Newbie needing advice
 

Hi everyone,

I am a 41 year old male and have just joined this forum and hope to get some help regarding my spinal problem.

I have had pain in the right buttock and down my leg for about 6 weeks. However, a week ago I noticed a slight numbness over the top of my big toe and only 2 days ago I developed a slight weakness in my right leg. It feels a little shakey when I walk. Also, it feels like I have a slight foot drop when I walk, especially after a while when the leg gets tired.

I have already arranged a consultation with a leading ADR surgeon in the UK for the 11th August which is in 1 month from now. Unfortnatelly, he is too busy to see me earlier.

I am concerned that the leg weakness is a serious symptom and that waiting for a month just to get a consultation can result in a permanent nerve damage.


Am I increasing the chance of a permanent nerve damage by waiting this long?


Should I try and get a more urgent consultation?



Thanks in advance

It sounds like an L5 radiculopathy (most commonly due to a bulging disc at the L4-5 level.

Whether surgery improves nerve outcomes is debateable compared to conservative care.

I would recommend avoiding anything to provoke the disc at this stage (bending forward, lifting, straining). An epidural or transforaminal injection could be considered for pain relief.

As it dries out and shrinks the pressure on the nerve will hopefully be reversed and the nerve function will hopefully improve.

I'm not sure ADR surgeons would want to take on the case at this point due to the risk of worsening the nerve pain.

Welcome, Rocket
 

If you are worried, by all means try to get a consult earlier. Perhaps you could get a consult with a doctor who works for the NHS and a private practice? They may be able to squeeze you in earlier.

Some patients (both UK and US) have had surgery and offered very positive reviews of Mr. Nick Boeree, and you can find their posts and PM them in the post-op forum.

Also, many patients at our UK sister site can help you out too, especially "Sir Alastair..."

Tell us more about your spinal history when you can. Better yet, pls add this in your signature using the "User CP" in the upper left.

:look:

edit - sorry I didn't realise this was an old thread, ignore pls.

Gday if you are concerned about nerve damage in the intervening period contact your gp or specialist and inform them of your symptons. I wouldn't worry too much unless you lose any bladder or bowel control, this is cauda equina impingement and is a medical emergency.

But really don't worry there are plenty of people who walk around on drop foot and numbness for a lot longer than a month without permanent nerve damage.

I don't know why you're thinking adr straight away, if surgery is deemed necessary disc replacement isn't likely the first option for those symptons. A second opinion probably wouldn't hurt either, you don't want to get mislead by a dodgy doc when things start going numb and the rest of it.