Re: Re: Neurosurgery Appointment-Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

Thank you for all the information. I have done a lot of research as well.

Unfortunately the stenosis (from multiple bulges and herniations) is affecting

the nerve roots and is compressing my spinal column at T4-5, although he didn't

say it was severe. I've had nerve pain in this area for around 4 years. But have

no weakness yet.

My parents are offering to send me to the Mayo clinic. I hate to take their

money, especially if they just tell me the same things this Dr. did. I guess it

would be worth the peace of min if nothing else. How does the damage to your

spinal column in the T-region affect you? This is all so scary.

I'm really frustrated because after this appt. the Pain Dr. that wanted to give

me those spinal injections called and said the Neurosurgeon says that I need the

injections ASAP. This is AFTER I told the Neurosurgeon I was not comfortable

with spinal injections especially in the Thoracic Region. They are obviously in

this together and not in the best interest of their patients. I'm getting

pressured so severely to get those injections and it just makes me not want to

get them even more.

Thanks again,

Caitlin

Others have said this already, but I want to reinforce - get another

opinion. You should not have to lose the use of your legs before

getting stenosis surgery. I'm also baffled by your surgeon's remark about

losing the use of

your legs for another reason - the thoracic area doesn't feed the

nerves to the legs!!! The nerves to the legs all come out of the

lumbar area, so how would a thoracic stenosis even have that

effect??? It is possible that a central compression could damage the

spinal cord to the extent that it would cause lower limb paralysis,

but by then the damage would be done! You do NOT want to damage the

spinal cord itself - it won't heal. If you have significant central

spinal cord pressure due to the stenosis, and not the more typical

type of pressure on exiting nerve roots at the sides of the spine,

then you are in an emergency situation that needs immediate

attention, whether or not you're yet seeing symptoms.

[Guest guest]

Caitlin wrote:

> My parents are offering to send me to the Mayo clinic. I hate to take

> their money, especially if they just tell me the same things this Dr.

> did.

Caitlin,

Please go, this might be a way to help you. Is there anyway your

insurance would pay? You could call and ask if they would pay for a

second opinion there since they are specialized and may make an

determination that would save the insurance company money! It is worth

a try! If you don't want an injection, HOLD FIRM. Don't let your

doctors make that decision for you.

Did you have a myleogram? I finally had one this year to make sure my

steosis is not impinging my nerve root and the herniated disc that is

separated and is just out there has not moved.

It was worthwhile to have that exam. I know you are very careful in

your choices of exams and so am I. Please go to Mayo, I think it will

ease your mind. Bennie