Re: nonsurgical decompression

[Guest guest]

ann, I was reading of your allergy to corticosteriods, I had a horrific time on them earlier this year and wondering what we may have in common? If your interested in sharing info let me know I was placed on it for skin problems with thoughts of it helping with chronic pain, I'm certain it came very close to killing me a couple of times during a six week period. Very scary..I eagerly await your replyCheersAdrienneOn 11/11/2011, at 8:01 PM, " Ann Sisley" <mizmedic@...> wrote:

I've been researching the non-surgical decompression. There are definitely mixed reviews. (of course) It is expensive and not covered by insurance, but I still think I'll look into it further. A friend of a friend says it helps her appreciably. But there are pages of law suit actions about the one particular device - the DXR9000. I think it is possibly a lot of smoke and mirrors, but who of us wouldn't give it a try if there was a chance of relief from our pain.

I saw the second neurosurgeon yesterday for my spinal stenosis. The first surgeon said "You'll know when it is time". Period. The second one said that the spinal stenosis isn't my main problem. It is the scoliosis and two very compressed discs. He said the surgery would be "a huge one" and the results were not particularly favorable. And the risk of complications is fairly high. Boy, did that shock me. I really thought that surgery would be my last resort, but now I've eliminated that from my thought processes. He has suggested a Pain Management Clinic. They will call me to schedule an appointment. The big problem with that is the adverse reaction I had to corticosteroids. I'm willing to go into this with an open mind, but I do know that the steroids aren't an option for me.

A third opinion is on my list of things to do. There is a well-known neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh who does minimally invasive surgeries. Conveniently, you send him your information and discs from MRIs, x-rays, etc., and he decides from them if he might be able to help you. At least that saves one trip into the city.

Remember when we were kids and nothing hurt?!

ann