Please help Mylogram results!???

[hdpittman]

Have been having low back pain for about a 1 1/2 yrs. Following lifting something wrong. Initially when I went the doc referred me to see a neurosurgeon. This is when they said my pain was due to a hemangioma tumor on the right side of my l5. Then I had a vertebroplasty done. Unfortunately, I had no releif to my pain. I was progressively getting worse. The neuro said that there was nothing else he could do besides send me to pain management. I was positive that I had some underlying problem that he just wasn't seeing. SO, I agreed to see the pain management doc. I met with him two weeks ago and since then have had a mylogram done and have been read the results; The paper that was sent home with me on the day of the mylogram shows that there is a hemangioma, but it also says that there is a complete collapse between the L5/S1. They went over the rest of the results from the mylogram with me today, and told me the following:
1. There are no pinched nerves/no surgery will be needed and only pain management. This is what the report shows:::
Technical Factors: Standard CT technique was utilized w/ 3d reformats.
Findings: contrast material is seen within the central canal surrounding the normal-appearing conus medullaris and descending nerve roots. The conus medullaris terminates behind the T12 level.
T12-L1, L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, L5-S1: no dominant disc abnormality is identified. No decompressive arthropathy is seen. THere is however mild facet hypertrophy at the l-2, l3-4, and L5-S1 levels.
L4-5: Minimal disc displacement and mild facet hypertrophy result in no dominant compressive arthropathy.
A 1.7cm focus of sclerosis is noted involving the right aspect of the l5 vertebrae body extending into the right pedicle consistant with bone island.

Conclusion
1. dominant bone island suggested within the right aspect of the l5 level
2. minimal disc displacement and mild facet hypertrophy l4-5 without compressive arthropathy.

(this is what the paper said I brought home from on the day of the mylogram:
there is evidence for disc degeneration with complete collapse at the l5/s1 lower lurabar levels. Prior vertebroplasty at right l5 vertebre body for hemangioma at that level.


----------now they are suggesting that I have lurabar radiofrequency done. Where they burn the nerves. I'm not sure about this. someone please help

HDPITTMAN

 

[tetonteri66]

Welcome to the board. I hope you will find answers to your questions here, as well as support.

My suggestion to you would be to look for an orthopedic spinal specialist (not a general orthopedist who does a bit of everything, knee replacements, fixing broken bones, etc.) and go for a consultation. A second opinion is always a good idea. I doubt you want to enter into long term pain management when you still suspect there is an underlying cause for your pain....it is possible an orthopedic spine surgeon will have a different opinion of your situation, or a different method of treatment.

Have you had a MRI done recently? If there is a complete collapse between the two vertebrae, something has happened to the disc and there is bound to be nerve irritation to some degree. I have not heard the term "bone island." Hopefully another poster can clarify that for you.

I personally would not have the nerves burned before I was fairly convinced that I understood what was generating the pain, and why.

 

[maltluver]

Hi, hdpittman. I totally agree with Tetonteri that you should get at least one more opinion.....with an Orthopedic Spine Specialist if possible. Personally, I have had wonderful luck with them and have found them to be very thorough.

I also would not agree to any procedures until you have learned exactly what is causing the pain. A completely collapsed disc would, in many cases, mean that you have nerves being compressed and that's best shown with a c-scan with contrast. Don't be willing to settle for whatever you are told. Our backs are extremely complex and you have to be willing to see several doctors until you find the right one and get the information you need to proceed with treatment.

Do some research on the web to learn all you can so that you will better understand what the doctor is saying and what it means to you.

Best of luck!

Carol