Results from MRI

DammitJanet

DammitJanet

Well-Known Member
Well went to the family doctor today and he gave me the results of the MRI.

This is what the conclusions say and if anyone has any medical background who can decipher it jump on in. I do know they are making an appointment with a neurosurgeon for me.

1. mild levoconvex lumber curature, disc degeneration and facet arthrosis resulting in stenosis and nerve root abutment at L3-4 and L4-5.

2. Intrathecal cyst, chronic septation or sequeia of arachnoiditia atL5-S1, etioligy and significance indeterminant. Further evaluation with high resolution focused MRI with and without contrast could be considere. Alternately CT myelogram could be performed

3. Dilated extrahepatic common bile duct can be seen as a physiologic response after cholecystectomy. Otherwise, correlate with billary symptoms.

I have to admit I am a bit worried.
 
buddy

buddy

New Member
Intrathecal cyst

My mom was diagnosed with this too last year. If it is the same thing, they said there is very little that can be done because every treatment makes it come back, sometimes bigger. Most people they said dont know they are there. Sounds like they are saying they dont know what causes it or if it is really anything to worry about (significance not known) which is exactly what she was told. (funny thing for her at first they said it was the size of a tennis ball, turned out to be a typo and it was a much smaller measurement, and much much tinier cyst., we were a little panicked at first).

so, they say you have that curvature of the spine and sounds like some degenerative disc stuff going on, it will be interesting to hear what the neuro. says. So it is probably doing exactly what you are feeling, causing a lot of pain...duh, right? come on tony give her a break!

Dont worry too much yet, wait till you see the neurosurgeon to see if this is a surgical issue or medical. I am glad there is not any serious disease process (like cancer or similar issues) going on but it is normal to hate to find out there are significant findings, how can you not wonder and worry a little? On the other hand, NOW you have the reality check you needed for Tony. (IF he will listen)

HUGS, please take care of yourself. Hope you can get into the neuro. soon.
 
buddy

buddy

New Member
The arachnoid is a layer of the spinal column, I think it is saying that the cyst is causing there to be a space there. That makes sense because anything there will create a space that should not be there, but as in my mom's case...they said it has likely been there since birth and it usually does not add to the other back problems, it is just something they find because they are looking for the source of pain. I can imagine that for some people though it does add to the pain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachnoid_cyst

of course it is scary making to try to figure it out without the doctor who is actually looking and able to explain.

Intrathecal means in the spinal space like when they give numbing shots into the intrathecal space for childbirth and other things.
(Intrathecal is an adjective that refers to something introduced into or occurring in the space under the arachnoid membrane)


The medical words make it seem scarier but I think if I remember my medication terminology correctly basically it is describing where the cyst is and as we did a ton of research for my mom, it was found to be quite common. I hope it is for you too.
 
Hound dog

Hound dog

Nana's are Beautiful
Janet, you need the doctor to translate this for you. As in, what it means to you personally. I can't recall if you have an ortho doctor or not.......but he'd be the one to ask, as it's his specialty.

I would venture that it's indicative of degenerative disease with some nerve damage (probably due to compression) other than the cyst. How severe, only the specialist can tell you. Will you be seeing an ortho doctor soon?

I know it's hard not to worry. But try to not let it get to you until you get it explained. We can imagine all sorts of horror stories that have nothing to do with it when we let our minds run amok. (or at least I can lol )

((hugs))
 
S

slsh

member since 1999
The neurosurgeon is exactly the guy you want to see, Janet. I will keep my fingers crossed he/she is a thoughtful MD who will steer you in the right direction.

Sounds like they don't know what is at L5-S1 - either a cyst, septation, or (assuming a careless transcriptionist) sequelae of arachnoiditis (changes caused by inflammation of the arachnoid membrane).

Regardless, you've now got a solid picture of what is going on and where. It sure as heck explains the pain.
 
Star*

Star*

call 911........call 911
I think it says you've been in a LOT of pain, they now KNOW what is causing the pain, and they're going to be able to pin-point the cause and do what they can to alleviate the pain they can, and manage the rest with the proper treatments. I see a light at the end of the tunnel for you. FINALLY someone is taking your pain seriously. That's what I understand out of all that medical jargon. As far as arachnids? Well I can answer that one - those are spiders. HA see --and I dint even crack a bo.....what? Arachnoids? I have no idea but one would think arachnae would me spider like. Possibly going in many directions? I don't know. If Hound can't get it why in the WORLD would you think I'd have any answers? I'm the funny one in the family (puts fingers in corner of each mouth and pulls wide, sticks out tongue and crosses eyes) Best I can do on short notice gurl......fren.

Love ya.
 
S

susiestar

Roll With It
The arachnoid is a membrane around the nerves including the spinal column. Arachnoiditis is an inflammationa nd irritation of this membrane, and one common cause is thought to be steroid shots into the back. There isn't a lot known about it. I know one doctor tried to get me to let them go in an burn out some nerves instead of having the disc fusion I had done. I didn't because I could find NO studies that showed long term help from the procedure, and the spinal fusion did have long term outcomes that were positive.

I don't know that the spinal steroid shots (into the epidural space) are the cause, and I don't think much is known of the cause and or treatment of this problem, but it isn't a fun one.

just don't go into surgery until you have spoken to at least 2 docs. even if you go with the first one, it is still important to get the 2nd opinion.
 
1

1905

Well-Known Member
Janet, I have no idea what any of that means. At least you do have a definate picture that someone can decifer, explain and give you help and hope. Thank goodness it's not cancer, now maybe you can get more relief from the right kind of targeted treatment. I'm so glad you got the MRI over with and you can get some more help.
 
S

SearchingForRainbows

Active Member
Janet,

I'm glad you finally have the results of the MRI. I agree with the others that a neurosurgeon is the way to go. I don't know if I would be able to follow my own advice but try not to worry. My rhuemy once told me that too little knowledge can be a dangerous thing... Once the doctor explain the results to you, you'll be able to make good decisions about treatment.

Keeping you in my thoughts and hoping that you'll now be able to get some relief from all that pain. SFR
 
hearts and roses

hearts and roses

Mind Reader
I hope you see a neurosurgeon, as suggested. I think that a good one will be able to help you in various ways and/or at least point you in the right direction now that you've had the MRI and know what's going on inside your body.

Gentle hugs, you've taken these steps, now keep going so you feel better!
 
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