Dear Dr Kumar,
Thank you so much for answering my question so quickly and putting my mind at ease.
I thought that you might be interested to know that I was originally diagnosed with right sided
Sciatica and then had
MRI scan in 2005 which showed that I had L5/S1 disc bulging and had
discectomy in 2008 which helped for about 3-5 months then more pain again.
I was then advised to have epidural injection which might help take down inflammation. I have had two epidural s and then it was advised that I have
nerve root injection which I had in 2009. These treatments have not been lasting any effect on my pain and it keeps recurring to chronic.
I started to have pain in my shoulder in 2004 which was calcification and had decompression on my shoulder.
This pain has started up again in the last couple of years, but after having another MRI scan I was told that this was in fact coming from my neck as you had already guessed problems radiates down left shoulder and in forearm and into hand in the C6 and C7 pins and needles and
numbness. I have Hoffmanns sign bilaterally which makes more sense to you than me.
I am awaiting injection into my neck another nerve root. But have been told that I do not need another operation on my back.
I have been told that my pain has to be managed with painkillers and referred back to pain clinic.
I am frustrated that no more can be done for me I am in
chronic pain most of the time and do not sleep.
Is this possible for me to have this go on for so long without getting better? I am unable to work as it effects my mobility so much.
Can the discs not be fused together? I just get a blank look from my G.P when I ask him this, I feel that they have given up on me.
Thank you again for your help and you must be a very good
Neurologist to have picked all this up without seeing me thank you.
If you have any other advice that you could give me which might help I would be eternally grateful.
Many thanks again Jackie