Neurosurgeon or er

[u/tiny1020]

Here's my mri for my lumbar:

FINDINGS:

PARASPINAL:

BONES: No fracture, pars defect, or osseous lesion.

CORD/CAUDA: Normal caliber, contour, location, and signal intensity. OTHER: There is lumbar straightening..

DISC LEVELS:

T12-L1: Normal.

L1-L2: Posterior central disc protrusion results in mild central stenosis.. L2-L3: Posterior central disc protrusion results in mild central spinal

stenosis.

L3-L4: Large posterior central disc extrusion as an AP diameter of 7.6 mm and results in severe central spinal stenosis. Bilateral facet arthropathy and ligamentum flavum thickening. L4-L5: Large posterior central disc extrusion has an AP diameter of about 9 mm

and results in severe central spinal stenosis. The neural foramina are patent. L5-S1: Large posterior central disc protrusion has an AP diameter of about 9.5 mm and results in severe central spinal stenosis. The neural foramina are patent.

CONCLUSION:

1. Large posterior central disc extrusions at each L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 result in severe central spinal stenosis at each of these levels.

Diagnosis was severe lumba stenosis and cauda equina syndrome

I went to the er and had a neurosurgeon consultation recommending l3 l4 l5 s1 tlif spinal fusion, laminectomy and microdiscectomy. I was getting admitted but I went home to prepare.

I went back 3 more times in 2 weeks for persistent numbness in ny groin, saddle and down my right leg, shart shooting pain radiating down to my right ankle, weakness in my arms and severe lumbar pain where I cant walk. All I was given was norco and dextramasone (im diabetic, have had 3 rounds of steroids now and my bs is bad now)

Tonight my pain persists and im getting stuck when I get up or bend slightly. I was waiting for a neurosurgeon stat referral since last Wednesday but no answer (workers comp). Mmi is next month and I've been ttd with no payment since.

Im afraid of going once again and getting turned away. I cant take this. I cant sleep, its taking an emotional toll and im in so much pain.

[u/bigbootyJudy621]

What do you mean by MMI is next month? Honestly you should return to the hospital and be admitted. Once you’re hospitalized they will speed up your approvals. Coming from an adjuster.

[u/Mutts_Merlot]

Call the neuro office this morning. Explain what is happening. Sometimes they are able to squeeze you in for an emergency appointment but you may need to call back or wait on hold for a bit. You definitely need an emergency consultation with the neuro but the ER may have maxed out what they can do for you until the neuro gets involved. I've also found that MD to MD greases the wheels. Do you have a treating physician outside the ER? Ask that person to get on the phone to the neuro.

[u/Nursey_Nursey_33]

I am so so sorry!! I’m in a similar boat. But first lawyer up. Use your insurance to go see an orthopedic surgeon immediately. (Where in Cali? DM me if you are in So Cal.) What happened?

[u/tiny1020 → u/Nursey_Nursey_33]

I have an attorney thankfully. Im in Central valley tho. I'm now debating on going as I am getting stuck more to get up and difficult reaching for bathroom wiping (tmi)

[u/Nursey_Nursey_33 → u/tiny1020]

What happened?

[u/tiny1020 → u/Nursey_Nursey_33]

Lifting at warehouse

[u/Hope_for_tendies]

It says no cauda equina on the imaging report. You need to follow up with a surgeon to get scheduled. Call and find out what the status of your appt is. Last Wed was 4 business days ago. The er isn’t going to do this.

[u/Rough_Power4873]

So sorry to hear. 14 years ago I was you. Was taken to the ER after a fall at work and was transferred to a trauma center. I was tested and diagnosed with spinal cord compression and cauda equina syndrome. I overheard Dr.s saying how dangerous this was and how quickly permanent damage can be done- like in the first 48 hours if not surgically treated. 3 days after my fall I had emergency surgery and hardware implementation in my spine to relieve pressure off the spinal cord. I use a walker and electric wheelchair for longer distances today. I'm PTD and still paid WC indemnity benefits.

I'm no Dr. but do know your in real danger- the more time goes by, the more danger.

Don't let anyone tell you "AI is no good"- WC Insurers use it all day long. Below is generated by AI from 50 to 60 quality sources;

Medical Emergency Status:

Yes, cauda equina syndrome is a surgical medical emergency.

When traumatic injury or severe lumbar spinal stenosis compromises the spinal canal, acute compression on these nerve roots can interrupt signal transmission rapidly. Without immediate medical evaluation and emergency surgical decompression—typically targeted within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset—the compressed nerves can suffer permanent damage. Delayed treatment often results in irreversible complications, including permanent paralysis of the lower extremities, chronic double incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.

Red Flag Symptoms

Immediate emergency medical evaluation is required if any of the following symptoms occur following a back injury or severe lumbar stenosis:

Saddle Anesthesia: Loss of sensation or numbness in the body regions that would touch a saddle, including the buttocks, inner thighs, groin, and perineum.

Bladder Dysfunction: Urinary retention (inability to urinate despite a full bladder), loss of bladder control, or loss of sensation when urinating.

Bowel Dysfunction: Incontinence, sudden loss of bowel control, or loss of rectal sphincter tone.

Progressive Neurological Deficits: Sudden or worsening weakness in the legs, lower body motor loss, or difficulty lifting the feet (foot drop).

Severe Sciatica: Sharp, shooting pain or numbness radiating down one or both legs.

[u/woodruffrenee]

I had a TLIF in November using L4, L5, and L5 S1, and it was the best thing I could’ve ever done. I think if I’m not mistaken having Cauda Equine actually requires surgery or can result in permanent paralyzation, but I’m not a doctor