Ok, I have never been known to be brief on anything, so I'll try real hard w/just the facts.

1) DX'd last Oct w/Osteoporosis.
2) Currently doing IV Boniva injections every 3 months.
3) Lower back pain last couple of months, thought to be from a Nov fall.
4) Rheumy ordered back Xray on 2/19, which showed severe L4-L5 disc herniation, bone on bone, w/a bone spur pushing on nerve/spinal column. He was looking for compression fx's from the Osteo and fall, but didn't see any.

5) Rheumy sent me for MRI last Wed.
6) Rheumy's office called and asked if I wanted to do PT? I said, what about the discs/bone spur etc. Asst said ... I don't know about that. HUH??? I asked her to talk to the Dr, as I was having alot of pain.
7) Rmy's asst called back and said that I could come in and see him or wait until my May checkup. What the......?????

8) I contacted a Spine Spec who's nurse said he would see me AFTER he had all of my test results sent to him, so he could evaluate the situation B4 he saw me.

9) Spine Spec nurse asst called me today, got the results from MRI, haven't received the actual CD yet and wants to see me Wed.

10) OK, now I'm nervous.... So, tomorrow I have an early morning hair appt (which I aim to keep) have to drive 1 1/2 hrs to pick up back Xray, and then Wed show up an hour in the other direction for Spine Spec appt.

Are you still w/me??

11) The Rheumy's office said I had to pick the Xray CD up, so that's why I have to drive tomorrow.

Now I'm nervous... The Rheumy would have had the Radiologist report and didn't seem like I had to move heaven and earth to be seen. They mentioned doing PT and I decided on my own to seek a spec.

Sorry, I tried to be as brief as I could. But, this Spine Spec's office said when I first contacted them, that he would not want to see me until all my back history reports/scans/Xrays etc were in his office for him to review first. He only has the written MRI report at this point......

I am very nervous about this appt on Wed am. Should I just do alot of caffeine and stew about it or does anyone have any advice.

I really, really am worried....

*I probably should have posted this elsewhere, but you all are familiar w/my quirks here and since I just "Stumbled Inn".....

Help!!!!

Deep breaths, DM....Deep breaths. You have a lot of support from your family and friends.

What will be, will be. No amount of stressing on your part is going to change the outcome of the appointment. You are following your instincts on this one DM and I think you are doing the right thing.

It's natural to be nervous...but you have to get a second opinion on this....hang in there kiddo...

I agree with Cheryl. Don't get all worked up unless you have something to be worked up about. Whilst I was reading your post, the first thing that came to my mind was that the spine specialist may have had an opening due to all the Flu that is going around, and they were able to fill a cancelled appointment with you, so I would feel good that I was getting in earlier to see him/her. Many physicians, especially Neurologists and Orthopaedists want to read MRI's on their own. They don't depend on a Radiologist's reading when it comes to MRI's, so it's probably a good thing.

Good luck with your appointment. I will be thinking about you.

All the best,
Chris

Hi DM
My L-spine showed: 3 Disc Bulges, 1 bone spur, Osteo and Spondylosis. It looks like you are coming up right behind me! SORRY

I have had low back pain, constant, for 4 years. Last night it was so bad I never went to sleep. Finally got up about 5AM and took a full vicodin (usually take 1/2)

I have a spine specialist too. Typically (at least in my case) he is my "Pain Management" doctor. He prescribes my med's every 30 days. I have an anti-inflamatory, Vicodin and zanaflex.

He also set me up in PT, which has helped, but with *tears* in my eyes, I can tell you that the pain still has not stopped.

As I understand it, it will never go away. I have not had a totally pain free night of sleep in all these years.

I've lost a full inch in height!

I did get the steroid injection into my pain spot last december, and it was like a miracle...but only lasted about a month.

These are all the conservative methods I spoke about.

Lately been thinking, and very sad, that for the rest of my life, I will live in pain. They can't fix it. I know there are alternatives like surgery (disc replacement, etc) but I've not gone that route...YET.

What I can offer you is this; Be very careful with your back. Avoid falls , avoid heavy lifting (for me that means my cat!), don't push snow, sweep floors, run....anything...it will add to the damage.

Okay, I've just told you not to do anything but sit there and look pretty, which I bet you do well....but as for me? I just keep living. I have too, and I pay for everything I do, everything.

I do hope you are not as seriouse as me....but do plan on the PT/They teach you to use your stomach muscles instead. . ..for what its worth.

PS: if you have that bone spur pushing on your spinal cord...that may require intervention...mine dosen't...but from what I understand, they will pretty much insist on it, as the longer it pushing on the spinal cord, it will cause permanant damage...like numbness, tingleing, or unable to walk...things you are familiar with already....Do tell us what the doc says!

Hey Maryann, first of all, thank you for being so diligent on your medical care. Some just sit and wait rather than be proactive, you chose to seek another opinion. Second, worrying about the future is not going to make you feel better now is it? Whatever is there today will be there tomorrow and on Wednesday. I always tell Jim to not worry over things you cannot change. Worry should be reserved for the things you can change.

With all that being said, I wish and pray that whatever it is will be something that can be easily fixed. I know how much pain your in and it must be awful to deal with. Maybe on Wednesday they will know what they are dealing with and get you on the road to recovery and with less pain. Two bones/disks rubbing together cannot be easy on anyone girl!

Hugs,
Sandy

It's definitely better to be proactive, but I agree--deep breaths. It is what it is and stressing doesn't change the outcome (no matter what it is).

And it's true that there could be many reasons why you get to be seen so quickly. Just look at it as a blessing in disguise--you don't have to WAIT to find out what's going on.

Hang in there, girlie. You'll be ok. Don't stress before you know you ned to!

DM
Don't ever apologize to us if you have to vent and it is about
something else. We are friends and family. We stand together and support
each other.

I agree with Cheryl & Chris don't get worked up. You don't want to
aggrivate the darn ms. If it turns out to be a problem we are all here for
you. Will keep you in my prayers.

Now please rest and don't jump to conclusions of what may be.


Jappy
here's a big hug

I know you are all right, but taking advice is so much harder when it's about yourself. I just have had so much on my mind lately besides my back pain.

My DD has been ill and my oldest brother is having a biopsy. It's just been a rough winter. So many emotions and I feel drained. I do appreciate every one that responds to my plea. You do know that you are all such kewl people, don't ya???

I think many of us can relate to having too much on our plates these days. Remember New Years when we all said this year would be the best? Yeah, I remember that too. Ahhh well, life throws lemons and we get to squint at it! :-)

OK....That's the first of the hugs out of the way!

Chris was quite right when she said:


She also has a very valid point in that radiologists have been known to make errors, and don't forget different people interpret things differently. Many specialists like to look and decide for themselves.

There may have be a cancellation......
There may be lots of reasons you were asked to come in, but pl-e-e-e-a-s-e try not to stress too much. At least this will be over on Wednesday.

Do think positive thoughts!

All will be well....this Koala decrees it!

Lots of Koala hugs coming your way.....