Don't worry about that part anyway. I myself have had just as many steroid injections as you...there's nothing you can do about what's done, and most of us who have had ANY relief from the injections are comfortable with the odds as far as steroid risks are concerned. It's the LONG TERM steroids you have to really watch out for. --- Babbitt From: Me <ellijaygal@...> Subject: Re: New to the Group spinal problems Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 12:17 PM I think they still have figured out that anything punctures the dura can cause arachnoiditis whether or not they use the same steroids. If you get scar tissue inside your dura, or foreign substance (including blood) and your nerves start adhering scar tissue and each other from a puncture then it really doesn't matter what they put in your back, it's the actual puncture from the dura. The old preservative in steroid injections use to be a major factor, but now they have figured out that any substance enters inside your dura into your CSF can create the swelling (or scar tissue) and arachnoiditis starts. http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/arachnoiditis > > From: Janice <faraway1@...> > Subject: Re: New to the Group > spinal problems > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 5:27 PM > > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > Hello I am Janice and if I can help you in any way please let me know. I also started out at the L-5 S-1 so we already have something in common. Really though the area that your dealing with is the same many of us have to deal with it seems to be a very soft issue to deal with.The sciatic is also pretty weak also.Please do not let anyone injct you in the spine. Epidural steroid injections can cause you more trouble that you can imagine. It's called Arachnoiditis you can llok it up on the puter and see how it can effect you. This is why the doctors speak of scare tissue problems. > > It's good to have you in the group. I hope that you spen a lot of time here learning. Please don't hesitate to ask. > > Janice > > New to the Group > > > > *Hi, > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing with back problems for > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up to: > > * > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > - *bursitis left hip* > > - *bursitis right hip* > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after one week. Hated it.. > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and feeling of being hooked up. > > * > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am weaning off morphine > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and hopefully find new ways > > of treating my problems. > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > OH > > * > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 , That IS the injection we are referring to. They place a needle through the dura and inject the medication into the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) that the spinal cord is bathed in. I would think carefully before having that injection. --- Babbitt > > From: Me <ellijaygal@...> > > Subject: Re: New to the Group > > spinal problems > > Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 12:17 PM > > I think they still have figured out that anything punctures > the dura can cause arachnoiditis whether or not they use the > same steroids. If you get scar tissue inside your dura, or > foreign substance (including blood) and your nerves start > adhering scar tissue and each other from a puncture then it > really doesn't matter what they put in your back, it's the > actual puncture from the dura. The old preservative in > steroid injections use to be a major factor, but now they > have figured out that any substance enters inside your dura > into your CSF can create the swelling (or scar tissue) and > arachnoiditis starts. > > http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/arachnoiditis > > > > > > > > From: Janice <faraway1@...> > > > Subject: Re: New to the > Group > > > spinal problems > > > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 5:27 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello I am Janice and if I can help you in any > way please let me know. I also started out at the L-5 S-1 so > we already have something in common. Really though the area > that your dealing with is the same many of us have to deal > with it seems to be a very soft issue to deal with.The > sciatic is also pretty weak also.Please do not let anyone > injct you in the spine. Epidural steroid injections can > cause you more trouble that you can imagine. It's called > Arachnoiditis you can llok it up on the puter and see how it > can effect you. This is why the doctors speak of scare > tissue problems. > > > > > > It's good to have you in the group. I hope that you > spen a lot of time here learning. Please don't hesitate to > ask. > > > > > > Janice > > > > > > New to the Group > > > > > > > > > > > > *Hi, > > > > > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing > with back problems for > > > > > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up > to: > > > > > > * > > > > > > > > > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > > > > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > > > > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > > > > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > > > > > - *bursitis left hip* > > > > > > - *bursitis right hip* > > > > > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > > > > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > > > > > > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after > one week. Hated it.. > > > > > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and > feeling of being hooked up. > > > > > > * > > > > > > > > > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am > weaning off morphine > > > > > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and > hopefully find new ways > > > > > > of treating my problems. > > > > > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > > > > > > > > > OH > > > > > > * > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Are there any other alternatives then that I can ask for. Hell I've had at least 4 or 5 of those and then the spine block for my C-section 7 years ago. I sure hope I haven't got this disease...they didnt see it on my MRI this year. " Without rabbits a rabbits foot would be nothing but a disembodied hand full of unidentified toes. " -Pogo spinal problems From: tpowell1977@... Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2011 13:50:09 -0800 Subject: RE: New to the Group , That IS the injection we are referring to. They place a needle through the dura and inject the medication into the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) that the spinal cord is bathed in. I would think carefully before having that injection. --- Babbitt > > From: Me <ellijaygal@...> > > Subject: Re: New to the Group > > spinal problems > > Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 12:17 PM > > I think they still have figured out that anything punctures > the dura can cause arachnoiditis whether or not they use the > same steroids. If you get scar tissue inside your dura, or > foreign substance (including blood) and your nerves start > adhering scar tissue and each other from a puncture then it > really doesn't matter what they put in your back, it's the > actual puncture from the dura. The old preservative in > steroid injections use to be a major factor, but now they > have figured out that any substance enters inside your dura > into your CSF can create the swelling (or scar tissue) and > arachnoiditis starts. > > http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/arachnoiditis > > > > > > > > From: Janice <faraway1@...> > > > Subject: Re: New to the > Group > > > spinal problems > > > Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 5:27 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello I am Janice and if I can help you in any > way please let me know. I also started out at the L-5 S-1 so > we already have something in common. Really though the area > that your dealing with is the same many of us have to deal > with it seems to be a very soft issue to deal with.The > sciatic is also pretty weak also.Please do not let anyone > injct you in the spine. Epidural steroid injections can > cause you more trouble that you can imagine. It's called > Arachnoiditis you can llok it up on the puter and see how it > can effect you. This is why the doctors speak of scare > tissue problems. > > > > > > It's good to have you in the group. I hope that you > spen a lot of time here learning. Please don't hesitate to > ask. > > > > > > Janice > > > > > > New to the Group > > > > > > > > > > > > *Hi, > > > > > > My name is , and I'm new here. I've been dealing > with back problems for > > > > > > 11 years now. This is a recap of what I have been up > to: > > > > > > * > > > > > > > > > > > > - *1999 sciatica left leg* > > > > > > - *1999 herniated disc L5-S1* > > > > > > - *2000 ruptured disc; partial discectomy* > > > > > > - *2002 spinal fusion L5-S1* > > > > > > - *bursitis left hip* > > > > > > - *bursitis right hip* > > > > > > - *2009 EMG showed radidiculopathy L5-S1* > > > > > > - *2009- present pain doctor* > > > > > > > > > > > > - *2010 spinal cord stimulator trial; removed after > one week. Hated it.. > > > > > > Could not stand constant annoying sensation and > feeling of being hooked up. > > > > > > * > > > > > > > > > > > > *That's pretty much where I stand right now, but am > weaning off morphine > > > > > > with doctor help. Look fwd. to meeting people, and > hopefully find new ways > > > > > > of treating my problems. > > > > > > Thanks for letting me join. > > > > > > > > > > > > OH > > > > > > * > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 My pain management clinic was fairly good at prescribing a balance between PT, medication and then the injections, but unfortunately none of it worked for me. and the gang -- jacdobe@... Birds: Sadie (GW) Cookie (MMxBuffons) Nissa (LJ) Sylvie (RB2) ie (CAG) Cats: Sully(DSH) Shadow(DMH) Sanouk, Gabi, Cami & Hocus(Siamese) Dogs: Skye (Dobe/Husky) Reece (Dobe) Bridge kids: Jaderbug, Flirt, Tia, Munchkin, Jasmine, Chuckles, Angel, Indi, Kayla, Sabien and our heart, Bubba. Pics of the gang: http://community.webshots.com/user/jacdobe Allparrots: http://pets./group/allparrots The Coalition of PA Aviculturists: TCOPA On 1/16/2011 2:35 PM, jarcher107@... wrote: > I do wish I could find someone who thought " pain management " meant more > than that, but that seems to be all most of them know. I'd rather see a > balance of drugs, physical therapy/exercise, whatever, not just a needle into > the spinal canal and cross your fingers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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