The first MRI that i had done said: C5/C6 a small RIGHT sided herniation.

fast forward to recent updated MRI after multiple treatments on the right side... that didn't work.

new MRI, there is NO change from the first MRI the disk herniation encroachment on the LEFT...

OMG... the Dr. didn't know right from left..

argh...

Get a copy of your MRI on Disk, and maybe a new doctor. There is a big difference in the right and left, so he should know the difference. If I had been getting shots for example for the right side, and it turned out the left was where the problems were, I would be a bit upset to say the least. I wish you all the best, you need someone competent. ginnie

wrong wrong wrong
i am so sorry to hear of these horrid stories
he needs the realization of the consequences
glad your okay
stay on top of them like it or not
it is your body
good luck

Or possibly just doesn't know how to read MRIs? This is just one reason doctors rely on reports by experts who do nothing else rather than try to interpret something they have minimal training in. It really makes sense; it's just unfortunate this happened.

Doc

About my wrong MRI :

I met with the Dr. of Radiology a NeuroInterventional Surgeon (who read the original MRI), he said that the disk uniformly has slipped out and is equally right and left and “Oh by the way” you have arthritis of the facet joint… argh…. (also not in the report).

So, I could've had the surgery thinking that the problem was a herniated disk when actually it was the facet joint causing the pain. This pain is common but there is no way to diagnosis it.

“No studies have reported clinical examination findings that are diagnostic for cervical facet mediated pain.”

I am having a cervical facet joint injection to see if that does the trick, as if the 7 other injections were not enough… rrrrrrrrrrrr…… those pain dr. places are a scam.

I don’t know if I should pursue legal action, the whole thing is just ridiculous at this point, it’s all fuzzy math…

Osteoarthritis is pretty much a given; I've seen it named as both a cause of, and synonymous with, degenerative disc disease (and all the fun & games that go along with... )

Google: osteoarthritis degenerative disc disease

On the bad days, I take a prescription NSAID & 1 buffered aspirin for it. (The rest of the time I just sit alone... in the dark... and suffer... )

Malpractice is difficult to prove, and several conditions to be met:
Doc

Not all pain specialists are alike. Get another if you can. My doctor definately is not running a scam. If your injections are not working I wouldn't do it anymore, but seek another medical professional. Wish you were down in my neck of the woods for my pain doc. He is really good. Yes, I had to switch too, several years ago, and it was worth my time and effort. I do wish you all the best. ginnie

I think most do their best. It's a very difficult specialty with few ego perks.
http://distractible.org/?p=3912

I know from personal experience and many discussions with various medical professionals that those injections can really be tricky; like real estate, it's all about location, location, location, and the location often has to be DOBA (it's an industry term... ). If it's not, you got bupkis.

Doc

I decided since the radiologist met with me and went over the problems and he didn’t run away, or try to disclaim what happened, I was going to let him slide for being up front in the end.

I am giving the pain Dr. one more chance tomorrow with the facet injection, getting nervous already. I have an appointment on Monday with a new Neurologist and if the injection doesn’t work he has his own pain Dr.

Wish me luck… scared… shoot… you think I would be a veteran..

aka Dr. Smith – Liked your link

I liked the link Doc.smith had too. That doctor sounded really in touch with issues, had great compassion. Good luck with that injection. I hope it doesn't hurt, I know it is scarry, I don't like those kinds of things myself. If it doesn't work, don't do it again. I am hoping it will bring you some relief. ginnie