I am just now back from the Dr visit I went to on Tues.
No, the doctor didn't keep me that long. My dad put me up in a hotel in the town where the doctors both are. 2 nights ALL BY MYSELF!!!!!! It was SOO sweet of him, esp since riding in a car is not much fun these days. My mom took me and came back and took me to the 2nd appointment also. She is so sweet, even skipped part of class to do it!)
Tues I saw the orthopedic doctor's PA. The doctor also came in to talk with me. I felt they were very knowledgeable and caring. They explained what they think is going on, and outlined a plan to treat me. Not treat it, ie the problem, but treat ME the person. I like this distinction. They had very logical reasons for what they suggested, why they suggested it, and what the options were.
They suggested epidural cortisone and pain medication injection along with traction to see if that will let my body repair the problem. Clearly showed me where the disck and bone are us against the spinal cord.
The doctor said that I would have the shot, and the traction therapy and come see him a week later. It would be A: Better and we say Great!; B: Same and we think about surgery and try the injection and therapy a little longer (just a month or so); or C: Worse, then we scedule disk fusion with a titanium plate to hold things together.
No matter what, the ortho doctor says it is reasonable to expect to see some sort of results and improvement within the next few months. That leaving this and just expecting me to live with the pain levels is not in the plan.
Today (Thurs) I saw the neurosurgeon. He was gruff (not a bad thing, just a characteristic), said that all he treats are pinched nerves. He did some neurological testing (squeeze my hand, keep fingers apart, etc) and then did a "test" where he grabbed my right hand, carefully positioned his fingers so that his fingernails dug into the psoriasis sore on my hand, and told me to push.
Sadistic jerk. may he have a never ending series of mosquitoes biting him in embarrassing and horrible place.
He took a safety pin, opened it, and pricked my skin in different places. There were definite places of numbness, but he discounted that. Even though they were only on one hand/arm.
He looked at the films and told me that he saw a few little things, but nothing that shows a real problem.
Recommended an EMG (test of nerves in various parts of the body. Then recommended a shot of cortisone into my spine. Recommended a doctor who I KNOW is NOT good and has had problems with safe and sterile proceedures (been in trouble for these).
Basically told me that because I have fibro and chronic pain they would not be able to effectively manage the pain from any surgery and since I am in pain already why bother treating this new pain.
When I told him that his neuro tests were all excruciating (bite through your lower lip excruciating) he acted as though this meant NOTHING in reference to what I was there for.
I had a great day Wed. Spent time in the hotel pool and hot tub, watched a TON of law and order (no cable or satellite, so it was a real treat!), and had ME time!!
I think I am going to have the EMG done. More info is never a bad thing. Then I am going to have the injections (epidural) that are recommended, and then I am going to see the ortho doctor. The neurosurgeon is NOT someone I wll see again.
I wouldn't take my cat to see the first doctor.
Thanks for reading this, I am pretty emotional now, I was crying after my doctor appointment today, it was just horrible.
I am home and geting ready to see thank you!!! I actually missed my kids!!! (can't see Jess - she went to the state fair with her bff's family.
Love to all!
Susie
No, the doctor didn't keep me that long. My dad put me up in a hotel in the town where the doctors both are. 2 nights ALL BY MYSELF!!!!!! It was SOO sweet of him, esp since riding in a car is not much fun these days. My mom took me and came back and took me to the 2nd appointment also. She is so sweet, even skipped part of class to do it!)
Tues I saw the orthopedic doctor's PA. The doctor also came in to talk with me. I felt they were very knowledgeable and caring. They explained what they think is going on, and outlined a plan to treat me. Not treat it, ie the problem, but treat ME the person. I like this distinction. They had very logical reasons for what they suggested, why they suggested it, and what the options were.
They suggested epidural cortisone and pain medication injection along with traction to see if that will let my body repair the problem. Clearly showed me where the disck and bone are us against the spinal cord.
The doctor said that I would have the shot, and the traction therapy and come see him a week later. It would be A: Better and we say Great!; B: Same and we think about surgery and try the injection and therapy a little longer (just a month or so); or C: Worse, then we scedule disk fusion with a titanium plate to hold things together.
No matter what, the ortho doctor says it is reasonable to expect to see some sort of results and improvement within the next few months. That leaving this and just expecting me to live with the pain levels is not in the plan.
Today (Thurs) I saw the neurosurgeon. He was gruff (not a bad thing, just a characteristic), said that all he treats are pinched nerves. He did some neurological testing (squeeze my hand, keep fingers apart, etc) and then did a "test" where he grabbed my right hand, carefully positioned his fingers so that his fingernails dug into the psoriasis sore on my hand, and told me to push.
Sadistic jerk. may he have a never ending series of mosquitoes biting him in embarrassing and horrible place.
He took a safety pin, opened it, and pricked my skin in different places. There were definite places of numbness, but he discounted that. Even though they were only on one hand/arm.
He looked at the films and told me that he saw a few little things, but nothing that shows a real problem.
Recommended an EMG (test of nerves in various parts of the body. Then recommended a shot of cortisone into my spine. Recommended a doctor who I KNOW is NOT good and has had problems with safe and sterile proceedures (been in trouble for these).
Basically told me that because I have fibro and chronic pain they would not be able to effectively manage the pain from any surgery and since I am in pain already why bother treating this new pain.
When I told him that his neuro tests were all excruciating (bite through your lower lip excruciating) he acted as though this meant NOTHING in reference to what I was there for.
I had a great day Wed. Spent time in the hotel pool and hot tub, watched a TON of law and order (no cable or satellite, so it was a real treat!), and had ME time!!
I think I am going to have the EMG done. More info is never a bad thing. Then I am going to have the injections (epidural) that are recommended, and then I am going to see the ortho doctor. The neurosurgeon is NOT someone I wll see again.
I wouldn't take my cat to see the first doctor.
Thanks for reading this, I am pretty emotional now, I was crying after my doctor appointment today, it was just horrible.
I am home and geting ready to see thank you!!! I actually missed my kids!!! (can't see Jess - she went to the state fair with her bff's family.
Love to all!
Susie