[jeffntate]

Hello,

I'm trying to see if I can post here. I joined several hours ago, but when i tried to post just minutes ago in the Spine pain forum, I got some message about needing to be approved by a Moderator.

Jeff

[jeffntate]

OK, thanks for allowing me into the forum.

I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and have been having neck problems for over 2 years, and now am concerned I have spinal cord damage because despite being right handed, my right arm recently tested 20-60 percent weaker, and I fear I have CSM (cervical spondylotic myelopathy). I have an appointment in a few weeks with a neurosurgeon who is director of neurosurgery at a leading medical university, so I'll know soon. I've been passed around by orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and pain management doctors for almost 2 years, and now I may have something really serious. I am posting in the spine pain section, but wanted to introduce myself here.

I'm married with one teenage boy, and I currently work full time in management.

[Darlene]

Jeff,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

I see you found the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain forum. There you should be getting some assistance with your condition.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[jeffntate]

Thanks for the warm welcome! **

[napleslynn]

I just found this group and am hoping to find some answers to my many questions regarding various treatments for severe, debilitating lumbar and cervical pain. I have been under the care of a wonderful pain management specialist for a number of years but we are running out of options. I have numerous ideas about things to try (with the doctor's approval) but am hearing more cons than pros on many of them. Plus many of these treatments are expnsive and require some travel which is not easy for me. Although approved by the FDA most not covered by insurance. After spending nearly $10K on a promising treatment which did not work for me, I need to regroup and save up some more money to try new things. I am no longer able to work and finally went on Medicare a couple of years ago so income is limited but we are not destitute yet. Just need to be careful about throwing away money on treatments unless there is a good chance that they will make my pain levels more bearable. Hope to find some answers here. Thanks. Lynn

[jeffntate]

Originally Posted by napleslynn

I just found this group and am hoping to find some answers to my many questions regarding various treatments for severe, debilitating lumbar and cervical pain. I have been under the care of a wonderful pain management specialist for a number of years but we are running out of options. I have numerous ideas about things to try (with the doctor's approval) but am hearing more cons than pros on many of them. Plus many of these treatments are expnsive and require some travel which is not easy for me. Although approved by the FDA most not covered by insurance. After spending nearly $10K on a promising treatment which did not work for me, I need to regroup and save up some more money to try new things. I am no longer able to work and finally went on Medicare a couple of years ago so income is limited but we are not destitute yet. Just need to be careful about throwing away money on treatments unless there is a good chance that they will make my pain levels more bearable. Hope to find some answers here. Thanks. Lynn

Lynn,

I don't have 10 posts so can't give you the link just yet, but there is another subforum titled "Spinal Disorders and Pack Pain" that you should check into, here on neurotalk.

[jeffntate]

Finally found an appropriate Avatar.

[Darlene]

napleslynn,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Here is the forum in which you will be able to find some fellow members to help you with your question.

Spinal Disorders & Back Pain:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.