Question
Dear Sir,
Please give me your expert opinion on my MI done 12-2009,
I am told I need surgery, but do not have insurance due to my "pre-existing" condition, please advise.....
IMPRESSION:  "Marked degenerative disc change L5-S1 , with right sided disc protrusion resulting in right S1 nerve root impingement. Disc degenerative change, degenerative anterolisthesis, marked central canal stenosis & bilateral L5 nerve root impingement at L4-L5"...
Findings include....L4 S1 discd desiccation, loss of disc height & disc bulge are present.......etc.discogenic sclerosis is present.  Mild foraminal encroachment is evident bilaterally.
At L4-L5 disc desiccation present loss of disc height & 5mm
degnenerative anterolisthesis.  Facet overgrowth bilaterally.  Also bilateral LS nerve impingement in subarticular zone with marked central canal stenosis.  Moderate left, mild right foraminal encroachment is present.
L2-3 & L1-L2 are unremarkable.
This was almost a year ago...aside from daily numbness & occasional inability to empty my bladder when there is more pressure in the AM. I feel pain radiating down the back of my legs to above the back of my knee area.  Usually after bending over, going up stairs stepping out of our Jeep.  I guess I need another $3000 MRI?
Your thoughts??
Sincerely,
Deanna



A  

Answer
Deanna,
 So this MRI was done a year ago, now daily you feel pain down the legs to the back of your knee, numbness to where?  I don't necessarily say that you need another $3000 MRI.  Have you gone to physical therapy?  Your MRI does show from the report loss of disc height at L4-5, facet overgrowth, canal stenosis, but is your pain constant or only related to when you bend over or go up stairs?  
 Does ice or heat help at all?  If you take a warm shower does your pain improve at all?  Is the AM better or worse than the PM?  Are there positions that make you feel less pain?
I know these are a lot of questions, but I want to make sure your symptoms match your MRI.

Martin