November Reflections :)

Hello Bloggers!!! We got SNOW...YAY!!! I am sure you think I am silly and way to excited, but we rarely if that get snow in Houston, Texas. SO it is a very exciting welcoming surprise that on my daughter Crystal's 15th birthday the snow flurries came down. To the left is a photo of my babies and I enjoying the flurries.

Moving on.....I want to apologize for having not updated you all on what is going on. But life has been busy and good. My family and I had a nice Thanksgiving..gobble...gobble and now we are ready for the holidays :)

So let me bring you up to speed on what is going on with me. Since my last post in late October, I have officially finished my IDD Therapy appointments for my back. I can walk better, stand taller, but sadly that isn't enough. I still can't exercise, or stand and walk very long and if I do, I begin to get excruciating pain in my lower back and a tingling, numbness feeling in my left leg. Unfortunately, all these symptoms are a result of several herniated discs pinching my back nerves and after 6+ months of therapy and alternative therapy the doctor has decided that it is time for me to have surgery. There just isn't anything else they can do to take away the pain anymore. After finishing all my therapy and reviewing my results the doctor has decided to send to me the NEUROSURGEON! I will have to have back surgery and as I have stated before it scares me to no end to have to go under the knife. I am very worried about anesthesia, because the last time I went under I almost didn't make it back out :( Also, I am scared that what if something goes wrong while in surgery. What if the doctor makes a mistake and I end up paralyzed or never being able to walk again. My close friends and family tell me to be optimistic and I usually am, but this was what I was hoping to avoid. So as my surgery date draws closer, I will keep you posted on what happens as I find out what to expect. I have 1 last test they will perform and then the surgeon and I will discuss when we will schedule the surgery date. I am thinking it will take place in late December to Early January. Regardless, wish me luck and keep me in your prayers. :)

One more thing before I forget, since i have been sick with my back and not being able to exercise, I have lost -6 pounds!!! I have gone down another size in my clothes and feel GRRREEEAT!!! Earlier today I went shopping and had to buy a skirt in a whole new size smaller!!!! I was just so excited that I am shrinking slowly, but shrinking :)

In all honesty, I just can't wait until my back is completely better so that I can continue my healthy lifestyle with exercise. Since having my back problems that is the one thing I miss the most...exercising. I miss my daily walks, jogs and just plain being active like i used to be. But even though I cannot exercise, I watch everything I eat and so far the weight loss is coming off slowly, but it is coming off regardless...HOORAY!!! So I am anxious to get better so I can get back on the road to good health and getting back on a fitness regimen :)

Here are some photos of the past several weeks that I have posted for sharing. Here is a photo of my daughters smiling for the camera. Photogenic babies I have :)

Here is a photo I took of my daughter and her best friend Azalea at school. My daughter and her little friend are in 3rd grade. I took them lunch one afternoon and sat there with them. McDonald's is always a big hit with kids and that was their lunch that afternoon :)
It SNOWED in Houston this week. (12/4/09) Here is my oldest daughter Crystal posing for the camera on this joyous occasion that lasted only 1 day and then it melted away!!
Here is my daughter Cristina. She and I made cupcakes one Saturday afternoon for friends and family to enjoy. We made pumpkin cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting, apple cupcakes and cinnamon banana cupcakes. All I can say is, "DEELICIOUS!!!" Here is my daughter icing her cup cakes and sprinkling hers with lots of goodness :)

Here is a photo of the ones I iced and sprinkled with orange frosting sugar...YUM :)
Thanksgiving day turned out to be quite a wonderful day. My daughters, family and friends came and celebrated the day of "Thanks" with us. Everything we made was baked and cooked from scratch. It came out delicious and even though I ended up sick as could be, everyone else enjoyed themselves. :) I am "THANKFUL" for good friends and family!
Here is my daughter basting the TURKEY * 8-) Someday she will make a fine chef..LOL :)

A few Saturday agos, I took my kiddos bowling in Spring, Texas. Here is a cute pic of my kiddos when I took them bowling with family and friends. They had such a wonderful time. Above is my youngest daughter Cristina (center) Shayla my daughter Crystal's best friend (right) and my daughter Crystal (left).

Well I hope you enjoy the pics and wish you all the very best in the New Year that is upon us.

God Bless.

-Nina

Nina's IDD Therapy Results

Hello Everyone,

I know it has been a while since i have made a post and I apologize. Also want to say, "thank you," to all of you have dropped by my blog and left me positive messages about my back problems. Just know your thoughts, prayers and advice is very helpful and much appreciated.

Above I posted a photo of the machine they put me on when I attend IDD Therapy for my injured disc's. They strap me in gear, I then lay on the machine and every 2 days that I attend therapy, they increase the weight by 2 pounds. I am currently be pulled by 12 pounds. The therapy lasts 45 minutes and is NOT painful.

The Accu Spina machine (shown above photo) pulls me from my waist slowly and realigns my spine (disc's) so that I have less bulging of my herniated disc's, therefore, reducing the amount of pain i have in my lumbar spine.

When I first started I was in so much pain that I was in tears the whole 2 hours of my therapy session. But after 2 visits I was AMAZED at the difference of how much better i felt. Prior to the therapy, I couldn't even stand up straight. In fact i was hunched over and in lots of pain. To walk or stand more than a few minutes was pure torture, but today I can walk a lot further, stand a little longer and the pain is not as severe. Also 10 sessions later, I have a level 2/3 pain tolerance compared to a 10 like i felt on my first visit. I am speaking of 1 thru 10 on a pain scale.




FACTS ABOUT IDD THERAPY:

The IDD Therapy® device gently manipulates the offending spinal segment, while helping stretch and re-tone underlying musculature.

IDD Therapy treatment is completely non-invasive, is non-surgical and involves no injections. Not only is IDD Therapy treatment safe and painless, it's also comfortable and relaxing.

IDD Therapy can isolate each lumbar vertebra (L1, L2, L3, L4 or L5) and distract the vertebrae surrounding an injured disc 5 to 7 millimeters. The 25 to 30 minute treatment provides static, intermittent, and cycling forces on structures that may be causing low back pain.

Negative pressure promotes the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrients into the vertebral disc area, thereby re-hydrating the degenerated disc. Repeated pressure differential promotes retraction of a herniated nucleus pulposus (the elastic core of the intervertebral disc).



Once I get off the machine, I go to another room next door, lay on a table and they attach these patches to this machine that provides electrical stimulation to the nerves of my spine. I have that done for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then they use an ultrasound machine that gives me this deep tissue massage to the nerves/tissue. Both of those machines helps with the inflammation and my the nerved that is being pinched by my L5 disc. Then they apply BIOFREEZE to my lower back area and give me a massage. The Biofreeze is like a BenGay type gel that helps cool down my back area where I have muscle spasms. The whole process works well and I always leave feeling 75% better each and every time :)

NOTE: Biofreeze is something I recommend to anyone who suffers from muscle aches and pains, growing pains, pain associated with exercise or back problems. It can be used on the legs, back arms, etc. Biofreeze doesn't leave a greasy strong smell. It feels cool and gets a little cooler once penetrated into the muscle...feels good! You can purchase Biofreeze at CVS, Walmart and certain Walgreen locations. Ask your pharmacist if you can't find it and see if they carry it.


OK.....The Accu Spine machine (shown above photo) pulls me from my waist slowly and realigns my spine (disc's) so that I have less bulging disc's and less pain. As it pulls me inch by inch there is a heating device at the bottom that helps warm your muscles and is very effective and relaxing. I enjoy my sessions, because it is almost like being in one of those spa chairs, but your laying down :)

When I first started I was in so much pain that I was in tears the whole 2 hours of my therapy session. But after 2 visits I was AMAZED at the difference at how much better i feel. Prior to the therapy, I couldn't even stand up straight. In fact i was hunched over and in lots of pain. To walk or stand more than a few minutes was pure torture, but today I can walk a lot further, stand a little longer and the pain is not a severe. Also 10 sessions later, I have a level 2/3 pain tolerance compared to a 10 like i felt on my first visit. I am speaking of 1 thru 10 on a pain scale. I have a total of 20 sessions, so I have 10 more left.

In the beginning of my therapy I was popping hydrocodone 6 to 10 times a day for pain. Now I take maybe 2 pills a day.

I also used to pop muscle relaxers all day long every 2 to 4 hours and was passed out sleeping most of the day. Now I only take 2 pills in the morning and 2 in the evening and that is if I even need it. I am on anti-inflammatories, and have to continue taking those daily, but that helps to reduce the inflammation I have.

Since I have NOT been able to exercise as a result of my back injuries, I watch what I eat like a hawk. I went to my doctor last Tuesday and couldn't believe that since July I have lost 10 pounds...YAY!! It has been a slow and on going process for me, because I can't exercise, but soon...HOPEFULLY i will be able to start walking again daily and lose more weight to get to my goal!!! I am being patient, but I know soon I will get to that goal of mine.

I am proud to share that I have lost a total of 5 dress sizes since I started my weight venture. I have finally hit my 50 pound mark and have 24 pounds left to lose. I know that it will take time, but I am very motivated and can't believe that I am almost to my final goal!!! I tried on some jeans last week and was astonished to find that they are already lose. I am really seeing the progress in my clothes and have to start buying new clothes as I am shrinking :) But that is all good, because I LOVE shopping :)

Well again "THANK YOU" for being so supportive and leaving encouraging comments. God bless you all!!

HUGS,
-Nina

My MRI Diagnostic Report Says......

Well I finally got a copy of my new MRI report and my disc (lower back) issues are far more worse than I had hoped :(

So that you can understand what I am about to write, I have found photos to show you as you follow.

**The above photo shows where on ones back are your Levels aka Lumbar spine dermatones. This chart will show you where on my back I am having herniated and bulging disc issues.

My MRI shows the following: I have....

- A 5cm hermangioma on my L1 disc;
- A 1mm angular disc bulge at L2-3;
- A 1-2mm angular disc bulge at L3-4;
- A 3mm disc extrusion at L4-5 that is also compressing a L5 nerve root within the L4-5 left lateral recess; AND
- A 8mm disc protrusion with posterior annual tear on the left side at the L5-S1 level and is impinging the left S1 nerve root.

*cm-centimeter
*mm-millimeter

The photo above shows a sample of what my L5-S1 disc looks like currently. If you notice the right side of the photo, you will see the disc herniation. Sadly, this photo shows where I suffer the most amount of pain!!


Above photo depicts a sample of what my back used to look like (normal mind you) before my slip and fall. Then it shows a sample of an MRI after a injury to the back. This again shows where I am having the most pain in my lower back.
This looks like my future with block injections to the spine. Won't know for sure until Friday what the Neurologist actually plans to do. I may also have to face the fact that I could possibly one day need surgery :( But I am hoping for the best!!

The photo above depicts a sample of what my back also suffered an injury to when I fell. I have a 1mm angular disc bulge at my L2-3 level.

I also have a 3mm left posterior disc bulge to my L4-5 level. Also my MRI shows that at L4-5 level, I have a posterolateral disc extrusion at the L4-5 levels and it is compressing the L5 nerve root. (**This is what is causing me to have extreme left leg pain and lower back pain)

My MRI report also shows that I have a 8mm left posterolateral disc extrusion at L5-S1. (Photo above)

OUCH is all I can say!! This explains a lot!!!!

(Above photo is a herniated disc)

***Level means lower lumbar spine at those particular locations of the spine.... C, T, L & S locations of the back/spine chart. (See below chart as well)

TERMINOLOGY:

Lumbar Spine - refers to the low back; the region of the backbone, including: the five vertebrae L1-L5, the nerve elements (spinal cord and nerve roots) inside them, and all supporting structures that join them together.

Degenerative Disc Disease - Degenerative Disc Disease refers to the loss of loss of hydration in the disc and weakening of the annulus(outer lining of the disc). Trauma can cause the annulus to tear and disc material leaks out and presses on a nerve. Degenerative disc disease is very common in the human population but is not always symptomatic.

Discs - fibrous cartilage pads that lie between the spinal vertebrae; each is made up of two parts: a jelly-like center (the nucleus pulposus) that loses moisture with age, and a tough outer ring (the annulus fibrosus) that can split with age or injury.

Hemangioma - A hemangioma is a benign tumor usually found in the thoracic area of the spine. Some patients with hemangioma are asymptomatic, others will report pain at the vertebral level effected by the hemangioma.

Herniated disc - the rupture of the center of an intervertebral disc through its fibrous outer ring and causes compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots; also called ruptured disc or (incorrectly) slipped disc.

Posterior - back; posterior refers to the approach used by the surgeon to reach the spine through the back of the the body.

Sciatica - Term for symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning along the branches of the Sciatic nerve. These areas include the buttocks, back of the legs, to the ankle and foot.

Bulging Disc - A bulging disc is a slight protrusion of the center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) into the spinal canal. In a bulging disc, the annulus fibrosus (outer ring) has not been ruptured.

What are common causes of back pain?
There are numerous causes for back pain ranging from muscle strain, trauma, arthritis, disc herniation, muscle spasm, facet joint pain, and cumulative effect of poor body mechanics.

How do disc injuries cause back pain?
When the disc bulges or herniates into the spinal canal, the nerves in that area can become inflamed or agitated, creating both back pain and pain in the area where that nerve carries impulses. The muscles surrounding the injured disc can become fatigued and spasm.

What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc? *** I HAPPEN TO HAVE BOTH HERNIATED AND BULGING DISCS**

A bulging disc is a slight protrusion of the center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) to the spinal canal. In a bulging disc, the annulus fibrosus (outer ring) has not been ruptured. A disc herniation is a large protrusion of the nucleus pulposus (center of the disc), which has burst through the annulus fiborsus (outer ring of the disc) into the spinal canal, invading the surrounding nerves and causing pain in the back, buttocks, hips, or legs.

Is it true that a bulging disc can be normal?
Bulging discs are very common, and may not produce any symptoms.

How did I herniate my disc?
As we age, the disc may lose hydration and develop small tears and bulges. The herniation can occur due to a lifetime of poor body mechanics, a trauma, or by lifting, bending or twisting the wrong way at the wrong time.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
The classic symptoms of a herniated disc include back pain, hip pain, and any combination of burning, numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the legs.

What is the treatment for herniated discs?
A herniated disc is treated with conservative therapy unless there is a spinal deformity or neurologic deficit. Conservative therapy can include physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, Pilate's, ultrasound, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and a short course of steroids. If these do not work, the next steps include a steroid epidural or facet joint block. Surgical intervention is the last resort. If surgical intervention becomes necessary, a microdisectomy is the most common procedure.

What is degenerative disc disease (DDD)? **ALSO HAVE!!
Degenerative Disc Disease refers to the loss of loss of hydration in the disc and weakening of the annulus (outer lining of the disc). Trauma can cause the annulus to tear and disc material leaks out and presses on a nerve. Degenerative disc disease is very common in the human population but is not always symptomatic.

Herniated Disc
General description Discs are the relatively soft, gelatinous cushions (nucleus pulposis) surrounded by a thick fibrous cover (annulus fibrosis). The disc functions as a shock absorber between the hard, boney vertebrae. A herniated disc is a protrusion of the nucleus through the annulus which in turn presses against a nerve traveling through the spinal canal.

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Discs herniate most commonly in the lower back, although they also occur frequently in the lower neck and more uncommonly may occur anywhere.

Causes A disc may herniate because of sudden trauma, anything from a fall on an icy sidewalk to an athletic injury or by simply lifting the wrong bag of groceries in the wrong way at the wrong time. Disc Herniations may also be caused simply by the cumulative long term effects of what doctors like to call poor body mechanics - a lifetime of too much bending and twisting and too many awkward positions. Herniations in the lumbar and cervical spine occur with increased frequency in middle aged patients (30-50 years old). This is because the relatively flexibility and regenerative ability of youth is slowly replaced with the stiffness and disc degeneration of progressive age.

Signs and symptoms Depending on where the herniation occurs, and the degree to which nerves entering the spine, or the spine itself, are affected, a wide range of symptoms are possible. In addition to pain around the site of the herniation, many disc patients also experience significant pain somewhere other than where the disc is. This is because when discs ooze and bulge, they ooze and bulge into spaces occupied by nerves. Because these nerves are carrying impulses from different parts of he body to the spine and then to the brain, the pain is experienced as if it were occurring in the area from where the nerve originates.

With lower back herniations caused by trauma, patients typically experience sudden and severe pain which usually recedes without treatment and then gradually worsens over time. Often , if the sciatic nerve, which carries impulses from the legs to the spine, is involved there is dull, burning pain in the back of the leg, sometimes extending all the way to the foot. Sitting, bending, sneezing, coughing - almost anything that can cause the disc to exert pressure on the nerve, will cause pain.

Depending on where the herniation occurs, and the degree to which nerves entering the spine, or the spine itself, are affected, a wide range of symptoms are possible. In addition to pain around the site of the herniation, many disc patients also experience significant pain somewhere other than where the disc is because the discs ooze and bulge into spaces occupied by nerves. The nerves carry impulses from different parts of the body to the spine and then to the brain. The pain is experienced as if it were occurring in the area from where the nerve originates.

With lower back herniations caused by trauma, patients typically experience sudden and severe pain which usually recedes without treatment and then gradually worsens over time. Often , if the sciatic nerve, which carries impulses from the legs to the spine, is involved there is dull, burning pain in the back of the leg, sometimes extending all the way to the foot. Sitting, bending, sneezing, coughing - almost anything that can cause the disc to exert pressure on the nerve, will cause pain.

Diagnosis In herniations of discs in the neck, pain may appear in the shoulder, neck, outer part of he upper arm, or the inside of the forearm.

Physical examination can often reveal not only the fact of a herniation but even its site. For example, a herniation between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae will manifest itself by a patient having difficulty bending the big toe and in attempting to walk on the heels. (Of course, everybody, except perhaps circus acrobats, has trouble walking on his heels, but, not to worry, years of training and experience have uniquely qualified your doctor, to distinguish between a natural healthy clumsiness and the signs of a diseased disc.)

Similarly, herniations in the neck often reveal sensory deficits and weaknesses in the muscles of the arms, the thumb and some of the fingers, depending o the location of the affected disc. Several kinds of imaging tests, including x-rays, CT scans, MRI's and other more exotic imaging tests can confirm and elucidate the findings of a physical exam. In general, bulging discs are rarely a diagnostic mystery.


Treatment is a different story. To be honest, doctors often disagree about the treatment of disc disease. The fact is, there are many different kinds of treatments available;and just as different doctors often approach the same problem in different ways, different patients sometimes respond to the same treatment in very different ways.

Most doctors at least agree that initially, conservative treatment is best, unless there is clear evidence of severe nerve involvement, significant loss of sensation, partial paralysis, or bowel or bladder dysfunction. Conservative therapy includes such things as bed rest, mild stretching exercises, heat or ice, massage, braces or corsets, and drugs to reduce pain, relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Cervical (neck) or pelvic (lower back) traction, ultrasound therapy and electronic nerve stimulation are also options.

When conservative therapy fails For discs that do not respond to conservative treatment, there is a surgical option. Actually, the truth is there is more than one surgical option, and this is where most of the controversy in the treatment of disc disease originates.

Basically, surgery cannot repair the disc itself. What surgery can do is provide more room for the herniated disc to bulge in, thereby reducing pressure on the nerves and therefore pain.

New clinical studies indicate there are some advantages to choosing surgery over non-invasive treatment for certain conditions.

Neurologist!!!

Spoke to the doc yesterday and found out that I have to see a neurologist.
My MRI results show that I have 2 bulging discs, in my lumbar spine plus it is also pinching several nerves. So a trip to the Neurologist will be very beneficial and he will perform neurological examinations of my back nerves to my head and neck; muscle strength and movement; balance, ambulation, and reflexes; and sensation, and other cognitive abilities.


Also....I found out that I was having allergic reactions to my muscle relaxers and that was why I was having fainting spells, irregular heart beat, irregular breathing and dizzy spells. WOW...had no idea that it was the meds that were making me so sick :( So now the doc has taken me off the meds, and has me on bed rest until my Friday appointment. So the rest of this week is all about heating pads, hot baths, cold compresses and lots of other homeopathic pain relieving methods.

-Nina

Still waiting for the results of my X-ray and MRI. This week the doc has me on bed rest and next week pt appointments. Looks like I will be off from work for a little longer than I would like :( If only i had no back problems :( I miss work and having a normal life. PRAY FOR ME :)