Hi Lynne,
In my case, my dr saw this visually during surgery. I have been told that Studies such as blood tests, x-rays, and CT scans may be useful to diagnose adhesion-related problems. However, a diagnosis of adhesions usually is made only during surgery.
Often times when it comes to the back, they make this diagnosis based upon your symptoms after surgery. Meaning that tests do not reveal other problems, everything appears to look normal on tests so they say your surgery failed and give a waste basket diagnosis of failed back syndrome. This is why no one should take this diagnosis like I did as gospel. I think my case appears to be a good example of this.
From my layman's understanding (I am definitely not a doctor or professor just another spiney) and hours of research they say scar tissue does not cause pain in and of itself. The pain comes from scar tissue caused when nerve root is tethers down the nerve and causes pain with movement. Also scar tissue begins soon after surgery and not years later.
I was diagnosed with Failed Back and became extremely depressed after the diagnosis and gave up. Well I met another doctor who felt my problem could be fixed and I went back to a second and third surgeon and found out that YES I could be fixed. I am now 3 weeks out from my 5th surgery and my legs are amazing. I am scared and don't want to jump to much from joy because it has only been 3 weeks but that familiar nerve pain I lived with 24/7 is GONE. I think I may have been fixed because I have never ever felt this good since my injury in 2004. However, my back appears to still be messed up.
Sorry I did not mean to go off on a tangent but this scar tissue thing and failed back syndrome go hand in hand and I would be suprised if he has not been diagnosed with it.
Lynne, I don't want to scare you but I hope to give you both some HOPE that there can be success after multiple surgeries. Please don't give up if this diagnosis is given.
Lynne, there are drs in San Diego and New Jersey that will review your xrays and tell you if anything can be done without seeing you in person. You might consider this if you have not already done so.
Also has your boyfriend had a discogram and if so what did it show? i was amazed that my perfectly looking disc on myleogram, CT scan, and MRI turned out to be a perfectly innocent disc leaked dye everywhere. It was tore and this leakage of fluid was causing pain when it hit the nerves. I truly wish I would have had this painful test years ago.
Hugs and Lynne I am amazed at your support and love you have for your boyfriend. You are such an inspiring individual. It would have been easy for you to walk away from this mess. Your boyfriend is so lucky to have your ongoing support.
Happy New Year and I am here for you.
