Hey Doc - thanks for the post and the google.
As far as going unmedicated to the neuro, my reasoning is the same as when I went to see the pain specialist anesthesiologist. He and his nurses conveyed that it was a good idea. Hope the neuro feels the same way and does not construe it, as I'm pretty blunt (too much so sometimes I fear), no pretensions. I will take the actual bottles of medications with me so he can see dates & number of pills. If he is one to construe, then he's not the man for me anyway.

Thanks too for hoping there will be someone to assist me. That will be me. Despite "quivering pathetic mess" I have to focus, because I know IT MUST BE DONE and I have no choice. "Ole Cuss" will be driving - that's all I can/do expect from that direction. Man oh man is that going to be a long trip for him. Oops, my teeth are showing...........

That's different. So why hope/guess/assume? Call the neuro's office and ASK. Why put yourself through that if it's not necessary?

(Not for nothing, but bringing bottles doesn't necessarily mean anything. A stockpiler/diverter would just take the extras out and leave them home. I'm not suggesting in any way that you are - I'm just saying....)

Doc

Doc - never knew that about a stockpiler/diverter. Matter of fact, I've never known that sort at all. Guess I must have kept good company in life. :)

Good advice Doc. Yep, neuro wants me unmedicated, and bring the med bottles, and I can take meds as soon as consult is over. Appt. is at 1:45 tomorrow. Gonna be one of THOSE days....but....I can, and will get through it!!

Re: your appt. tomorrow
 

I will be thinking of you tomorrow seahorse. Hope something positive come out of all of it. Hang in there. I will pray he is a good and compassionate doctor. ginnie

Miss Ginnie, thank you.
Although I know it will be okay, I can't help being petrified, but I'm hanging in there. Where did I see that quote..."Enjoy when you can, endure when you must".
Life requires a lot of endurance sometimes.

Hi seahorse
 

I was terrified too! I was shaking and did have to take zanax. I cried, I trembled, I shook my fist at God. I came here, and that helped! I had alot of people giving me support before the proceedure. No quesiton, when I first came here, my fingers were trembling over the keys. I could bearly type, and I was crying out of fear. I had had one failed surgery, I sure didn't want to go through another! It worked though, really worked! I don't have any of the pain I did before in my neck and arms. I continue to do really good. Just keep talking out your fears, and getting back here to talk. It is going to be OK seahorse. I believe you are going to get positive outcome, and that your life will get back on track before you know it. Its OK to be scared, Lord knows none of it is easy to go through. Just don't forget, the outcome is going to be worth your fears. I am here for you. ginnie

Welcome to the forum! I too, am new here as of yesterday. I find your accessment likened to that of a trained, certified doctor....as we experience these issues we become knowledgeable in our anatomy. Congrats.
I have suffered over 25 years with spinal issues and as recent as the last three years have dealt with this leak, but didn't know of such a diagnosis until this past month. I had did as the doctors had taught me and refer it to just ailments from spinal conditions.
So, I guess in an essence I have become an expert as far as my own body is concerned. I've learned to research, reach out to others and become accustom to daily chronic pain.
You see I was taught you are to work hard and you will have something to show for it! Oh, yes..tis true but the only thing besides 'possessions' that I have to show for it is a torn asunder spine...carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel and other issues. My poor body is so wretched.
I am currently dealing with misdiagnosis after misdiagnoisis to the point now I want to scream out from the torture of constant pain. If it was not for my "FAITH" in GOD, my hope would have diminished long ago.
So, the neuro appt I received this week from a doctor who was booked up for three months in advance was a GODSEND! So, I am assembling documentation research and the arm's length worth of sympoms to overwhelm him with. But it is needed in order to get satisfaction and closure of my treatment/diagnosis.
So, I bid you strength in your pain, hope in your trials.

It just keeps getting better (insert sarcasm here). Appt. today was for 1:45, saw the dr. at 3:30. With traffic, we made it home at 6:30. Am in no shape to write about the news given today. Will return when I can collect myself.

Thank ya'll for the good wishes and kind posts.

Re: worried
 

I am worried about you, of course I am. When you can, and have thought things over, please let me know what the doctor said. I truely care about you and so hope that your issues can have a good outcome. I am here for you anytime to talk to. I will keep you in my prayers tonight. I really do pray. I hope you have a good support team at home with you too. Be at peace as much as you can. ginnie