Marywoo
06-02-2008, 08:28 AM
hate to bother anybody but iam really confused about what i have.heres some of the things they say are wrong. Severe stenosis of both sides of body worse in left,spondylosis,nerve damage,nerve root damage,disc pressing on spinal cord,osteoporsis,and possible stroke and blood clot.Iam really confused about all this stuff,one dr said back disease,is there such a thing,i dont know which of these things to address first,or what to tell my neighbors who know i havent been out of the house in a month and that was of course to go to pm dr.iam scheduled for facet shots tomorrow and although iam not scared of the shots themselves i am scared of getting any worse then i already am. The dr seemed so smug about it like it was funny,when i couldnt remember what he said,he looked at my sister-in law and said they never remember so he wasnt going to explain it.i think this pain is starting to make me crazy,iam usually very nice and i must say i dont care for the person i am becoming,the dr also said iam young for this,for what?i have know choice but to get better there is no one else to do my work,i have to tell you all that i think you are all very brave with great atitudes,and iam hoping it will rub off on me.please help if possible. thanx. mary:confused:
Sponsor
lilydilly
06-02-2008, 07:18 PM
Do you have your results with you, Marywoo, or can you ask the Dr's office for a copy of the report. This is your body and your pain, and one thing a lot of us forget, I think, is that WE are employing the Doctor to do his job, not the other way round. No different to paying the accountant or the plumber for their expertise, and yet we wouldn't let them treat us with the condescension we allow from some of the medical profession. I stress the "some", because most of them aren't like that.
If you had a copy of the reports, there are people on here who could explain it to you. What does your SIL say, if she was with you when the Dr. told you these things? What is her impression of what he was saying?
If you had a copy of the reports, there are people on here who could explain it to you. What does your SIL say, if she was with you when the Dr. told you these things? What is her impression of what he was saying?
lilydilly
06-02-2008, 07:35 PM
I meant to add, Mary, why are you worrying about what to tell the neighbours? You only have to tell them that you are under medical care for spinal problems. I find that most people who haven't had back/neck problems themselves, don't really understand the structures or complications of the spine anyway, and it's easier just to say that you have problems rather than try to explain the details.
Sorry, I mightn't fully understand the situation with your neighbours, but don't add more stress to what you are already dealing with by worrying about what other people are thinking. I used to be terribly self-conscious before my back surgery, that people would think I was a malingerer or something, because there is nothing to actually "show" how much pain you are in, when you look well otherwise. And I had some family who actually said, "Oh, look, we've all had backache at some time or other, and if you just get your mind off yourself, it goes away". I don't honestly know what they thought when I ended up having surgery.. that the Dr. did it to make me happy? It's simply not worth worrying about what other people think. On here, someone wrote about 2 doctors who admitted not understanding their patients' pain until they developed similar problems themselves, and then they knew. Perhaps all spine doctors should be ex-patients? But then how could they bend over the operating table for hours at a time?
I'm rambling, sorry, but just want to send you hugs and best wishes.
Sorry, I mightn't fully understand the situation with your neighbours, but don't add more stress to what you are already dealing with by worrying about what other people are thinking. I used to be terribly self-conscious before my back surgery, that people would think I was a malingerer or something, because there is nothing to actually "show" how much pain you are in, when you look well otherwise. And I had some family who actually said, "Oh, look, we've all had backache at some time or other, and if you just get your mind off yourself, it goes away". I don't honestly know what they thought when I ended up having surgery.. that the Dr. did it to make me happy? It's simply not worth worrying about what other people think. On here, someone wrote about 2 doctors who admitted not understanding their patients' pain until they developed similar problems themselves, and then they knew. Perhaps all spine doctors should be ex-patients? But then how could they bend over the operating table for hours at a time?
I'm rambling, sorry, but just want to send you hugs and best wishes.
Marywoo
06-03-2008, 07:25 AM
Lillydilly, you are so right about everything you said,I am on my way to get the facet shots appt at hosp is 7;15 and i am scared to death,i already had the esi and i know they dont hurt but theres something about being in that atmosphere with that scrub hat socks and gown that just freaks me out.i do have copy of reports i will put them on here later because i dont have time now,i cant tell you how much i appreciate your reply especially this morning its keeping my mind off the hospital,my real fear is this will not work and then back to ground zero.the reason i worry about the neighbors is i use to be the one who baby sat for free and enjoyed it,and i was supposed to go to a communion party and fully attended to go when i got on my daughters eptiliptical machine,just for a minute really 1234 thats it and man have i sufferd for that so i did not make the communion and i never called because like you said if people cant see it they really dont get it,i also had to stop working which is very depressing,i thought i was better yesterday (of course right before shots) then did one load of laundry just one and had to go back to bed.it kinda makes you feel worthless,so iam praying these facet shots will work and i can start walking again,because personally i am done with the other exercises,they just make me worse,sorry to rant on iam a little nervous,and my family doesnt understand,they think the old me is coming back and i now know she is gone and i must start to like the person iam now.you are a lifesaver lilly i dont know why it helps so much to talk to some one with similar problems but it really does,probably because we dont judge each other,i cant imagine what would make someone think any one would fake such pain,but i always hear people doing that,and wonder what they would think if they were in our shoes. lilly i hope you have a blessed day you are a very caring person and i hope you have a pain free day.God bless you for listening:Dmary
lilydilly
06-03-2008, 08:42 PM
How did you get on, Mary, at the hospital? I don't mind how much you "pour it out", because I'm in limbo waiting to see the surgeon in 5 weeks, and just from waiting about, I've managed to convince myself I have every disease from brain tumour to MS, and all the others I haven't even heard of. Then I feel guilty for having a pity party for myself because I hear of people and little kids who are really suffering terrible things, and in comparison, my neck pain is nothing to that. When my hubby had back surgery, the doctor told us that anything which affects your physical nerves, also plays havoc with your emotional "nerves" too, because they are all connected, besides the pain and handicap taking it's toll as well. The other day my hubby asked if I'd like a cup of tea, and I just snapped, "No". When he raised his eyebrows at me, I explained, "I know, but I simply can't be bothered to say, No Thankyou...just saying No was enough effort for today". Ok, we laughed about it then, and he knows I'm just feeling miserable.
It might sound like a cliche, but in all honesty, I've found that a sense of humour keeps your head above water, at least, while you find solutions and healing. Have to dig deep to find it sometimes, but don't let go of humour and hope.
Cheers from lily
It might sound like a cliche, but in all honesty, I've found that a sense of humour keeps your head above water, at least, while you find solutions and healing. Have to dig deep to find it sometimes, but don't let go of humour and hope.
Cheers from lily
Marywoo
06-04-2008, 07:45 AM
lillydilly, everything went fine at the hospital,they really are very nice there.iam so glad thats over,i too imagine the worse when i need to go get these done.you are right about a sense of humor without that i just dont know.i had to laugh outloud when you said it was too much effort to say no thankyou,i understand completely,how are you doing?iam sorry for just talking about myself when you are awaiting surgery.you are very brave,i wonder why they make you wait 5 weeks,iam sorry but i find the medical community,completely heartless,not the individuals,but the system,i guess its just like the legal system and school systems just a complete mess.how are you feeling today,its raining here,which for me always makes things worse.your husband sounds like a very thoughful man,and together you sound like a great couple.thanx again for making me laugh. marywoo
lilydilly
06-04-2008, 08:07 AM
Glad it went well for you Marywoo. And yes, my hubby is wonderful.
I'm waiting this length of time, mainly because I want to see the same surgeon who did my back surgery. He's an ortho surgeon, but is just tops as far as we are concerned. We know so many people who have seen him, and I simply have total trust and confidence in his judgement.
However, all this means that he is very popular, very busy, and I'm actually lucky to be seeing him in weeks, not months. My GP probably could have got me in sooner to someone else, but I'd rather put up with the waiting just to see this man.
(Oh, he also looks like a younger version of Aleck Baldwin, so that helps of course. LOL. Just kidding, but when my 75 year old Mum met him, when I had my last surgery, someone asked her what he was like, and she said, "Well, I have to admit, I found him a hunk, myself". So it's been a bit of a family joke, that I've hurt my neck just to go see him again.) But seriously, it really does help a lot just having a surgeon I trust and know.
Do you need further treatment? What's next for you. Or is it a game of patience too?
Cheers Lily
I'm waiting this length of time, mainly because I want to see the same surgeon who did my back surgery. He's an ortho surgeon, but is just tops as far as we are concerned. We know so many people who have seen him, and I simply have total trust and confidence in his judgement.
However, all this means that he is very popular, very busy, and I'm actually lucky to be seeing him in weeks, not months. My GP probably could have got me in sooner to someone else, but I'd rather put up with the waiting just to see this man.
(Oh, he also looks like a younger version of Aleck Baldwin, so that helps of course. LOL. Just kidding, but when my 75 year old Mum met him, when I had my last surgery, someone asked her what he was like, and she said, "Well, I have to admit, I found him a hunk, myself". So it's been a bit of a family joke, that I've hurt my neck just to go see him again.) But seriously, it really does help a lot just having a surgeon I trust and know.
Do you need further treatment? What's next for you. Or is it a game of patience too?
Cheers Lily
Marywoo
06-04-2008, 08:22 AM
Lily, i understand now why your waiting for this dr,and alec baldwin is a cutey lol.do you mind me asking what kind of surgery you will be getting?you have a great atitude,and a great sense of humor,and honestly you and the others helped me alot,if you need to vent please feel free,i will be listening and if theres anything i could do i would be glad too.i will try not to hurt myself again because i want to be here for you when you need it at surgery time. I know that is a big endeavor and am glad you have found a great dr and the fact hes cute just icing on the cake.hope you have a great day.thanx so much. mary:D
lilydilly
06-04-2008, 07:57 PM
Mary, glad it went well for you. I really don't know yet what sort of surgery I'll be having, or even if it is an option for me. If it isn't I'll just have to face that one when it comes. It's just that my neck problem is following the same pattern as my back, and so I'm fairly certain it'll be a similar issue.
This surgeon lives 1000 kilometeres away, and because he insists on using a particular radiologist for the tests he orders, I'll be waiting till I go down there to see him in 5 weeks, before I have the MRI and EMG. I could have the tests done up here, but he would just order another lot done down there anyway, because he prefers to have the tests done exactly as he orders them, and only uses this one doctor to do them.
He is a totally dedicated surgeon and very caring. After my back surgery, my parents took me down for my follow up visit at 6 weeks, because my hubby was working. When I went in the room, I accidentally dropped my bag on the floor, bent down to pick it up, and when I stood up, the surgeon was standing there watching me with tears in his eyes. I thought he must have had bad news to tell me or something. I didn't know what to do. Then he just came over and gave me a big bear hug, and said he was just so thrilled to see me bend down like that without even thinking about it, and that was the best sign of all that I was healing. He said, "that's why I love my work so much, when I can help people like you get their lives back again."
When he found out my parents had brought me down, he went out to meet them to share the good news, shook hands with my Dad and gave Mum a big hug. In the hospital he used to pop in to chat to my hubby and me late at night before he went home, and he'd sit on the end of the bed, rub my toes, and tell us about his day. He looked so exhausted sometimes that I offered to swap places with him, as he looked in worse condition than me.
He did back surgery on my MIL when she was 83, and also my BIL. When they went down to see him, he even offered them a room for the night at his house, if they couldn't get accommodation in the city.
So, apart from being so highly respected and sought out as a skilled surgeon, he's just a really nice person. (oh, and let's not forget the 'hunk' factor LOL).
Truth is, I'd be glad to see him even if he was a gruff mean old beast, because of his reputation in spinal surgery.
I'm just thankful I have an appointment, and I'll have to get through the next 5 weeks as best I can. I do get nervous (make that downright scared LOL) sometimes, that I'm doing more damage by waiting, but when I read on here of people who've had these problems for years, well, months doesn't seem so bad. And it is such a frightening thing to put your spine into someone's hands, for them to cut into, that I know how fortunate we are to have this man here.
Thanks for letting me vent too Mary.
This surgeon lives 1000 kilometeres away, and because he insists on using a particular radiologist for the tests he orders, I'll be waiting till I go down there to see him in 5 weeks, before I have the MRI and EMG. I could have the tests done up here, but he would just order another lot done down there anyway, because he prefers to have the tests done exactly as he orders them, and only uses this one doctor to do them.
He is a totally dedicated surgeon and very caring. After my back surgery, my parents took me down for my follow up visit at 6 weeks, because my hubby was working. When I went in the room, I accidentally dropped my bag on the floor, bent down to pick it up, and when I stood up, the surgeon was standing there watching me with tears in his eyes. I thought he must have had bad news to tell me or something. I didn't know what to do. Then he just came over and gave me a big bear hug, and said he was just so thrilled to see me bend down like that without even thinking about it, and that was the best sign of all that I was healing. He said, "that's why I love my work so much, when I can help people like you get their lives back again."
When he found out my parents had brought me down, he went out to meet them to share the good news, shook hands with my Dad and gave Mum a big hug. In the hospital he used to pop in to chat to my hubby and me late at night before he went home, and he'd sit on the end of the bed, rub my toes, and tell us about his day. He looked so exhausted sometimes that I offered to swap places with him, as he looked in worse condition than me.
He did back surgery on my MIL when she was 83, and also my BIL. When they went down to see him, he even offered them a room for the night at his house, if they couldn't get accommodation in the city.
So, apart from being so highly respected and sought out as a skilled surgeon, he's just a really nice person. (oh, and let's not forget the 'hunk' factor LOL).
Truth is, I'd be glad to see him even if he was a gruff mean old beast, because of his reputation in spinal surgery.
I'm just thankful I have an appointment, and I'll have to get through the next 5 weeks as best I can. I do get nervous (make that downright scared LOL) sometimes, that I'm doing more damage by waiting, but when I read on here of people who've had these problems for years, well, months doesn't seem so bad. And it is such a frightening thing to put your spine into someone's hands, for them to cut into, that I know how fortunate we are to have this man here.
Thanks for letting me vent too Mary.
Marywoo
06-05-2008, 07:30 AM
Lilly, this dr sounds like a keeper,and i agree he is worth the wait.I dont think surgery is something to rush into unless absolutely necessary,so making making sure you have the right surgeon is cricial,i am so glad you have this man and you know his work and better yet his heart.iam soooooooo sorry for the agony i know you have suffered,i cant beleave how mean some people can be about back and neck issues beleave me ive heard them all.I think just push yourself was the one comment i got alot and i must say i wanted to strangle them,they just dont understand the kind of agony these problems produce,but through this pain i have learned alot about some of the people that i have been surrounding my self with and when i am up and running again i will not be the sucker i once was.on the other hand ive also learned who were really my friends and not just using me because i just couldnt say No.I can only imagine how bored you must be getting,i was surprised how fast i got tired of everything,people would say how lucky i was to do nothing,they must be crazy that in itself is enough to make you bonkers.how long did the dr. say your recovery would be?i hope it is not long,you have sufferd enough,isnt it strange how fast time flys,i swear i lost years to this pain,did they try you on shots at all?iam sorry for rambling iam not use to feeling relief and iam getting punchy,i want to start walking again but i swear iam done with any heavy exercises unless specifically recommended by dr.i never want to see an eptliptical machine as long as i live.i think the drs should be exact when they tell you to exercise,and i know yours will,he sounds like such a great guy iam so happy you are in such competent hands as we all have learned there are so real nut jobs claiming to be drs. have a great day lilly it will be here soon and you will get the relief you deserve. God bless you mary