I found out that I have a disc bulge with
degenerative disc disease and cord
compression. I have since had numerous
weird things happening and I need to know
if these symptoms are due to these new
findings? A lot of the symptoms I have i
know go along with the compression and
disc such as a band feeling around my
chest and my waist, numbness and tingling
in my back with extreme pain. However my
stomach directly under my rib cage is
extremely tight and it sometimes feel like
the muscle or stomach area is having a
spasm. It's as if I feel the muscle or
stomach suck in. Also the other thing I am
not certain goes with this is that my
right leg at times is difficult to move
and at other times feels incredibly heavy.
Thanks in advance for any help. I am new
here and this is my first
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CarolDiane
Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 2393 Location: ,
Thanks: 111
Thanked:156
Posted: 06-23-08 10:24am
If I am correct, the nevers in the spinal
canal run every part of you body. ei...a
pinched nerve in the lumbar area could
cause numbness and tingling in you hands.
Depending on which vertibre it is, it can
cause all sorts of havoc with your body. I
have two buldging disc's L,3-4 and 5 is
setting on a nerve. 5 is the on that
effects my legs. Sometimes when I am
bending doing yard work etc, my legs pain
so bad I have to take a Vicodin 10 mg. So,
each set of nerves have a different
perpose.
5 cervical
12 thoracic
5 lumbar
2 sacral
(If I remember correctly)
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Zak_han
Supporter
Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 56 Location: Bristol, UK
Thanks: 3
Thanked:0
Posted: 06-23-08 11:37am
Hi
It sounds like what you're describing is
soft tissue injuries around T12/L1/L2,
which can become worse over time and lead
to stomach symptoms as you said . Given
the extremely tight and the functional
limitations it's now placing on you, and"
the right leg is difficult to move and at
other times feels incredibly heavy" are
due to stenosis which you possibly
suffering from. it probably is time to
consult with a reputable doctor. You can
start with your primary care physician,
who can help you determine your next step
or who you need to see.
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casey4
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 4
Posted: 06-23-08 16:14pm
I guess I should have noted that the disc
bulge is at T7. The problems I am still
facing is that this stomach tightness is
not letting up. It is so tight and it feel
like the muscle is being sucked in.It is
in the top of my stomachunderneath the
upside down v of the ribs about 2-3 inches
below that area and also in my left side.
Can this be caused by the T7 bulge or the
spinal cord that is being compressed?
Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Zak_han
Supporter
Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 56 Location: Bristol, UK
Thanks: 3
Thanked:0
Posted: 06-23-08 17:19pm
If you have Stomach ulcer, gall bladder
problems, trapped wind, indigestion,
breathing difficulties and other chest
complaints
Problem from Middle Thoracic Spine (at the
bra-strap) T5-T8 Upper abdomen, middle
ribs
But I still don't think it's due to
compressed or bulge disc.
Take care
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 06-24-08 03:21am
Hello Zak han,
I am not a doctor, however, with due
respect I disagree with your thoughts.
From what Casey has described and from
what the doctor determined there is "a
disc bulge with degenerative disc disease
and cord compression". Other symptoms are
also described, however, from all that I
have read they can very well be associated
with the spine issues.
CarolDiane is very correct regarding what
she has presented in her post in my
opinion.
Joined: 19 May 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Yorkshire, England
Posted: 06-24-08 04:07am
Compression of the nerve route at T7 can
have an effect on the muscles it
supplies.
From Grays anatomy:
"the sensation complained of is often a
feeling of constriction, as if a cord was
tied around the abdomen"
Good luck with your recovery
jane
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 06-24-08 07:04am
Hello Jane,
YES!!!! In talking with my doctor and the
reading that I have done, any time a nerve
is "pinched/restricted", it often affects
other parts of our body in different ways.
For me, a pinched nerve at L3/L4 resulted
in pain radiating down my right leg, and I
had a tinkling sensation in the lower part
of my leg. An epidural injection with
Kenalog reduced the inflammation and in
time no pain or tingling sensation in my
leg.
RichT
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CarolDiane
Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 2393 Location: ,
Thanks: 111
Thanked:156
Posted: 06-24-08 07:52am
How true this is. Before I had my
Kyphrplasty on T-12 to L-1 my pain went
all the way around my both kidneys. And
that did know even involve a nevre. That
was my 55% brake. But, I believe, that the
brake itself may have compressed the two
vertibrea just enough to cause that
radiating pain. Radiating pain is so very
common in many injuries due to the fact
that there are so many nerves, tendons and
muscles that could also be involved. With
some strangulation.
I am very impressed Rich with that inj of
Kenalog. Must be a coristeroid yes? And
how long may I ask does this usually last
you for? I much rather have my son with a
Thoracic (lower) problem take an inj
rather then an oral steroid long term.
Might even have a little Lidocaine in it?
Carrie
|
casey4
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 4
Posted: 06-24-08 08:13am
Thanks so much to everyone who has
replied. It is so nice to finally have
someone care enough to try and help. I
have severe asthma and have had two
attacks in 24 hours and am waiting for a
breathing treatment here soon. If my
passageways are still too narrow after the
treatment I am going to have to be
admitted to the hospital. So I may not be
on for awhile and I want to thank you for
all u guys have done in trying to help me
figure this so very very painful situation
out. THANKS AGAIN!!!! ; )
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CarolDiane
Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 2393 Location: ,
Thanks: 111
Thanked:156
Posted: 06-24-08 08:28am
casey4
wrote:
Thanks so much to everyone
who has replied. It is so nice to finally
have someone care enough to try and help.
I have severe asthma and have had two
attacks in 24 hours and am waiting for a
breathing treatment here soon. If my
passageways are still too narrow after the
treatment I am going to have to be
admitted to the hospital. So I may not be
on for awhile and I want to thank you for
all u guys have done in trying to help me
figure this so very very painful situation
out. THANKS AGAIN!!!! ;
)
I also have asthma
since age 5. Why are you waiting for a
treatment?! Did you take your rescue
already? Are you on DuoNeb or similar? You
should not wait to take a breathing
treatment. I had an hour long one in the
ER once and alway had two or three in a
row. Did you call your doctor. I was never
aware you have to wait any leangh of time
for a treatment...
Could you be in battle with something else
here? Bronchitis, etc. You should have
gotton some relief in the last 24 hours. I
would go to the ER if I were you. Just my
own opinion and experience. This could
possibily be anxietly induced. Do you have
anything for aniety? An bad attack will
almost gaurantee an attack.
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casey4
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 4
Posted: 06-24-08 08:39am
I just got the nebulizer yesterday I use
the lowest dose of albuterol .83 i think
it is. I had already used rescue inhaler
of ventolin which is the same thing as
albuterol just dispensed differebtly
really. I had called my doc becaus i had
had the asthma attack yesterday and got a
steroid shot of celestone and breath.
trtm. and then it cam about again last
night and today she told me to take my
other meds first wait 10 minutes start the
treatment and then if no better call her
but it is a little better so i will wait
it out and see but these muscle spasms are
so much of a problem they affect my
breathing so I will probably call her
after my next treatment which will be in 4
hours i take them every 4-6 hours as need.
TY for your help. U r such a great person
to be so helpful!
|
CarolDiane
Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 2393 Location: ,
Thanks: 111
Thanked:156
Posted: 06-24-08 08:57am
casey4
wrote:
I just got the nebulizer
yesterday I use the lowest dose of
albuterol .83 i think it is. I had already
used rescue inhaler of ventolin which is
the same thing as albuterol just dispensed
differebtly really. I had called my doc
becaus i had had the asthma attack
yesterday and got a steroid shot of
celestone and breath. trtm. and then it
cam about again last night and today she
told me to take my other meds first wait
10 minutes start the treatment and then if
no better call her but it is a little
better so i will wait it out and see but
these muscle spasms are so much of a
problem they affect my breathing so I will
probably call her after my next treatment
which will be in 4 hours i take them every
4-6 hours as need. TY for your help. U r
such a great person to be so
helpful!
You are so very welcome my friend. I have
suffered from severe asthma most of my
life (40+years) and let me tell you, I
have seen more of the inside of an ER then
I could in another lifetime. I have my own
Neb also. But, since I have gotton much
older and have now advanced to COPD
(moderate) I take different meds along
with my asthma meds. I take three
inhailers and one oral. That is counting
my rescue. I know how desperate it can be
when you feel you can't get your next
breath. I know how it feels to think you
are going to die. I feel for YOU! This
illness and others I hold very close to my
heart and for those that have them I also
feel the desparity that they have when in
battle. Sounds like you have pretty much
covered girl. Just follow doc's orders and
you should be alright. Most important is
try to relax. Easier said then done I
know. Deep breath through your nose and
out your mouth like you were blowing out
candles on a cake. This way your CO2 level
will not build as much.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep
me posted OK.
Hugs,
Carrie
|
RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 06-24-08 11:38am
Hello Carrie,
AHHHHhhh feels better calling you Carrie
Thought I would do
so being you "signed" your last posts as
"Carrie".
Yes, Kenalog is a trade name of a
corticosteroid. It is given with
lidocaine to "numb" the area were the
needle goes (up my tailbone lol). Only
bummer is that the lidocaine affects my
stability for about 45 minutes after the
injection. No big deal, that way I can
talk with the nurses.
The epidurals have been lasting me about 4
months. That is not to say that in
between I don't have a "bad weather" day
now and then which seems to be that $^%$*@
arthritis as all my joints including my
ole back act up. I'll stay with the
epidurals as long as they can still permit
me to function in an acceptable manner.
You have provided Casey with very good
thoughts, info and wisdom.
AHHHHhhh feels better calling you Carrie
Thought I would do
so being you "signed" your last posts as
"Carrie".
Yes, Kenalog is a trade name of a
corticosteroid. It is given with
lidocaine to "numb" the area were the
needle goes (up my tailbone lol). Only
bummer is that the lidocaine affects my
stability for about 45 minutes after the
injection. No big deal, that way I can
talk with the nurses.
The epidurals have been lasting me about 4
months. That is not to say that in
between I don't have a "bad weather" day
now and then which seems to be that $^%$*@
arthritis as all my joints including my
ole back act up. I'll stay with the
epidurals as long as they can still permit
me to function in an acceptable manner.
You have provided Casey with very good
thoughts, info and wisdom.
I also have asthma
since age 5. Why are you waiting for a
treatment?! Did you take your rescue
already? Are you on DuoNeb or similar? You
should not wait to take a breathing
treatment. I had an hour long one in the
ER once and alway had two or three in a
row. Did you call your doctor. I was never
aware you have to wait any leangh of time
for a treatment... 
Could you be in battle with something else
here? Bronchitis, etc. You should have
gotton some relief in the last 24 hours. I
would go to the ER if I were you. Just my
own opinion and experience. This could
possibily be anxietly induced. Do you have
anything for aniety? An bad attack will
almost gaurantee an attack.
Thought I would do
so being you "signed" your last posts as
"Carrie".
Thanks Rich