Mornin', all.

I have a friend who has tingling in her upper back (bra area) and says some of it feels numb. She says she is in constant pain and has been for about three weeks. Unfortunately, she doesn't have insurance. I've told her that I take naproxen and use hot patches for relief, but don't know what else to tell her.

I have a herniated T8-9, so I figure the odds are against both of us having the same problem are enormous. She works at a place that does MRIs and she said she might be able to have them do one, but she wouldn't have anyone to read the report. Would it be worse to find out what's going on before she gets insurance, because then she'd have a pre-existing condition? I automatically assume that things like this are thoracic, but does it sound like anything else to anyone?

My friend doesn't have a computer, so I told her I'd try to help out.

Thanks,

Valerie

Valerie, I have cord comp at the T-7-8 and bulging at the T-5-6 and what your friend says sounds familar, I think it would be harder on her to find out what is wrong now before getting ins. then waiting as then it would be considered pre-existing and harder to get treatment.
Linda

Hi Valerick, I have never had Thoracic pain, but I''ve had 14 yrs of Lumbar Pain. I've had 4 back surgeries and after 1 to 3 yrs. the pain is back. I'm planning to have a Stimulator put in very soon. If I were to talk to your friend I'd say, "Go to your GP first if she is concerned about the pain". An MRI would cost over $800. and you can't read the report. I doubt if she could get it done without a DR order. All pain is not treated with surgery, so maybe the cost wouldn't be so much. I'm hoping the best for your friend.
Billie