Two Cervical Disc protrusions - Tarlov Cysts Sacral spine

 ‘I am an ordinary 44-year old woman who in hindsight has had in some part an interesting if not extraordinary life. 

Apparently I did not walk until I was well over 2-years of age. My first memories are not pleasant ones. I remember at about the age of 3 or 4 that I bent down to pat the dog when there was a terrible pain in my back and legs. So much so, that I could not walk. I called for my mum but she could not hear me; so I had to commando crawl from the front of the house to the back door. On and off I have had to do this ever since. 

At the age of 14, I was told by an eminent surgeon that I could not have children and would be in a wheel chair by the 21 years of age.  

Here is the flip side! At 17 years of age I began to study ballet under the RAD system. I went through the elementary level and onto a performing arts and visual arts double degree. I have also have a beautiful 17-year old son. I will not allow my back to be an excuse to not do something. My condition has actually helped build my character. And NO I am not in a wheel chair! 

I have 9-bulging discs and several prolapsed discs in my neck, mid back and lower spine; all of which have varying degrees of desiccation and in addition I have diagnosed with a large Tarlov Cyst. 

Over the years I have been in and out of hospital on many occasions suffering bouts of chronic pain. I have had two independent orthopedic surgeons inform me that I required a spinal fusion to both my neck and lower back region. The most recent was this last episode occurred only 2-months ago. 

Because I have lived with chronic pain I did not realize how serious my neck problem was. I have always suffered stiffness, headaches, and generalized weakness in my arms, referred pains and associated pins and needles. These are symptoms probably most people suffer at one stage or another. I would regularly go my osteopath and he would provide assistance that generally helps to relieve some of the constant pain. However during the most recent episode; I began to loose the use of my left arm and I awoke one morning in terrible pain in my neck and down my arm. 

MRI reveals multi level prolapse in my neck; I was recommended prednisolone and rest and if no reduction in symptoms within 6-weeks – spinal fusion! I had lost the use of my arm; I was in terrible pain, I could not wash my-self, I couldn’t drive, cook and day to day living was completely preoccupied with the relentless pain! I was devastated; I was of no use to either myself or my family. 

However whilst in hospital I had an epiphany! Opposite me in the surgical ward was a woman that had had numerous neck fusions over time that had ‘failed’. As part of the surgical approach her specialist had previously placed a surgical cage in to support her neck. However she suffered a car accident which had broken the cage. She was in terrible pain and her doctors were all very concerned as to what could be done for this poor woman.  

Here I was with the surgeon wanting to remove one of my discs and attempt to fuse prosthesis to another vertebra that was prolapsed! HUH!!! The lady across the ward was a stark reality as to what potentially can go wrong once you start with a back operation! 

So I said to my husband – please find an alternative YESTERDAY! And he did! The day after I got out of hospital I attended Melbourne Hyperbaric and the Spinal Rehabilitation Group in Melbourne. I meet with Dr Hooper and I elected to commence Hyperbaric Oxygenation immediately. 

Dr Hooper told me that the first objective was to reduce the pain. I was already taking morphine tablets and on the same day I started HBOT however the day following my first session I felt a bit better and I was able to reduce from morphine to Panadol! During the following 4-weeks I was able to get by with only taking an occasional Tramol (moderate pain killer) without any further requirement of morphine. Today I take nothing! 

It would have been around the 40-45 hour mark with HBOT that I noticed a significant reduction to my pain levels and an emerging ability to be able to do more for myself. I must stress that I was having HBOT 4-days per week and in to HBOT; additional supporting therapies at the centre including acupuncture, vibration and a range of supplements including MSM, Rehab Plus and applying topically DMSO. Over the next 2-weeks not only did I continue to recover even beyond my expectations but much to Dr Hooper’s chagrin I painted my pool fence! I also had a function for some seventy people at my home to celebrate the new pool and my recovery! 

At around the 110-hours mark of HBOT my treatment schedule has been reduced and this is being closely monitored enabling me to regain my life and my independence whilst ensuring the continuing process of healing and stabilization continues. And here I am today! 

In addition to my back condition I also have had 2-growths on my thyroid. I have had obvious swelling in the front of my neck that was affecting my vocal cords, swallowing and obviously - thyroid function. Since commencing HBOT within 1-week the swelling of my thyroid was notably reduced and there appeared to be no sign of the growths. Subsequently I have had to reduce my thyroid medications.  

I have also found the vibration plate used as part of the treatment regime to be excellent. It is a fabulous tool for rebuilding muscle strength, stimulating regeneration and has wonderful pelvic floor benefits. 

If I can impart one final but absolutely vital comment regarding becoming well … it is you must remain positive. I invested my very being into this treatment – my mind, emotions, body, heart and spirit. What alternative did I have? I recommend that anyone considering this form of approach must do the same. I wish you well with your endeavors’. 

Sincerely, 

Suzanne Ghent.