My Journey with Bulging Discs & Other Spine Problems

I've been living with multiple bulging discs, spinal stenosis and arthritis in my spine for about four years after a traumatic injury. The first neurosurgeon didn't believe I was in pain and ordered a sciatic belt for the first six months. When that obviously didn't work he ordered physical therapy, twice. I quit going the first time because it hurt so bad, I went for about two weeks twice per week. The second round of physical therapy was ordered by his NP, another unhelpful woman. This round of PT was the worst, because not only did it hurt but the therapist made me do sit-ups and I started shaking because I was in that much pain, which made her laugh. We're not done yet. Finally I thought I would get some relief when they both decided I needed spinal decompression; after two sessions of the decompression I was actually in more pain. On my next meeting to the neurosurgeon, he was asking the routine questions and then said, "Well it's not like you're having pain down your legs" to which I responded "Um yeah I am". Then we literally got in an argument because I had told his NP about the extreme sciatic leg pain and she didn't inform him, making him think I was a liar and that's exactly what he told me. After this episode he referred me to a different neurosurgeon who immediately scheduled me for steroid/pain block injections. (He also mentioned that the notes about my leg pain were in my chart and the other neuro didnt even bother to read them!) The first injection was a miracle, I think it was a fluke actually because I had at least 50% improvement in my pain and I was mobile again! I chose to have the anesthesia and I didn't even feel them numb me. The second injection was three weeks ago and was completely different. The nurse gave me the anesthesia too late, so I felt them numb me AND I felt the needle go into my back so I could not keep still. I was in immediate pain afterwards, not the normal kind they warn you of, but a sharp stabbing pain. The nurse didn't think anything of it and I'm scheduled to see my Dr. Dec 5th to discuss more options. I also need to tell him that the Tdol and flexeril are not cutting it, but I'm scared. Now I'm back to being 19 years old with very limited mobility, I can't even walk around the block. When my family goes to the amusement parks or anywhere with excessive walking I can't go! I need this neuro to look at more aggressive treatments because I feel like I should have a life, I want to learn how to drive, get a first job, experience those things. But I can't until someone fixes me!

I just wanted to share my story and see if anyone else could relate.