Spinal Defect- Spondylolysis

One of my diagnosis after my back injury is called Spondylolysis . What's interesting is only 3-6% of the population has it. It could of been inherited or caused by trauma. In my case it was trauma. The defect may lead to other issues though such as.

low back, mid back, and neck pain

Spinal Stenosis – where the spinal canal becomes narrow and the spinal cord can become pinched; can occur in the neck or low back.

Cauda equina syndrome – a syndrome where the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed by an intervertebral disc or mass; rare but can cause severe nerve problems.

Radiculopathy – a condition where one or more spinal nerves are compressed.

Spinal Myelopathy –

My future may be very painful but the Spondlyosis in itself is not life threatening. Only 3-6% of the world's population has this condition, very rare indeed compared to a lot of other spinal problems. It normally shows up before a person reaches 26, I was injured at the age of 27.

From the age of 18-29 ( stopping shortly before 30th birthday) I worked in long term care, I cared for the elderly and disabled. My day consisted of continuously lifting, transferring, turning, walking, and assisting my residents with their ADL ( activities of daily living). The job was strenuous and demanding, I loved it. Providing the best care possible was my priority, care I would expect my own loved ones to be provided. In a split second my life changed when transferring a lady with Alzheimer's disease who could stand with one assist, that time she didn't. To protect her from being injured I  sacrificed myself.

My left hip muscle pulled, my muscles in lower back pulled before it felt like I was kicked in my back. My disc herniated! The lady I was assisting was uninjured. I immediately filled out an incidence report, examined by the nurse and attempted to work before being sent to the ER. After a misdiagnosis my supervisor advised me to go to the clinic. I got put on bedrest and after a month of physical therapy I went back to full duty.

It took several months before a MRI and EMG was ordered. I agreed to all recommend treatment including close to 2 years PT, 8 months light duty, restricted hours, 4 epidural injections, cortisone injections in spine, bedrest and medication. Everything failed. :-(  One day during an exam with a state doctor the feeling was checked in my feet, the left foot was almost non- existent. The operation was recommended and to be compliant I had to have it.

For a long time medication has controlled my pain 50% of the time but now It's increasing again so a myelogram/ ct scan is in my immediate future. Honestly I'm scared because of the general anesthesia. Will I feel the pain as the needle is put into my spine?

Medical Update- Back

»»» DISCLAIMER«««

This blog includes detailed upcoming medical procedures regarding my back and is not for the squeamish

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I seen the orthopedic surgeon last week after telling my Dr about the recurring pain that I am having in my back. I had a disc removed in 2002 and a piece of my hip bone was placed between the vertebrae . This area was stabilized with screws and plates. For several years any discomfort was controlled with mild narcotic and non narcotic  pain relievers. The surgical experience was horrible for me but it allowed the feeling to return to my left foot.

I had an excellent surgeon at Doctors West hospital in Columbus . The surgery itself took 5 1/2 hours because I had more damage then they realized and an additional 5+ hours in recovery to wake me up. Because my bowel sounds was not detectable for days after surgery I was not given food for 2 days post surgery. Doctors West discharged me 3 days after my surgery to recuperate 4 months before starting extensive physical therapy. I was 31 years old at home unable to care for myself.

The surgery was forced because I have an open claim and was recommended by a state Dr. I needed the operations because I was losing feeling in my left foot. I'm grateful that my lawyer couldn't fight this further because I would of caused myself more problems.

Several diagnostic procedures were preformed to verify the severity of the problems and because of my surgery I cannot have more MRI of the lumbar region so I will need a Myelogram, honestly I'm not frightened as much as I was with my surgery or the EMG.

During the Myelogram my legs will be tightly strapped down as I lay face down on a table. Radiographic Dye will be injected into my spine, rotated for several minutes to distribute the dye and go for a detailed CT Scan. I do believe this will be done after general anesthesia is administered. The worst part of the procedure for me will happen after the Myelogram and CT Scan. The radiographic dye will absorb into my body and my activities will need to be limited for up to 24 hours ( I will need to lie still) to not dislodge the spinal plug ( & spinal fluid might leak) otherwise a blood patch will need to be done. A blood patch is blood would be drawn from my arm and injected into spine if spinal fluid leaks. So what I'm facing is quite unpleasant but I'm not frightened.

After going into my EMG unprepared I take the time to research procedures because the unknown is more frightening to me and because of my medical background I need to know things so I can make a mental list to cross off things during the procedure. I also know this procedure needs to be done to find a way for me to handle pain thus improving my quality of life.

Having a needle shoved into my spine is scary but it's not something new to me. I've had 4 epidurals, cortisone injections and that dreaded EMG done since my injury 15 years ago.

On a positive note my Orthopaedic Surgeon worked with the Dr who did my surgery 11 years ago and was a resident at Doctors West. I live over 100 miles away from Columbus but what are the odds I would get a physician assigned to me so familiar?