Spinal MRI help

I have not been diagnosed with anything as of yet so please forgive me if this is the wrong area. I’m just wondering if anyone has had anything similar? 

I have had severe lower back pain and buzzing in left leg for months now. I paid for a private MRI which the consultant said showed ‘degenerative changes at L5/S1 without neurological compression and slight kyphosis at thoracolumbar junction and what looks like Schorls nodes.’ I left this and he advised physio. 

Pain has become unbearable. I have now found out from GP that consultant has sent letters saying the radiologist findings were actually that there is ‘unusual appearance of the conus at the end of the spinal cord’ and needs further testing. Called MRI, they said have been trying to get in touch and now booked in for a scan with the dye. But no one has told me what they are looking for?

I don’t want to sound obvious, my Dad passed from stomach cancer when I was young and so I do not wish to sound insensitive. I’m just wondering if anyone has experience of this. Sending love to all. 

update: had scan tonight and the radiographer said all she knew was there was an abnormal finding and that they needed to work out whether it was part of my normal anatomy or a tumour and the dye was to see if there was bloody supply etc. so still unsure. 

  • Anyone with any experience out there? 

  • Hello ljs10

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been dealing with some ongoing health problems for a while now. It's understandable that you're feeling concerned. 

    It's good to know that the pain is already being investigated and that you've had a further scan following the initial results. Have you been given any idea about how long you will be waiting for the results of the most recent CT? Hopefully, it won't be too long and the results will bring some reassurance. 

    In the meantime, if you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice and support they can. 

    Keep in touch ljs10 and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator