Martha Hutcheson's appt w/ neurosurgeon

[Guest guest]

Dear Praying Friends:'

Monday, December 4, Bob and Jane Fitzpatrick, my cousins, took me to see Dr.

Rosner (one of the best neurogsurgeons in the country) in

ville, NC.

The doctor and his physician's assistant were unable to finish the neuro

examination due to the weakness in my body (I was unable to stand or walk on my

own and could barely move my limbs) and the slurring of speech. Dr. Rosner

showed us the MRI pictures taken in September at the hospital in ville.

The problem with the head and neck is worse than originally thought by the other

doctors.

Not only is the base of the brain compressed, so is part of the back side of the

brain, the brain stem, and the spinal cord. The compression is more severe than

what was stated by both radiologists.

Dr. Rosner has ordered another MRI on December 18 and for this test, I will be

put to sleep due to the fact that my body goes into major spasms when the spine

is stretched out straight on the table or the neck is extended back or moved

into certain positions. I was sedated for the MRI in September but the body

went into spasms and this messed up some of the pictures.

Dr. Rosner needs to know the measurements of the compression of the brain stem,

spinal cord, and brain so that he can decide which is the most urgent need. He

said that it will probably take 2-3 surgeries to try to correct the problem.

Since the brain stem is compressed and is not in its correct position (in the

middle of the opening at the base of the skull) but is compressed to one side of

the head, Dr. Rosner is seriously considering removing one or both of the brain

tonsils (the base of the brain). This will take the pressure off the brainstem

and allow it to move back in place. Enlarging the opening at the base of the

brain will not be sufficient due to skull being way too small.

The brainstem controls a lot (or most) of the bodily functions (if I understand

correctly) and the compression of the stem is causing a lot of the health

challenges being experienced.

The spinal column is tighter than originally thought. Both radiologists thought

the compression was 11-12mm (normal is 16-25-if I am not mistaken). Dr. Rosner

measured the MRI pictures and it looks like the column in the neck is 9-10 mm.

The spinal cord is 8 mm. The smallness of the column leaves no room for the

spinal cord to move and any unusual movement or jarring can cause very serious

problems.

The 5th MRI will give Dr. Rosner the exact measurements. If the spinal column

in the neck is 9mm, Dr. Rosner will have no choice but to remove the back of the

disks in the neck (c1-c6 or c7).

So far, the needed procedures would be to

1. Enlarge the opening to the base of the skull

2. Open up the dura (the film surrounding the brain) and put a bovine patch over

the opening to give more room to the brain

3. Remove one or both tonsils from the brain (base of the brain)

4. Remove the back of approximately 6-7 disks in the neck.

Dr. Rosner showed us the MRIs which clearly showed the areas that were

compressed.

Dr. Rosner has listed me as an emergency patient because of how weak the body is

now. I am on standby waiting for the call for me to go to ville for

the surgery.

I asked him if these surgeries would get me back on my feet and back to work.

Dr. Rosner said " Martha, we won't even go there now. " My goal at this point is

to stop the deterioration of your body and to get you to where you can sit up on

your own and walk on your own.

I have personally met two patients of Dr. Rosner who have had tremendous

improvement and have talked to several others on the phone and through e-mail.

The majority of them have made tremendous progress and that is very encouraging.

Two of them had other difficulties that played into the picture and their

recovery is much slower.

God has done so much for me and for others through this trial and we give Him

all the glory. His provisions, grace, love, mercy, cleansing, strength, joy,

peace, etc. are major benefits of the trial.

Thank you so much for your prayers that God will be glorified and will use the

trial as a blessing in the lives of many.

Please pray for my aunt, Mrs. Fern Mayers and her daughters, and Becky.

Uncle Brookie (Aunt Fern's husband) passed away suddenly this past Saturday.

Uncle Brookie and Aunt Fern's daughter, Dianne, passed away six months ago with

Leukemia. Please pray also for Dianne's husband Gil. Obviously, this is a

difficult time for the family.

Thank you again for your prayers.

Martha R. Hutcheson

Choose Life Ministries (working with the Spanish-speaking and children)

Shaklee Distributor (tool for being a tentmaker missionary to the

Spanish-speaking)

For more information, please contact me at the following e-mail address:

Chooselifeministries@...