L5... what to expect

[J-hawk]

So, about 20 years ago, I broke my neck. I've been experiencing a lot of "minor" issues since. I have radiculopathy down both arms. I have incontinence issues. I've also had problems with balance, foot drop, and a few other things. Over the last 20 years, I've gone to various doctors and complained about the balance, legs, and feet issues. Almost every time, I'm looked at crazily because according to the images, it didn't add up. Well... I finally had a dr that was okay with the possibility of me having 2 issues. She finally ordered a lumbar le El MRI. It revealed a lot of problems. My L5 is sitting at approximately 45° and the nerve bundles are pretty much completely cut in half. (Pinched really hard)
I'm curious what can I expect. I asked if the numbness throughout my legs would get better, she said no and it would probably get worse. Right now, I can't feel the top of my feet or lift them up at all. I literally can't move them. My dr is referring me to a paralysis center.
What can I expect going forward? Is it likely, ill need a wheelchair? Walking up stairs and stepping up curbs is hard now. Thanks for anything.

[J-hawk]

So much pain! My feet and hips hurt so bad. I'm curious about sexual dysfunction. This is something I've never shared. But what exactly does that mean? I haven't really had a desire and I think there is lack of sensation, but its hard to tell. I also have a bit of numbness and pain in the groin muscle and hips area. Are all of these L5?

[SCI-Nurse]

Sexual function is complex, involving both sacral somatic nerves and lower thoracic autonomic nerves. If you are experiencing ED, problems ejaculating, or problems having an orgasm, you should see a neurologic urologist who is experienced in these areas. (KLD)

[baldfatdad]

can you do traction to help straighten the L5? that's the pain in your lower body.

[SCI-Nurse]

Unsupervised traction or chiropratic treatments for a problem this severe can actually make it worse. See my response below. (KLD)

[SCI-Nurse]

So, about 20 years ago, I broke my neck. I've been experiencing a lot of "minor" issues since. I have radiculopathy down both arms. I have incontinence issues. I've also had problems with balance, foot drop, and a few other things. Over the last 20 years, I've gone to various doctors and complained about the balance, legs, and feet issues. Almost every time, I'm looked at crazily because according to the images, it didn't add up. Well... I finally had a dr that was okay with the possibility of me having 2 issues. She finally ordered a lumbar le El MRI. It revealed a lot of problems. My L5 is sitting at approximately 45° and the nerve bundles are pretty much completely cut in half. (Pinched really hard)

It appears you had a undiagnosed incomplete cervical spinal cord injury when you broke your neck. Not all damage shows up in an MRI. You lumbar problems can be causing your LE pain, foot drop, bladder/bowel/sexual dysfunction, but not problems with arm pain or radiculopathy. That would be due to your cervical injury. Also, SCI does not directly impact libido or sexual desire, but TBI (traumatic brain injury) can, and nearly 60% of those who have a traumatic SCI also have at least a mild TBI.

I'm curious what can I expect. I asked if the numbness throughout my legs would get better, she said no and it would probably get worse. Right now, I can't feel the top of my feet or lift them up at all. I literally can't move them. My dr is referring me to a paralysis center.
What can I expect going forward? Is it likely, ill need a wheelchair? Walking up stairs and stepping up curbs is hard now. Thanks for anything.

You need to see a neurosurgeon or spinal orthopedic surgeon to determine if decompression surgery of your lumbar spine is appropriate, and also a physiatrist (a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation) who specializes in spinal cord injury.

Please also complete your profile to include your age, location, and gender as well, please.

(KLD)

[J-hawk]

So.. here is a question and a thought. When I broke my neck, I signed out of the hospital AMA. The only symptoms I really noticed were incontinence and balance issues. About a year later is when my arms and leg symptoms really showed up. My hands and arms were really weak and I had some tingling in my feet. I ended up going in and had a c5-c7 corpectomy. I didn't really notice much of a change. Over the next 20 years, I would randomly have times when things got worse. I'd go in and b3 told it's just something I need to deal with or I'm just getting older. This past November I had a pretty rough case of covid. Within a couple of weeks is when my foot numbness and weakness increased. I always had a bit of foot drop, but it went severe along with numbness in the groin, etc.
my question.... guillen barre has been associated with covid. Could I have had an undiagnosed mild case of guillen barre 20 years ago? Then had random recurrences? The. With covid, I had the biggest recurrence? Could this be GBS?

[SCI-Nurse]

Did you read my responses above. Inconsistent with GBS. See the providers I mentioned (not just a GP or internist). Complete your profile!

(KLD)

[J-hawk]

I will I will... I'm seeing the neurologist at MGH tomorrow

[SCI-Nurse]

After you see the neurologist and likely consultation with a spinal orthopedic surgeon or spinal neurosurgeon, you also need to see a physiatrist. (KLD)

[J-hawk]

Yes. I have a physiatrist at the spine clinic at mgh.

Another symptom? Forum every time i sit down to do #1???

[SCI-Nurse]

I don't understand your second sentence. (KLD)

[J-hawk]

Ahh.. look at that.. I was asking if this is related. Every time I sit down to go #1, I also have a bm. I have been using the restroom every hour on the hour. Even at night.

Typing # 2 is really hard

[SCI-Nurse]

Your physiatrist should be able to help you with a bowel program (or set you up with a rehab nurse who can do so). For the bladder problems, you need to see a neurologic urologist. (KLD)

[J-hawk]

I met with my neurologist today. We went through the time line I created. One thing that I had not mentioned to anyone was that I was diagnosed with mylelomacia about 2 years after my initial injury. I was also diagnosed with degenerative disc stuff at L5.
anyhow after the exam she said there were some inconsistencies, so i would be getting an EMG in a month. The inconsistencies were that when sitting, my hip and knees were a lot more weak. I could barely lift my leg from the hip at all. I wonder if this has to.do with sitting at 90°. My legs feel like they're 1k lbs. When I stood up to walk, I could walk, it just hurts incredibly bad and my feet are dangling be ause of the foot drop. Hopefully they figure it out after the emg.

[J-hawk]

I'm thinking some of the hip issues are probably muscle related. When im sitting its really hard to do anything with my hips. Especially lifting my knees. I feel super tight. Then if i stand to walk, it doesn't seem as painful. It still hurts though. Mainly in the groin area. I did spend about 3 hours in the car before my appointment.

[SCI-Nurse]

Sounds like you will need to ask the physiatrist about some PT sessions to set up a home program you can use for both stretching and strengthening. (KLD)