Struggling to Receive Adequate Medical Care
At the age of 23, I suffered a fracture to my L1 vertebra in a car crash five years ago. As time passed, my situation became increasingly complex. While pregnant with my first child three years ago, I underwent an MRI that revealed the fracture had yet to heal. It also indicated that I have a mild disc protrusion affecting my L1 nerve roots, in addition to mild stenosis in the lateral recess. Furthermore, my L5/S1 region displayed a mild disc protrusion that could potentially irritate my S1 nerve roots, which I suspect has already begun. The diagnosis I received was degenerative disc disease. In my quest for relief, I've tried various over-the-counter medications and physical therapy sessions. I’ve been informed that my balance is significantly impaired, and I struggle to support any weight on my left side. It has been over two years since I received any therapeutic intervention, all while having carried two additional pregnancies during this time. I often experience issues with bladder control and have noticed that my back tends to lock up if I remain in a fixed position for too long, making it almost impossible to get up in the mornings without considerable effort to maneuver myself into a better position. Despite my escalating difficulties, my doctor continues to recommend physical therapy. I feel lost and uncertain about what options are left for me. Would it be prudent to request another MRI after this lengthy interval to assess the current state of my injuries and progression?
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 4:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you've been facing with your back and the impact it's had on your daily life and well-being. Your medical history indicates complex issues stemming from your initial injury, and it's understandable that you're seeking an updated assessment and potential relief from your symptoms.
Given your situation, here are the main points to consider:
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Requesting an Updated MRI: It is indeed a reasonable step to request another MRI. This imaging can provide information about the current condition of your vertebra, discs, and any changes in nerve root involvement that may have occurred since your last MRI. Regular follow-ups are important for monitoring chronic conditions, especially given your symptoms.
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Exploring Treatment Options: Physical therapy continues to be an essential treatment, but if you feel it's not helping or you're not seeing progress, discuss this openly with your doctor. They may consider adjusting your therapy approach or exploring alternative treatments such as pain management options, referral to a specialist, or evaluating for potential surgical options if indicated.
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Managing Symptoms: While waiting for an appointment or MRI, here are practical steps you can take:
- Maintain Mobility: Try gentle movements or stretches recommended for your condition. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing in one position.
- Pain Management: Consider discussing with your physician whether alternative pain management techniques (like acupuncture, massage therapy, or even meditation) could be beneficial.
- Bladder Control: Since you mentioned issues with bladder control, it might be beneficial to discuss this symptom specifically with your doctor, as it can indicate spinal cord involvement.
Next Steps:
- Contact Your Doctor: Request an updated MRI to reassess your injuries and progression.
- Discuss Treatment Options: Schedule a discussion with your doctor about the effectiveness of your current therapy and explore other treatment modalities if needed.
- Implement Symptom Management: Start with gentle mobility exercises and pain management strategies that feel comfortable for you.
Please remember, your symptoms are valid, and you deserve to find the right combination of treatments to improve your quality of life. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself in discussions with your healthcare team.
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