SPINAL TAP MISHAP: I hope that someone might have some information related to my current medical condition. I wouldn't wish this for anyone. On 19 Sep, I had an allergic reaction to a migraine medication that produced stroke-like symptoms. So, I was rushed to a local hospital. They conducted several tests: MRI/CAT Scan/Chest X-Ray/Spinal Tap to confirm a stoke. Everything came back normal. The neurologist determined that the medication (Maxalt) caused the symptoms. I was taken off that medication forever. I stayed in the hospital for two days. I had some minor discomfort from the spinal tap procedure. Once I was released from the hospital and the pain medication wore off that they gave me, it was difficult to sit for more than 20 mins or walk any distance at all due to the pain in my back. I was placed on quarters for a 7 days and told to take motrin/take it easy. I should get better. I went back after that period of time and the doctor didn't even examine me. I was placed on quarters for another 3 days and he said that I would be better soon. After the appointment, I switched from the Pentagon Clinic to Bolling AFB. I had an appointment the next day (2 Oct). They did an x-ray and I was put in for an MRI. I have been waiting for the MRI...6 Nov was the only date available at any of the facilities in the DC area. The doctor placed me on Tramadol and Neurontin. The Neurontin helps with the nerve pain, but the Tramadol wears off quickly now. I'm able to sit in my office and work on the computer. I was placed on a profile for a few months until the MRI comes back. I can't lift anything (more than pounds), run, walk fast, etc...
Does anyone else have a similar experience/problems with spinal taps? Severe back pain, hurts to walk, pain going up stairs or hills/ramps. It even hurts to tie my shoes. I have to get my wife or my daughter to tie my shoe on my right foot.
My PCM thinks that I the civilian ER doctor did something wrong during the spinal tap procedure, but she didn't know what it might be...nerve damage and/or disc damage. It might be detected with the MRI or it might not.
I have my first physical therapy appointment at Bethesda the day after my MRI. Is there a treatment/procedure/exam that I should be asking for that could help this?
Is this a discharge waiting to happen if I cannot deploy, even though I can sit at a desk and still be productive? I'm a Logistics Officer in the AF. 15 years of service. I just want to get better and stay in the service. Plus, it would nice to get to a point where i could throw the ball with my son again or run again. I know that it depends on my MRI results, but if nothing shows up then I don't know what to do...
Thanks for your advice and info. I just needed to hear from someone instead of doctors saying it might get better or it might not.
Jason
