MRI Report

PattyInAK · March 14, 2008, 06:56:34 PM

I have a bulging disc and a piece of something has broken loose and is wreaking havoc. Will be having the cortisone shot next week at the Spinal Therapy Center in Anchorage. Will continue treatments at the chiropractors and may get some physical therapy. The chiropractor doesn't think I will have to resort to surgery. I am really bummed out. I am not used to not working, especially because of a physical disability. I am glad that I have been paying into short term disability at work because it is paying the bills right now. I have had to turn over my project at work, the project I have managed for the past 16 years. But like they say, no one is indispensible. I guess the saying is true "life is what happens while you are making other plans." I was supposed to be in Yuma, Arizona right now. Oh well, just got to take it slow.

Teresa · March 14, 2008, 07:44:24 PM

Are they doing the cortisone as an epidural? They will do that here quite often and some people get a great deal of relief with it. Have you seen a neurosurgeon, too, or just your regular doctor and chiropractor? I was lucky because I was referred to a neuro that wasn't knife-happy and was willing to let me choose when to have surgery and not try to rush me into it. I was so afraid of being told I would have to do it immediately, and was really relieved to find out I could wait until the symptoms were worse.
Do they have any idea what may have broken off? That part sounds a little worrisome and I would be concerned about something moving around near those nerves.
I really hope things get better soon. A little time at home is nice, but after a while, especially when in pain, it can really get old.

PattyInAK · March 14, 2008, 08:06:00 PM

Quote from: Teresa on March 14, 2008, 07:44:24 PM
Are they doing the cortisone as an epidural? They will do that here quite often and some people get a great deal of relief with it. Have you seen a neurosurgeon, too, or just your regular doctor and chiropractor? I was lucky because I was referred to a neuro that wasn't knife-happy and was willing to let me choose when to have surgery and not try to rush me into it. I was so afraid of being told I would have to do it immediately, and was really relieved to find out I could wait until the symptoms were worse.
Do they have any idea what may have broken off? That part sounds a little worrisome and I would be concerned about something moving around near those nerves.
I really hope things get better soon. A little time at home is nice, but after a while, especially when in pain, it can really get old.

I'm not sure what is floating around in there, might be part of the spur, I don't understand the terminology. Epidural? The doc said they would numb up my neck with novacain and then give the shot. He said its not that bad, that I won't cry and it won't kill me. I have not seen a neurosurgeon, just a chiropractor. The only other medical doctor I have is the one who does my female stuff. Sh*t, I really don't know what to do. I wish I had someone to go to these appointments with me and ask these questions, its all Greek to me. I will have Dan call the chiropractor and get the explanation, cause I certainly can't recall everything he said and what it all meant. Yeah, a little bit of time off is great, but this sucks. I see my life going down the drain, especially my career. I am a computer drafter, I cannot work without my right arm and right now my right arm is killing me, and when its not killing me, its just plain numb.

Roberta · March 14, 2008, 08:55:50 PM

I personally would not let anyone manipulate any part of me with "floaties", but as I've had bad Arthritis since my early 20's and was told never to get any manipulation done I'm sort of not into it as I'm of the thought that "what made it go out" is the problem.
Patti I'd see a neuro, a friend of mines partener was hospitalized for a bulging disc for about three weeks so I'd see a Gp with a view to a specialist.
Hugs and rays coming from warm melbourne.
Roberta
ps watch the grand prix and you'll see our weather.
pps get well and the holiday in Yuma, will mean a lot more.

cheryl186 · March 15, 2008, 10:16:15 AM

Patty, hang in there....have been thinking of you every day!! I am glad you may not have to resort to surgery. I agree with the others, before I would get manipulated (especially with something floating around in there) I think I would see a neurologist for their opinion. Many rays and hugs are being sent your way....I hate it that you are still in so much pain!!

papbouv · March 15, 2008, 01:00:31 PM

I would get a second opinion from a neurologist better to be safe than sorry everything I have read says if you have numbness in your arms,legs or loss of bowel or bladder control go to the ER.
Rays hugs and good thoughts coming to you.
Papbouv

DeeanDave · March 15, 2008, 02:48:39 PM

We're still sending you lots of rays! Dee

Barb · March 15, 2008, 05:14:18 PM

Patty - so frustrating to not get a clear cut answer. I would see a neurologist too. So sorry you are in so much pain - do you know when you did this? Was there an incident that you can remember? There has to be some relief for you...... you are in my prayers.....

PattyInAK · March 15, 2008, 06:46:32 PM

Quote from: Barb on March 15, 2008, 05:14:18 PM
Patty - so frustrating to not get a clear cut answer. I would see a neurologist too. So sorry you are in so much pain - do you know when you did this? Was there an incident that you can remember? There has to be some relief for you...... you are in my prayers.....

Nothing in particular did this to me, it was an accumulation of things.........life in general, getting older. I think it was being in the dentist chair for 2 hours and being laid so far back and having my head turned all the way to the right. I got tweaked. The next day I had this pain in my right shoulder blade and that was the beginning of all this.

Doxherding Karen · March 15, 2008, 07:25:58 PM

I don't know Miss Pitter Pat, manipulation and "floating" don't sound good together in the same sentence!!!

A neurologist doesn't do surgery, so an opinion from a good one would be a big help.

Just be careful - spinal cords are very serious things to mess with.

Love-

Karen and the Herd

Dee Dee and Hallie · March 15, 2008, 08:12:21 PM

Patty this so sucks. I hope you can get some good relief soon. Yeah you just never know what's going to happen when you get up in the morning, that's for sure! I too think if I were you I'd go see a neurologist (although the more I'm hearing, the more I hear you will get a different opinion from each one you see, be it human or dog!). But it cant' hurt to have a consult and may give you a better picture of what path you want to take. Keeping you in my prayers.

MyLittleBoo · March 16, 2008, 06:35:49 PM

Sending more rays to you Patty... We hope you get this thing taken care of soon!! It doesn't sound fun at all... Wishing you a quick heal!!

EmmyLou sends some kisses to you, oh and she says for them handsome brothers too... Belly rubs to Willy & Alex!!!

Delia and girls · March 16, 2008, 08:32:57 PM

Oh, that sounds so painful! I hope they get a good plan of care with these results, so you can get back to living. Meanwhile, rays going your way for a speedy recovery.