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Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems. |
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05-29-2013, 12:45 AM | #11 | ||
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I think you have some more things to figure out. Good luck! |
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05-29-2013, 06:42 AM | #12 | |||
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Hey Dubious ~ Where did you find the high sed rate? Did I miss something? Nuts, if i missed it, I'm going to go get new glasses!
Show me where it is, please!!! HELP. lol Thanks. Lee
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recovering alcoholic, sober since 7-29-93;severe depression; 2 open spinal surgeries; severe sciatica since 1986; epidurals; trigger points; myelograms; Rhizotomy; Racz procedure; spinal cord stimulator implant (and later removal); morphine pump trial (didn't work);now inoperable; lumpectomy; radiation; breast cancer survivor; heart attack; fibromyalgia; on disability. Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live.. .................................................. ...............Orestes |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | Dubious (05-30-2013) |
05-29-2013, 07:13 AM | #13 | ||
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Currently, my sed rate is 48 and my crp is only 13.3, but when I first went in, my sed rate was 56 and my crp was 34. I saw a rheumatologist who thought initially that I had psoriatic arthritis (psoriasis runs in my family) but he did an MRI of my hands and said that it ruled out PA, and because of all the arm pain that I had, ruled that my earlier bogus fibromyalgia dx was accurate, and that my elevated crp and sed rate was likely due to my weight (I am obese, though I have NO health problems other than my spine being stupid). I am still waiting to see an new rheumatologist, but I unfortunately live in a fairly remote area that is near a HUGE hospital and they own all the other hospitals in the area as well, so it's hard to get away from doctors that they own, and even harder to get one doc that works with another to go against what the first one says =/ I also think that seeing as many different docs as I am right now has become detrimental as none of them is getting the whole picture and each is dragging me in a different direction, and none of them seem to actually listen to me based on the notes from the visits that I read that have blatantly untrue info in them, and no one, save the neurologist, seems to be reading anyone else's notes on me. Before I had to stop working, I worked in healthcare (I am a lab scientist) so I am incredibly jaded at this point about doctors in general and how they fail to treat patients. I will not allow myself to be treated that way.
Anywho, it's also very hard for me to drive very far because that is when I have the worst pain, my husband can't take much more time off to help me, and I have a very active almost 5 year old, so I'm still working out all the logistics =) |
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05-29-2013, 12:20 PM | #14 | ||
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Went to see my GP today because she insisted on an office visit before giving me a referral to a neurosurgeon. I feel like I might be...I don't know, mentally impaired, very confused or she is. The note from the neurologists office says:
Dx's Disturbance skin sensation pain in limb cervical spondylosis w myelopathy Patient has severe spinal stenosis by MRI with myelomalacia as identified by the interpreting radiologist. This is a critical situation which no doubt explains for upper extremity sensory symptoms. It is unlikely that any metabolic factors contribute to these complaints. She is an equestrian and at risk for quadriplegia. She was counseled at length by me today regarding this fact. She tends to ride anyway. I recommend that the patient revisits (the ortho doc) for his expert advice on how best to proceed given these results. I talked to my GP, and she said that this isn't serious, while looking at this note. She also said the only reason I am at risk of quadriplegia is because I ride horses and that everyone who rides horses is at risk for quadriplegia (I have to wonder why he bothered putting something so obvious in the note, then??) Am I completely misinterpreting this note, or is this fairly serious and I should be seeing a neurosurgeon right away? She's claiming it will likely be 6 months before I can get an appointment. |
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05-29-2013, 02:03 PM | #15 | ||
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Hi Silver --this sounds like horse ---- to me-- excuse the pun (LOL). Dubious is really smart and has the clinical background of 25 plus years. I think alot more digging needs to be done in your case. Leesa correct cord compression is serious and complex matter --If i understand correctly the cause may be stemming from another condition --Im not sure. I know in my case I was spinal cord compressed all 3 consults said surgery was my only option. I was advised before surgery that a minor fender bender could leave me parlyzed. The other thing I find hard to swallow is 6 months to wait for apt. My surgeon was higly respected Harvard grad and I got my apt within 2weeks of having MRI but I did have to wait 6 weeks for surgery. I would def start calling around personally do some research to a good ortho or neuro spinal surgeon in your area.
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"Thanks for this!" says: | Dubious (05-30-2013) |
05-29-2013, 04:25 PM | #16 | ||
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I should add that the sedimentation rate and CRP are relatively non-specific so by themselves they simply state there is probably a problem but does not say where or what it is. And certainly the stenosis finding in the neck is problematic. On MRI, a sagittal AP measurement of 8 mm is termed absolute stenosis and combined with + pathological reflexes, an ortho/neuro surgical consult would not be unwise. Falling off a horse, getting rear-ended or even falling in the shower could have catastrophic results. Be careful! |
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05-29-2013, 10:07 PM | #17 | ||
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Hi Silver, I just wanted to wish you luck. I would take Lee's advice and have a second opinion and even a third. Surgery of any kind is serious, especially back surgery so take your time and do research. There are plenty of places you can search on the internet.
Years ago my daughters boyfriend lost the feeling in his feet and after an MRI they found he had a tumor inside his spinal column. The doctors here in FL said he had a very small chance of not getting parilized during surgery. I felt so bad for him so I went on the internet and found a Dr in NY who had invented a machine for that exact surgery and was doing it on children and adults but mostly children. I overnighted his MRI's to the doctor and within 2 weeks he was in New York haveing the surgery. He came out just fine and was back to work in 6 weeks. So please do your research and look for the best you can find, don't let anyone rush you to surgery. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do. I will keep you in my prayers. Katt17 |
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05-30-2013, 09:31 AM | #18 | |||
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Silverfae ~ You do have a problem with these doctors all belonging to the same "group" or whatever it is. But somehow, you've GOT to see a couple that aren't going to be influenced by anyone else! I know it would be hard for you, but even if you have to travel a bit farther, you've GOT to find a couple more Neuros who can look at your films, and advise you what to do!
If you can find 2 more Neuros who aren't influenced by these other jokers, you'll be better able to make an educated decision. And that's what you need to do. You've got a big decision to make here, my friend. And who knows -- perhaps you don't even need surgery -- stranger things have happened! Perhaps physical therapy would work for you! I wish you the very best. God bless and let us know what happens. Hugs, Lee
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recovering alcoholic, sober since 7-29-93;severe depression; 2 open spinal surgeries; severe sciatica since 1986; epidurals; trigger points; myelograms; Rhizotomy; Racz procedure; spinal cord stimulator implant (and later removal); morphine pump trial (didn't work);now inoperable; lumpectomy; radiation; breast cancer survivor; heart attack; fibromyalgia; on disability. Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live.. .................................................. ...............Orestes |
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05-31-2013, 04:27 PM | #19 | ||
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Thanks so much for the info and support, everyone!
Thought I would post an update - I know a surgical nurse who highly recommended a neurosurgeon who specializes in cervical spine surgeries that just did a laminoplasty on her husband at the beginning of the year. I asked my GP for a referral which they just got sent out late yesterday afternoon - my GP's office called to tell me that this neurosurgeon is currently booking out to late September, so I figured I would not be hearing anything for a while. I got a call early this afternoon from them to schedule an appointment and they scheduled me for June 14th which I told them was my first day I was available for an appointment (I am getting ready to head out to Mexico on vacation). Apparently, they prioritize patients by urgency and they felt I need to be seen right away =/ Good I guess, but scary also. I feel like everything has been dragging and crazy slow since January, and now it is going so fast I want it to slow down a bit! |
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05-31-2013, 09:27 PM | #20 | |||
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Wow, that's WONDERFUL !!! I'm so glad they got you in! I know it's scary, hon, but you've got to get this taken care of.
Don't forget to let US know what this doctor thinks, okay? We REALLY WANT TO KNOW!!! I'll be keeping my fingers cross that you don't need surgery! God bless hon, and please take care. And for Pete's sakes, be CAREFUL on your trip! Hugs, Lee
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recovering alcoholic, sober since 7-29-93;severe depression; 2 open spinal surgeries; severe sciatica since 1986; epidurals; trigger points; myelograms; Rhizotomy; Racz procedure; spinal cord stimulator implant (and later removal); morphine pump trial (didn't work);now inoperable; lumpectomy; radiation; breast cancer survivor; heart attack; fibromyalgia; on disability. Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live.. .................................................. ...............Orestes |
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