[jsewell]

Hi Randy,
I actually live in Duarte, almost in Monrovia now. Still neighbors. I am no good at interpreting MRi's that is for sure . but in reading yours what i want to say first is i have had some MRI's that have stated mild changes which hurt like you know what. So i don't believe everything that is stated is correct regarding pain. I had a right hip MRi that stated no arthritis. My hip surgeon did arthroscopic surgery looking for a simple tear and found my whole hip was arthritic on both weight bearing surfaces. Next step total hip replacement.
So in reading yours it sounds to me like the L5-S1 is impinging on nerves for sure and could certainly be the cause of your problems.
I know you have been to a few different health professionals. But have you had a second opinion with a spine surgeon? That would be my first step. "And quickly.
I have had 9 spine surgeries in the last 5 years and most with the same surgeon. I trust him, but i just cancelled the surgery which was planned this summer after getting a second opinion. The second opinion doc made so much sense regarding my problem with walking and even standing. My whole spine is very out of sagittal alignment. I can't stand up anywhere near straight and it is getting worse . So a total reconstructive surgery is now planned with this surgeon that i just saw on Monday.
I am ok when i am sitting up in bed and that is where i have spent the whole day. Standing and walking i am all hunched over and it gets more painful the more i do it. My spine no longer has the normal curves it needs.
Good luck in getting to another doc soon.
Judy