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?