Originally Posted by PamelaJune

Saw my NS, no notes from my PM on the injection procedure done in January. Remember I said his reception team seemed unaware I had seen him... I explained I had up to 10 days positive result, that I began walking and exercising and felt real relief and then it all fell into a heap. Apparently the result from that injection procedure indicates I need another fusion on L3/4, the injection in February of which there are notes indicates L2 is ok, it's L3 that is the problem. But because no notes from the Jan injection, potentially I have to have it again.

Discussed my goals and August, he said not to focus on getting back to work, not likely to happen!! But he did say its feasible to have the fusion before and be as well as I can be by August, he believes sorting the lumbar problem will relieve the thoracic and cervical as my thoracic is having to work extra, extra time to carry the lumbar which has a knock on effect on the cervical causing the arm pain.... As I can't get in to the PM until June he will ring him and get me slipped in next week if another injection is needed. He himself is on leave next week and will ring me by the end of this week to tell me what's going to happen.

So still no referral to the other NS who does the paddle. I'm not convinced the lumbar fusion is going to sort the thoracic, cervical and arm... Yes I can understand the thoracic pain correction, but my neck and arm pinging and zinging I think they will continue as they have been problematic ever since the car accident in 2004 and deteriorating by the year. The Stim was supposed to have addressed the lumbar, thoracic and cervical. The lumbar technically should not be a problem if the fusions work. I know doctors only focus on one thing at a time, but I'm getting the distinct feeling I'm going to have yet another lumbar fusion and by August they are going to say you now need the paddle for the cervical and arm pain.. Which will mean opening up the back again and doing the laminotomy. I'm really beginning to see Rrae's perspective and it is all driven by insurance and $$$.

I rang the NS secretary when I got home and told her I had my diary notes from post the January injection, she agreed it would be beneficial for me to send them in as I really don't want an unnecessary injection just to prove a point that's already been made. The PM reception team have his theatre notes which he keeps at the hospital as back up incase his office notes go missing (seems he really is getting tired and ready to retire).