Here We Go Again

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scooterdude

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Hello everyone. I hope you all had a pain free Easter. I met with an orthopaedic suregeon today. He reviewed my MRI results and took another set of x-rays. I liked him because he was very up front and to the point. Not what I wanted to hear, but I certainly appreciated a non candy coated diagnosis. Between the multiple herniatiations, degenerations, and arthritis, he will not lay a hand on me. He ordered a complete arthritic blood profile, and is sending me to University of Michigan Medical Hospital for a second opinion. At this point I'm scared as hell because I can't stand the thought of living out the rest of my life in this much pain, there just has to be something that can be done. I just turned 40 and I have alot of years to work yet, and every day I have to get a little more creative to hide the pain at work. I have already been through physical therapy and that was of little help, and most of the back exercises they have given me to do seem to add insult to injury.
Sorry to sound like the consumate grouch, but it seems like every time I get close to some sort of recovery, I take five steps backwarRAB.
Take Care, ;)
Steve
 
Scooter, I'm sorry.....I guess some surgeons think surgery might cause too many more problems and others just will do surgery. I actually know someone who had her whole spine fused b/c of all the same issues. She was actually happy she did it and wished she had many years ago. Of course she can't bend in her back anywhere anymore but she's doing pretty good (though does have nerve issues here and there). I guess it just all depenRAB on the doctor. It sounRAB good, though, that he referred you to a University Hospital (so it's probably a teaching hospital that is really up to date on everything). Don't worry too much about the testing and everything....it's better to double check if you have another medical condition, b/c if you do, then there are probably different treatments available. But maybe nothing will show up in the blood tests. I actually had several herniations and bulges, plus multi-level degeneration and I had surgery.However, the doc did tell me surgery cannot cure the arthritis and ddd, so I will probably still have problems with it (and I do). Try to keep you hopes UP and see what the other doctor(S) think...they might actually think completely differently than the first doc.
 
Steve, I am like you. I want to be told straight up and not sugar coated crap. I may not like what I am about to hear, but at least it's said and not left for me to guess or figure it out later, or not told at all.

One thing you don't ever do, is given in! Never give in. Fight and continue to look for a resource to help you ease your pain and suffering and have some asserablage of normalcy, whatever that is.

The teaching hospital may be very helpful for you. I urge you to check it out and see what they can offer you.

There is always hope of reaching the light at the end of the hallway. You hang in there and please keep us posted.
 
Thank's for the reply. I'm not quite ready to give up the fight yet. I've had a few days to think about things, at first I thought about just saying forget about anymore tests or opinions, but I think that I should continue on. Like you said, there has to be a light at the end somewhere.
Take Care,
Steve
 
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