I just got a copy of my records since i had to change my pcp. i really liked her so much. i can't believe i have to find someone new and start all over. she is also enodcrinologist, so she has decided to no longer be a pcp. i have a thyroid problem so she was the perfect pcp.

anyway, i am just reading the actual MRI report and just wondering what the heck it means. i know the neuro-surgeon explained, but i thought i would throw it out there for you guys to see if it rings a bell with anyone.

it says moderate disc protrusion consistend with disc herniation. it is unchanged from 1/25/01. it also says there is a mass effect on the left anterolateral aspect of the subarachnoid space. the cord does not appear to be compressed. what the heck does that mean? i don't like the word mass. i heard the word mass with my breast problems and that meant maybe cancer-it wasn't-thank God!!

my neuro-surgeon said he thought something looked like it had fallen off or broken away in the disc area. he pointed it out to me on the MRI, but i had no idea what i was looking at.

what i do know is that i am in extreme pain and these meds aren't helping!!

any ideas what road these doctors are going to send me down?

thanks again-your the best
kathy

Kathy,

Mass effect doesn't have a thing to do with cancer. The mass effect they are probably referring to is the shifting of structures or space around the herniation from the disc protrusion. Hope that helps ease your mind. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif



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God bless,

Lea