taape
08-18-2005, 01:53 AM
I recently had a repeat lumbar MRI and the report said that there was a hemilaminectomy that could be seen on the films. Well, I didn't have that type of surgery ever! No bone surgeries yet such as a spinal fusion or whatever. I'm worried that this is the osteoporosis and my bone has either disintegrated or broke off because the report says that part of the bony part in back of the spine is gone. The report also says that there are no compression fractures seen. I don't know what to make of this but 1.5 years ago which is .5 years ago before I started the Forteo it didn't show up on MRI. Does anyone have any ideas if this could be possible? A chunk of bone missing? I do have a call into my doctor but I'm sure worrying in the meantime.
Sponsor
CrohnieToo
08-18-2005, 08:51 AM
So much depends on the radiologist interpreting the films. Before getting too upset by these recent "findings" I would have a third radiologist examine the films of both MRIs for comparison. Allowances also have to be made for "glitches" with the equipment, movement, positioning, etc. so before accepting anything drastic I would insist on another MRI or other "viewing" equipment to better verify and reinforce or negate this current "finding". Be sure to let us know what your doctor says! (((hugs))), good luck and God bless!!!
PatNJ
08-19-2005, 01:35 PM
Hi, Chronie! :wave:
I agree with Chronie, taape. She is always on target, so please take comfort in her observations!! :)
If you haven't heard from your doctor yet, don't wait until Monday to leave another message. Call back this afternoon!
(((Hugs))) from me, too.
I agree with Chronie, taape. She is always on target, so please take comfort in her observations!! :)
If you haven't heard from your doctor yet, don't wait until Monday to leave another message. Call back this afternoon!
(((Hugs))) from me, too.
taape
08-19-2005, 08:15 PM
ChronieToo and Pat NJ,
Thanks for the responses I believe that your right. Did I say that my present MRI was interpreted by a different Radiologist than the previous one that was being compared. Who knows if the first one wasn't that specific about what he saw.
I called my doctor and she is on vacation for a week. I guess I'll have to wait.
Thanks for the responses I believe that your right. Did I say that my present MRI was interpreted by a different Radiologist than the previous one that was being compared. Who knows if the first one wasn't that specific about what he saw.
I called my doctor and she is on vacation for a week. I guess I'll have to wait.
PatNJ
08-19-2005, 11:05 PM
Yep, there are so many variables: the tech's skill, the radiologist's/radiologists' interpretations, your doctor's/doctors' interpretations...
Try to relax until your own doctor returns from her vacation, hon. :)
Try to relax until your own doctor returns from her vacation, hon. :)
CrohnieToo
08-20-2005, 05:53 AM
Taape, just as an example: due to the Crohn's I have had multiple CT scans of the pelvis and abdomen, only one (one of the middle ones) ever mentioned multiple diverticula being seen. Only one of 5 colonoscopies (the third one) ever mentioned a diverticulum and it mentioned only one and all of my scopes have been done by the same gastroenterologist. I won't even bother mentioning the differences in reported results of upper GI barium series w/small bowel follow-thrus done just a month apart done locally and at Mayo Clinic with a colonoscopy in between regarding the terminal ileum.
Just as I figured out who the best radiologist was for which procedure locally so I could schedule a procedure accordingly our hospital decided to "contract out" their radiology work to a group of radiologists rather than keeping some on staff. Now we never know what radiologists will be covering what procedures on any given day. They've done the same with anesthesiologists. Forget about knowing who your anethesiologist for your surgery will be until just minutes before surgery!!! Even the pre-surgery anesthesiology consult is done by some nurse or tech.
Despite all the fancy new technology and technological advances in medicine I firmly believe we got BETTER medical care back in the 60's and 70's than we do now!!!!
Just as I figured out who the best radiologist was for which procedure locally so I could schedule a procedure accordingly our hospital decided to "contract out" their radiology work to a group of radiologists rather than keeping some on staff. Now we never know what radiologists will be covering what procedures on any given day. They've done the same with anesthesiologists. Forget about knowing who your anethesiologist for your surgery will be until just minutes before surgery!!! Even the pre-surgery anesthesiology consult is done by some nurse or tech.
Despite all the fancy new technology and technological advances in medicine I firmly believe we got BETTER medical care back in the 60's and 70's than we do now!!!!
taape
08-20-2005, 03:59 PM
ChronieToo,
I agree with you that medical care in a sense was better in the 60's & 70's when medical personnel were more careful about what they were doing. Everyone is in such a hurry these days.
I read over some old medical reports last night and found glaring errors like documenting the wrong side of a body part, etc which were never corrected. I always got copies of reports to keep but didn't really read them for accuracy.
Anyways, with this MRI I'm concerned that if the films really looks like I've had a surgery that removes part of my lamina bone (when I didn't have it) - then does that mean the bone broke off or dissolved due to osteoporosis? I don't think my original post was that clear.
I agree with you that medical care in a sense was better in the 60's & 70's when medical personnel were more careful about what they were doing. Everyone is in such a hurry these days.
I read over some old medical reports last night and found glaring errors like documenting the wrong side of a body part, etc which were never corrected. I always got copies of reports to keep but didn't really read them for accuracy.
Anyways, with this MRI I'm concerned that if the films really looks like I've had a surgery that removes part of my lamina bone (when I didn't have it) - then does that mean the bone broke off or dissolved due to osteoporosis? I don't think my original post was that clear.
CrohnieToo
08-20-2005, 04:55 PM
It was clear enough, I think. But none of us really has an answer for you. Actually, it is entirely possible that it is a congenital thing and its just never been noticed or mentioned before. I would think that if it broke off the piece or pieces would have to be seen on MRI too. Whilst bone is thinned and eroded it doesn't really disappear so that isn't a particularly logical answer either. I'm just a lay person but I would vote for a congenital anomaly or a mis-read or distortion of the MRI. (((hugs))) I know it is gonna drive you nuts until you get an answer!!! It would me. Not so much worry as curiosity.
PatNJ
08-20-2005, 08:23 PM
I'm with Chronie again, taape. She's offered multiple alternative scenarios that all make sense. :angel:
Another problem with health care these days, at all levels, is the assembly-line fashion in which the industry's workers have to "perform", in order to appease the insurance companies. You don't want to know the number of Pap smears that the typical tech has to read in a given day. And doctors, especially in HMO's, are "allowed" approximately seven minutes per patient. :nono:
Ugh.
Another problem with health care these days, at all levels, is the assembly-line fashion in which the industry's workers have to "perform", in order to appease the insurance companies. You don't want to know the number of Pap smears that the typical tech has to read in a given day. And doctors, especially in HMO's, are "allowed" approximately seven minutes per patient. :nono:
Ugh.
CrohnieToo
08-21-2005, 01:09 AM
Taape, in '94 I experienced a cervical bone chip from a whiplash. I expected after time it would dissolve. Ha! Silly me! Once it is chipped off it is no longer "living" bone and isn't subject to the bone reformation that our "living" bones are. No osteoclasts and osteoblasts replacing each other. That's why I figure if a piece of your spine had broken off it should show up on the MRI.
taape
08-21-2005, 01:45 AM
Thanks alot all for your replies. Your right I'm not all that worried because if I had a bone chip floating around I'd probably be in alot more pain. As soon as I know something I'll let you know. Thanks again!