Should I ask for a second opinion? Conflicting MRI's

Bones, joints and muscles
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Final Report

 

 

 

Exam Site: Opensided MRI |D:115623 Sex:M

 

Order#: Completed: Dec12, 2014 15143

 

MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE PERFORMED BEFORE AND

AFTER INTRAVENOUS GADOLINIUM ADMINISTRATION:

 

HISTORY: Back pain.

 

TECHNIQUE:

A routine MR examination was performed of the lumbar spine using routine MR imaging protocol. Sagittal and axial MR images were obtained through the lumbar spine before and after intravenous administration of 20 cc of ProHance contrast. 

"Direct comparison made to previous study dated November 5, 2010."

I have had four since 2010 and two lumbar surgeries for the sme disks

FINDINGS:

The visualized retroperitoneal structures have a normal appearance for age.  The thoracolumbar junction has a normal appearance.  Conus medullaris has normal position and morphology.

 

L1—2: Moderate loss of vertical disc height with 2 mm AP dimension posterior annular disc bulge.  No significant central or foraminal stenosis.

 

L2-3: Normal sagittal alignment. 2 mm AP dimension posterior annular disc bulge.  No significant central or foraminal stenosis

 

L3—4: Both studies show moderate loss of Vertical disc height with broad-based disc herniation of approximately 5 mm in AP dimension. Unchanged abutment of both L3 and L4 nerve roots.

 

L4-5: Moderate loss of Vertical disc height with 2.5 mm AP dimension broad—based disc bulge with unchanged abutment of both L4 nerve roots in the neural foramina and mild bilateral facet joint arthrosis.

 

L5-S1  Unchanged mild loss of vertical disc height with normal sagittal alignment.  No significant central or foraminal stenosis.

 

IMPRESSION:

1. Unchanged appearance of broad-based disc herniation at L3-4 with abutment of both L3 and L4 nerve roots.

 

2. Unchanged disc bulges at L1-2, L2—3, and L4-5 with abutment of both L4 nerve roots in the L4-5 neural foramina.

 

Electronically signed

 

Musculoskeletal Imaging Consultants, LLC

*   ~ P Diplomate, American Board of Radiology

 

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You know , it never hurts . I went to a doctor showed him the mri and he said do you want a shot for the pain ? I am like , so is there a problem . He was vauge and dismissive . I went to another doctor and then the new doctor says it says right here you have a problem and it is not going to improve . You can live with the pain, get a shot or repair the damage . So the second doctor gave me the options and explained it to me . Some doctors act like they don't care what you want or about your pain . You have to keep in mind you are the one living with the pain, the doctor doesn't feel it and some act like they don't care . So if you have pain , there is a reason and when I see words like moderate that sounds like a problem .When it passes moderate your in serious condition .I don't know how many doctors I have been to and they just look at you and wonder when your going to go away .  I usually ask them if they think they could repair my problem and make my life more enjoyable . I have found that most doctors just assume that no one wants surgery , but if your in pain and surgery can help relieve the pain most people are more open to it . I had a shoulder injury , got an injection and a month later it was killing me . Went to another doctor, he repaired it and now it is fine .My point, the first doctor was worthless .

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I have been unfortunate that is the past 20 years I have had 5 operation 2 were serious . A sleep apnea surgery and back surgery . I also have had 2 hernia and a shoulder repair . This is what I learned . You really need to lead most doctors and what you ask is important . I know that if you ask them , " can you fix this" you really get to the bottom line if your wasting your time  . So doctors want repeat business where you are there all the time . So want to fix it . Keep in mind if it's bad a lot of things only get worse with time . Our bodies are not like a bottle of wine .So when your in the doctors office you have a short time to find out what you really want to know . Write down your questions . This way you can find out right away if this guy is going to help you . If you don't ask the right questions or forget them , next thing you know you will be on your way home without knowing what you wanted to know in the first place .Because they always seem to say well your old and thats the problem , ok great can you repair it ? I know this sounds funny but it's easy to get nervous and forget what to ask .It happens to us all .

4

I empathise with your predicament. As has been said you really need to lead your doctor to the outcome you are looking for or have a doctor, like your second one, who is open to all available options. Your MRI suggests you have several herniated discs which will more than likely be causing you both back pain and nerve pain down one or both your legs? 

Personally I've been told by 3 surgeons that they can't fix mine. I have multi-level Lumbar Lordosis and multi-level Spondylosis. I've also had two spinal ops to fix herniated discs and severe nerve pain and CQ. 

These two surgeries have left me with the above issues. 

So you need to ask yourself do you want the pain to go away and live a better life knowing that you will be in much worse pain short term or live with the pain you have now and be on meds forever? 

I know what option I would take. Yes it has left me in more pain now but I had 6-7 years or relative normality. If faced with your decision it would be surgery every time. The issue you have is you have multiple issues and will they fix all of them in one go or will you be in and out a few times? 

I hope you get relief whatever you decide and I wish you all the best. #painisabugger