Re: Michigan doctors

[Guest guest]

If the new MRI doesn't show you are retethered, its quite possible that all

your symptoms are being caused by the disc problems. As long as your MRI is

reviewed by a neurosurgeon that is experienced in treating TC, and says no

new tether, then its is a matter of treating the disc problems (either

surgically or conservatively) .

I'm always fearful that more back surgery can lead to more scar tissue, so

if I were you, I would see if there are conservative options for treatment

first. It would stink if they did surgery first and fixed the disc problems

only to cause a new tether in the end because of scar tissue. But that is

just me.

I don't know of any MDs in MI, but I believe there is a large SB center

there (U if MI, maybe?). Check the SBAA website. I know they have a

comprehensive list. If there isn't one or they refuse to see adults, I

would go to a MSCIC (Model Spinal Cord Injury Center), as TC is also common

after surgry for SCI/D. I'm on my phone and done have the MSCIC website

handy, but if you Google it, it comes right up (the words, not the

abbreviation) .

Best of luck and hope its not retethered and the treatment is easier than

TC surgery.

Jenn

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> Hello, I am kind of new to the group. I was a member several years ago but

> haven't kept up with the group for the past 4 or 5 years. In that time, I

> have been dealing with only mild symptoms, relatively speaking, and got

> divorced and remarried. Recently my symptoms have gotten worse, especially

> back and leg pain and increased numbness and weakness in my legs. I am

> starting to explore the possibility that I may need to have surgery and

> would like to know if there is anyone in the group in the metro detroit

> area who has had surgery and could recommend a doctor who has experience

> with TSC. My latest MRI showed a " diffuse disc bulge at L2-L3 " and a " disc

> protrusion at L4-L5 " with some " degenerative disc disease " thrown in with

> the tethered cord. I have lipomyelomeningocele and had surgery at age 5 on

> what they thought was just a lypoma back in 1968. Diagnosed 10 years ago

> with tethered cord. I am hoping that maybe they can just repair the disc

> bulge and not have to do the more complicated detethering, as my type of

> tether does not have great surgical outcomes. Any info would be helpful.

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