Posted on 09/13/2013 8:55:51 PM PDT by trussell
Concur. I've had four major lower back surgeries including a fusion at L5-S1 (which has had to be repaired once) and now have neuropathy in my feet as a result. The nerve conduction test (EMG) requires the placement of needles between the spine and toes with a corresponding electrical signal ("shock") to measure the amount of voltage to noise along the nerve route between pin points.
I've had that test more times than I can recall over the last 20 years and it never gets any easier. I hate it with a passion and I'm typically very VERY grumpy the rest of the day after having had it.
I got the same thing at the ER. The way they hustled me out after a CT scan I'm surprised no one kicked me in the chest and yelled, "This is Obamacare" sending me sailing into the parking lot.
I've talked to three Chiropractors and they want to see me to make a "treatment plan" then actually do something a week or so later. This "treatment plan" costs from $400 to $700 and only when it's paid for does the treatment begin.
So, it's sometimes painful, always weak and uncoordinated hands until I can find an alternative, probably after I see my doctor in early October.
You're in my prayers for sure.
Regards
A CT Scan or MRI with contrast may show the location of the impingement but an EMG (nerve conduction test) will tell them how bad the impingement is, and if intervention (medication, physical therapy, surgery or nothing) is warranted.
Whatever you do from this point, I'd recommend against sitting. Laying down, an ice pack across your lower back for 20 minutes every hour and some anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen or aleve or advil) along with some tylenol for the pain may help in the interim.
Note: You CAN take Tylenol with an anti-inflammatory - they're different medications that can be taken together. You should NOT take ibuprofen, Aleve or Advil together and under no circumstances should you drink alcohol while taking Tylenol and an inflammatory medication together.
I hate to say it, but I've been where you are. Take due care of yourself and get to an orthopaedic hospital if one's available -- that's your best course of action.
Here’s what an honest neuro told me:
“Of all the complaints people come in with, we can only identify causes for 10%.
Of all the complaints that we can identify the causes of, we can only treat 10%.”
I sympathize, trussell. A year ago I went to ER with something intense, and intensely painful too. A friend had to carry me out after many hours of waiting for a doctor. They did absolutely nothing for the injury, gave me an EKG though I’d just had one a few weeks before — and the injury had nothing whatsoever to do with heart or circulation — and when I tried to refuse it they said no EKG, you’re out of here immediately.
They do what they can get easy money for, and what a nurse can do. I represented nothing but an opportunity to rake in some cash.
They sent a bill later, and when I tried to refuse to pay on the grounds that I received no treatment at all for what brought me to the ER, and was also threatened while in horrible pain...they threatened to sue me.
It will do nothing for your immediate health concern, I think, but get a lawyer fast.
See another doctor, and perhaps the lawyer can suggest one.
What happened to you was, IMO, par for the course. Not surprising at all.
Yup....I had a severally pinched nerve in my neck...from golfing...I was in so much pain, I seriously considered putting a bullet in head...to stop the agony...I could barely function...
After three weeks of office visits, expensive tests and the works, the doc suggested surgery...there had to be an alternative to cutting on me !!!
At that point I decided to go to what I considered at the time, a step above a witch doctor....a chiropractor ...
He actually took the time to show me with a simple x-ray what the problem was...it took about six visits and a specially designed pillow for sleeping and I was fixed...
Sent
I remember the first time I strained/sprained my lower back. It was sore and stiffened up through the evening, but in the morning I literally couldn’t get up.
I ended up rolling out of bed onto the floor and then took a half hour to inch my way over to where I’d left my cell. Called a friend and by the time he got there I was a little better, so he didn’t take me to the ER. Then it was about 30% better day by day over a couple of weeks until it was gone.
Don’t remember but think I went in to see a doctor within a couple of days, who told me it was a sprain and to rest and take Ibuprofen and then only gradual stretching and strengthening. Don’t think I even went in for PT. I’d sprained ankles a few times, so I knew the drill.
Prayers that you get the help you need to reduce the pain as quickly as possible!
The hospital ERs are pretty much useless unless you are dripping blood all over their floors! Really.
Stupid idiots, CT’s do not show bone damage, just tissue. You needed an MRI.
Welcome to O’care!
Prayers up.
ping
And if you have to have surgery you will have to wait 3 days to get the aspirin out of your system.
Prayers for trussell. I hope you've seen another doctor by now.
Best advice yet.
Praying for your divine healing....
Prayers
I have found going to the urgent care Dr a lot better than going to the ER. When I broke my leg he wanted to sent me straight to admitting.
You haven’t posted since last night.
Hope you are all right.
When you feel up to it, please post and let us know how you are.
We are all praying for your recovery.
Thanks, unfortunately I’ve been dealing with the same kind of issues for longer than I care to admit. I hope he gets himself the diagnosis and treatment he needs. These types of conditions are nothing to screw around with. I spent six months learning how to walk again ten years ago now — I never want to go through that again and wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Prayers up.
Wait until you have to Skype the doctor only.
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