matt3507
03-25-2009, 03:07 AM
Hi all:
I haven't posted here for 3+ months. I'm sorry I haven't been here to support you folks. I just got so depressed I didn't talk to anybody or even read here anymore. I just kind of gave up for a while, but I am going to try to fix myself again.
My doctor moved last year and I visited two other doctors since and all I got was the crap beat out of me and told there is nothing wrong - you know, "buck up kid". After seeing those two guys my pain was beyond what I could bear. I went from screaming on the floor wishing for death, to rage, to housebound depression. I started reading here again the past 2 weeks and now I am going to try to be proactive again. My wife is starting to get depressed now. I have to do something.
I have 2 main questions:
I asked for my medical records from my old doctor and I got the one from my first visit and the last 3 visits. I saw her at least 25 times in 2+ years. Does she have to give me all her records? Do I have the right ask for them? Can I make her give them to me?
Also here is my MRI report from July 2006:
IMPRESSION:
1. The C5-6 disc is moderately narrowed and dehydrated. There is a right subarticular disc protrusion with some reactive osteophytic spurring. There are some hypertrophic uncovertebral degenerative changes on the right with moderate neural foraminal stenosis on the right. The left neural foramen is widely patent.
2. The C7-T1 disc is mildly narrowed and dehydrated. Their is a mild disc bulge. There are some hypertrophic uncovertebral degenerative changes on the left with severe neural foraminal stenosis on the left. The right neural foramin is widely patent. there is mild facet arthrosis at this level.
So my PCP said I needed surgery. I went to a neurosurgeon and he said "there is nothing I can do for you as far as your nerves go". I found a pain doc. and tried 5 different physical therapists and tried different meds. The first physical therapist manipulated my neck and gave me traction and that is when the headaches started and have only gone away a few times since. I get SO MAD when I think about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was (is still) like a nightmare. I was so healthy. I can't help but feel like there is something mechanical going on.
I get numbness in my left pinky and ring finger up to my elbow off and on. My main complaints, though, are stabbing pains/spasms in both shoulder blades and headaches. Triggers are random, but lifting anything over 5-6 pounds will always get me. It is living hell. I can't function. It is the worst pain I have ever experienced. I won't go into what this has done to my life since 6-06, but there is no resemblance to who I used to be.
Sorry for the novel. Any help/opinion/suggestion is welcome. I remember feelbad, sammy, pepper, and many other extremely tough individuals. I am sorry I haven't been around and I want to know how you are doing also.
I haven't posted here for 3+ months. I'm sorry I haven't been here to support you folks. I just got so depressed I didn't talk to anybody or even read here anymore. I just kind of gave up for a while, but I am going to try to fix myself again.
My doctor moved last year and I visited two other doctors since and all I got was the crap beat out of me and told there is nothing wrong - you know, "buck up kid". After seeing those two guys my pain was beyond what I could bear. I went from screaming on the floor wishing for death, to rage, to housebound depression. I started reading here again the past 2 weeks and now I am going to try to be proactive again. My wife is starting to get depressed now. I have to do something.
I have 2 main questions:
I asked for my medical records from my old doctor and I got the one from my first visit and the last 3 visits. I saw her at least 25 times in 2+ years. Does she have to give me all her records? Do I have the right ask for them? Can I make her give them to me?
Also here is my MRI report from July 2006:
IMPRESSION:
1. The C5-6 disc is moderately narrowed and dehydrated. There is a right subarticular disc protrusion with some reactive osteophytic spurring. There are some hypertrophic uncovertebral degenerative changes on the right with moderate neural foraminal stenosis on the right. The left neural foramen is widely patent.
2. The C7-T1 disc is mildly narrowed and dehydrated. Their is a mild disc bulge. There are some hypertrophic uncovertebral degenerative changes on the left with severe neural foraminal stenosis on the left. The right neural foramin is widely patent. there is mild facet arthrosis at this level.
So my PCP said I needed surgery. I went to a neurosurgeon and he said "there is nothing I can do for you as far as your nerves go". I found a pain doc. and tried 5 different physical therapists and tried different meds. The first physical therapist manipulated my neck and gave me traction and that is when the headaches started and have only gone away a few times since. I get SO MAD when I think about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was (is still) like a nightmare. I was so healthy. I can't help but feel like there is something mechanical going on.
I get numbness in my left pinky and ring finger up to my elbow off and on. My main complaints, though, are stabbing pains/spasms in both shoulder blades and headaches. Triggers are random, but lifting anything over 5-6 pounds will always get me. It is living hell. I can't function. It is the worst pain I have ever experienced. I won't go into what this has done to my life since 6-06, but there is no resemblance to who I used to be.
Sorry for the novel. Any help/opinion/suggestion is welcome. I remember feelbad, sammy, pepper, and many other extremely tough individuals. I am sorry I haven't been around and I want to know how you are doing also.
Sponsor
want a good out
03-25-2009, 07:59 AM
Hi Matt, Sorry you are having such a hard time of it. It is my understanding that when conservative therapy fails it is time for surgery. If the one Dr. was not helpful, you could find another one. I would/did let only someone that I thought was the best do me. You may have to travel a little ways to get good care, but it will be worth it. There are 6 hospitals closer to me than the one I went to. It is the best in my opinion for me. I expect the surgery I had will have a good outcome. I had to search around about 20 years ago to have my ankle reconstructed and ran into a couple of dr that said they would only fuse it. I was 25 and very vain and that was not an option at the time. I had a great outcome then and am ready to have another great outcome with ny neck. I can't get over NOT waking up in pain!!! I have a snowmobile that I haven't ridden in 4 years... I'm going to ride it painfree, carefully this winter. I hope this helps. Also I have been on wellbutrin for about 8 mo. now and was suggested by my Dr (FP) for the pain.... or so she said...
Hang inthere, determine your desire and go after it. Accept nothing less than that.
It was the 3rd neck Dr that I finally went with. The first (bad Dr.) said you need nothing done, the 2nd said to live with the pain and the 3rd told me all he could do to help me. I know now had to be ready for it too. I'm glad the first Dr said nothing was wrong, she doesn't ahve good outcomes. I went to her as that is whom my ins. would cover. Bad news, 4 years of h%ll. Anyway, I'm 6 weeks post op and going to start PT friday... Good luck in your search for a Dr. whom you feel good about.
Hang inthere, determine your desire and go after it. Accept nothing less than that.
It was the 3rd neck Dr that I finally went with. The first (bad Dr.) said you need nothing done, the 2nd said to live with the pain and the 3rd told me all he could do to help me. I know now had to be ready for it too. I'm glad the first Dr said nothing was wrong, she doesn't ahve good outcomes. I went to her as that is whom my ins. would cover. Bad news, 4 years of h%ll. Anyway, I'm 6 weeks post op and going to start PT friday... Good luck in your search for a Dr. whom you feel good about.
want a good out
03-25-2009, 08:05 AM
I have 2 main questions:
I asked for my medical records from my old doctor and I got the one from my first visit and the last 3 visits. I saw her at least 25 times in 2+ years. Does she have to give me all her records? Do I have the right ask for them? Can I make her give them to me?
Yes, you may have to pay for them though. You might ahve to seek legal consul to get them.
The Dr whom fixed my neck didn't care about records from the past. He asked me what I had done and took my word for it. He did want a recent MRI (with in a year) which I already had and any x-rays again recent. I had to wait 3 months to see him though. Well worth it from how I feel right now.
I asked for my medical records from my old doctor and I got the one from my first visit and the last 3 visits. I saw her at least 25 times in 2+ years. Does she have to give me all her records? Do I have the right ask for them? Can I make her give them to me?
Yes, you may have to pay for them though. You might ahve to seek legal consul to get them.
The Dr whom fixed my neck didn't care about records from the past. He asked me what I had done and took my word for it. He did want a recent MRI (with in a year) which I already had and any x-rays again recent. I had to wait 3 months to see him though. Well worth it from how I feel right now.
sammyo1
03-25-2009, 08:39 AM
Matt I have often thought about you.
I had the same thing happen with PT, any one around my neck triggered headaches bad. That should tell the doctors something right there.
When did you see the neurosurgeon?
You need to go back to a surgeon, Ortho or a different Neuro. I made the same mistake took one surgeons opinion. That nerve comment throws me, I dont know what he meant by that one.
Have you tried the ESIs with a PM?
You definantly have something really going on & that MRI is to old. MRIs dont always show it all.
Are you on anything for the pain?
I am really mad on your behalf, that happens to often we are sent to PT & it makes it worse.
You have to get into another surgeon here asap & let then evaluate things from scratch. You will have to make it clear you have no quality of life here.
Usually when all treatements are exhausted through other doctors & PMs surgery is recommended. The tingling & other symptoms are a warning.
I had the headaches the last few weeks before surgery & did not think I would make it. You cant be left to suffer. You just let the surgeon you get in with know your PCP thought you needed surgery & you need another opinion. Often people will get 2 or even 3.
Marcia (feelbad) I am sure will pop on & understand the MRI more so, but I know she is going to say the same its to old to know whats going on in there now. EVEn if an new is done & its not pinpointing whats causing all the pain then there are other tests. Doctors can rely to much on MRIs alone.
You are going to take you life back & starting now. See if you can get the name of a new surgeon & start from there.
As far as your records you should be able to retrieve them all, if not another doctor should be able to do so. Hang in there Matt & dont give up. God bless, Sammy
I had the same thing happen with PT, any one around my neck triggered headaches bad. That should tell the doctors something right there.
When did you see the neurosurgeon?
You need to go back to a surgeon, Ortho or a different Neuro. I made the same mistake took one surgeons opinion. That nerve comment throws me, I dont know what he meant by that one.
Have you tried the ESIs with a PM?
You definantly have something really going on & that MRI is to old. MRIs dont always show it all.
Are you on anything for the pain?
I am really mad on your behalf, that happens to often we are sent to PT & it makes it worse.
You have to get into another surgeon here asap & let then evaluate things from scratch. You will have to make it clear you have no quality of life here.
Usually when all treatements are exhausted through other doctors & PMs surgery is recommended. The tingling & other symptoms are a warning.
I had the headaches the last few weeks before surgery & did not think I would make it. You cant be left to suffer. You just let the surgeon you get in with know your PCP thought you needed surgery & you need another opinion. Often people will get 2 or even 3.
Marcia (feelbad) I am sure will pop on & understand the MRI more so, but I know she is going to say the same its to old to know whats going on in there now. EVEn if an new is done & its not pinpointing whats causing all the pain then there are other tests. Doctors can rely to much on MRIs alone.
You are going to take you life back & starting now. See if you can get the name of a new surgeon & start from there.
As far as your records you should be able to retrieve them all, if not another doctor should be able to do so. Hang in there Matt & dont give up. God bless, Sammy
matt3507
03-26-2009, 11:52 PM
wago,
Thanks for the response! I was so down. Knowing that you kept looking and found a good doc. will keep me looking. Tell me about your neck/surgery if you bored. I need to hear a GOOD neck story.
Thx again, Matt
Thanks for the response! I was so down. Knowing that you kept looking and found a good doc. will keep me looking. Tell me about your neck/surgery if you bored. I need to hear a GOOD neck story.
Thx again, Matt
matt3507
03-27-2009, 12:34 AM
Sammy you are so nice for responding to my downer novel. Thank you!
I saw the neuro. 7-06
I have washed my hands of my PCP and all the other docs. I have seen. My plan is to find a new PCP for a physical/thyroid/bloodwork. Then a new PM doc., then a new surgeon. What do you think?
I had an epidural @ c7-t1 root. It helped for a couple days.
I'm sleeping on ice and taking tylenol. I was on muscle relaxers, opiates, and neurontin. I have been out of all three for 2 months. I couldn't stand the 2 docs. I saw in December and I just did not want to deal with anyone and I didn't want to go to the ER. Oh yes it has been living hell. I can't take another strength/evaluation test. It's not worth it. I told the last 2 guys I didn't want the physical eval. but I gave in. I wish I would not have. Advice?
The MRI is old but I would still like to know if it sounds like something mechanical. It feels like something mechanical. I lift 5+ pounds - boom all the symptoms. I swear it feels like loose bones or something moving around between my shoulder blades. I was swinging a pick breaking my back when this happened. ER next day.
Now. I would sure like to hear how you are doing. When I read about you working w/ice taped on your body I was so impressed by your strength! Last time I was on here was November. If you get bored please let me know.
Thank you for responding again. I really am sorry for wimping out and turning hermit and not supporting you and the other neck/back folks. I am going to try to start contributing again. Your response has helped me so much. I haven't talked to anyone or left the house for months. Blessings to you also.
I saw the neuro. 7-06
I have washed my hands of my PCP and all the other docs. I have seen. My plan is to find a new PCP for a physical/thyroid/bloodwork. Then a new PM doc., then a new surgeon. What do you think?
I had an epidural @ c7-t1 root. It helped for a couple days.
I'm sleeping on ice and taking tylenol. I was on muscle relaxers, opiates, and neurontin. I have been out of all three for 2 months. I couldn't stand the 2 docs. I saw in December and I just did not want to deal with anyone and I didn't want to go to the ER. Oh yes it has been living hell. I can't take another strength/evaluation test. It's not worth it. I told the last 2 guys I didn't want the physical eval. but I gave in. I wish I would not have. Advice?
The MRI is old but I would still like to know if it sounds like something mechanical. It feels like something mechanical. I lift 5+ pounds - boom all the symptoms. I swear it feels like loose bones or something moving around between my shoulder blades. I was swinging a pick breaking my back when this happened. ER next day.
Now. I would sure like to hear how you are doing. When I read about you working w/ice taped on your body I was so impressed by your strength! Last time I was on here was November. If you get bored please let me know.
Thank you for responding again. I really am sorry for wimping out and turning hermit and not supporting you and the other neck/back folks. I am going to try to start contributing again. Your response has helped me so much. I haven't talked to anyone or left the house for months. Blessings to you also.
sammyo1
03-27-2009, 08:52 AM
Yes Matt get on finding a new pcp asap. The thing is you know there is something wrong, your body is telling just that.
I understand about the doctors, as I went to to many to count. I only wish I knew then what I know now. MRIs are one part of diagnostic testing & should not be used alone. To many doctors do just that. I am going to bet when they repeat that MRI on you they are going to find that area a mess.
The fact that the epidural helped for a couple days should have told them right there that area needed to be investigated. Those are used as part diagnostic testing.
The problem is the longer you let these things go the chance of more damage & yes it can be permanant damage. There are alot of people who have walked in your shoes.
Have you ever had a pain management doctor? A good PM will treat the pain & symptoms while continuing to look for the source. That is just what mine did. He tried all the injections & thank god he did not listen to the other doctors opinion. He said he knew it was spinal & ordered another MRI & sent me to be evaluated by a surgeon. I was worried sick not enough would show in the MRI & told him so. He said the surgeon would more then likely do a discogram or Myelgram (sp) if the MRI was inconclusive due to the symptoms, but the MRI showed that area that the others thought was minor had finally progressed enough. To top it all off when the surgery was done on me there was alot more going on in there then those MRIs indicated. I have talked to several people with the same story.
You need to be recommended into PM but I think if you get some diagnostic testing done at this time your going to find the cause, I would bet on that.
You have to start somewhere & that somewhere is with a good PCP. You will just have to lay it on the line like you did here & let the PCP know you have had enough. At that point they should order tests or send you to a good PM or surgeon to be evaluated. Let them know everything you have tried so you dont waste alot of time. Be upfront & honest tell them you became discouraged & depressed & you realize now this has to be dealt with, its ruining your life.
I am still trying to get past the anger with those doctors that let this go with me. It cost me years of my life & probably some life long damage. I am 3mths post of from fusion, more then likely I will face future surgerys due to other discs.
After one yr any pain left will be considered nerve &/or muscle damage.
Unfortuantly we have to be our own advocates & push when we know there is something wrong.
You cant just let this go, it wont go away or get better on its own. The fact that this has been ongoing should tell the doctors something. So get the ball rolling & start looking. Make a list of facts, starting with what your orginal PCP said & then have the MRI report along with the any other tests or procedures that were tried, such as the epidural.
Make another of symptoms & anything that makes it worse or brings you relief. Be prepared. Let me know when you have an appointment.
You are going to get through this, its time to take your life back my friend. God bless & have faith. Sammy
I understand about the doctors, as I went to to many to count. I only wish I knew then what I know now. MRIs are one part of diagnostic testing & should not be used alone. To many doctors do just that. I am going to bet when they repeat that MRI on you they are going to find that area a mess.
The fact that the epidural helped for a couple days should have told them right there that area needed to be investigated. Those are used as part diagnostic testing.
The problem is the longer you let these things go the chance of more damage & yes it can be permanant damage. There are alot of people who have walked in your shoes.
Have you ever had a pain management doctor? A good PM will treat the pain & symptoms while continuing to look for the source. That is just what mine did. He tried all the injections & thank god he did not listen to the other doctors opinion. He said he knew it was spinal & ordered another MRI & sent me to be evaluated by a surgeon. I was worried sick not enough would show in the MRI & told him so. He said the surgeon would more then likely do a discogram or Myelgram (sp) if the MRI was inconclusive due to the symptoms, but the MRI showed that area that the others thought was minor had finally progressed enough. To top it all off when the surgery was done on me there was alot more going on in there then those MRIs indicated. I have talked to several people with the same story.
You need to be recommended into PM but I think if you get some diagnostic testing done at this time your going to find the cause, I would bet on that.
You have to start somewhere & that somewhere is with a good PCP. You will just have to lay it on the line like you did here & let the PCP know you have had enough. At that point they should order tests or send you to a good PM or surgeon to be evaluated. Let them know everything you have tried so you dont waste alot of time. Be upfront & honest tell them you became discouraged & depressed & you realize now this has to be dealt with, its ruining your life.
I am still trying to get past the anger with those doctors that let this go with me. It cost me years of my life & probably some life long damage. I am 3mths post of from fusion, more then likely I will face future surgerys due to other discs.
After one yr any pain left will be considered nerve &/or muscle damage.
Unfortuantly we have to be our own advocates & push when we know there is something wrong.
You cant just let this go, it wont go away or get better on its own. The fact that this has been ongoing should tell the doctors something. So get the ball rolling & start looking. Make a list of facts, starting with what your orginal PCP said & then have the MRI report along with the any other tests or procedures that were tried, such as the epidural.
Make another of symptoms & anything that makes it worse or brings you relief. Be prepared. Let me know when you have an appointment.
You are going to get through this, its time to take your life back my friend. God bless & have faith. Sammy
feelbad
03-27-2009, 11:52 AM
hey matt,sorry you are where you are right now but you DO have some good options here. what in the HE** kind of NS actually told you there is nothing that can be donne with those nerves? is he kidding? there are LOTS of good experienced and knowledgable NSs out there who would seriously beg to differ, trust me on that one. you just need to find another NS and also update that MRI too.
they will want one from within the past six months for the best consult and eval. you also just REALLY need it done in order to see all changes that have taken place in these past years. it HAS been a long time ya know? you DO have hope here matt,that much i do know,so push like hell right now to get your needs met. sometimes we have to take things into our own hands and also have to get a bit witchy at times too, just to let our docs really know what are needs are and to get them met. been there done that one to death myself hon.
my biggest concerns for you right now, given the ulnar involvement within that L hand? that IS the c 8 nerve up in your c spine that is being very heavily affected right now. it sits,of course,right between the c 7 and t 1 vertebrae. its just being its being impinged,most likely from that stenosis you had that showed up on the 06 MRI. that crap just does progress over time. the good news here is that with a good experienced knowledgable NS, it CAN be relieved. it would appear that the last NS you saw, well, this was way over HIS head to fix, so YOU have suffered for HIS lack of overall experience. not at all that is was not possible to actually fix for you. what an a**.
i have had to push docs just to be heard before matt. yes it does suck and we should NOT have to do that, but unfortuently in this type of case that 'squeaky wheel gets the grease" ya know what i mean? you were just victim to a stupid inexperienced NS. what was this guy like 12? i personally had to go thru three seperate NSs to find the only one who really knew the ins and outs of what my particular condition was and the risks of having it and what NEEDED to be done. i had a rare cavernous hemangioma( a glob of blood vessels that HAD bled inside my cord )at c7 t 1.
you just need to find that right NS who actually 'can" go into the foramen and also into the spinal canal too(they would just be a much better choice for you). these NSs clear stenosis all the time with no problem. believe me matt,this is by no means hopeless. what any NS actually tells you they can or cannot do,espescially when egos are involved, directly depends upon THIER level of experience in doing any particular procedure,thats it. someone who has done this over and over IS the type you need here(plain old experience). just get that second, and if needed, third opionion too. i did, and it was only my third opinion who actually knew the most about what i had. three was the charm for me.
but you HAVE to at this point obtain that updated MRI. i can guarentee you just based upon the progressive nature of many different types of spinal issues and your newer numbness that things HAVE changed in there.
by the by,if you did NOT actually recieve ALL of the medical records you should have and KNOW are there, ask again to get them, but this time state you want and NEED ALL of your records, not just part. if that does not work call the AMA chapter in your area for guidance here. they cannot withold all of your medical records when asked for them by any patient. this IS a patient right just to be able to actually do. i do know that in some areas they do need a fee paid, but here in MN where i live, i have never ever had to pay one single penny for all of my many many medical records. it all depends. but you DO have that right matt so gather them up.
sorry i gotta stop now,my fingers are doing their little happy dance again. please get that new MRI. based upon just having the "newer" symptoms it should be simple to obtain that referral for it. you just need it in order to be able to see a new NS. this is just your main priority right now,getting that comparative MRI done. that will dictate what needs to be done next. just hang in there my friend, there are options here matt,trust me on that one. marcia
they will want one from within the past six months for the best consult and eval. you also just REALLY need it done in order to see all changes that have taken place in these past years. it HAS been a long time ya know? you DO have hope here matt,that much i do know,so push like hell right now to get your needs met. sometimes we have to take things into our own hands and also have to get a bit witchy at times too, just to let our docs really know what are needs are and to get them met. been there done that one to death myself hon.
my biggest concerns for you right now, given the ulnar involvement within that L hand? that IS the c 8 nerve up in your c spine that is being very heavily affected right now. it sits,of course,right between the c 7 and t 1 vertebrae. its just being its being impinged,most likely from that stenosis you had that showed up on the 06 MRI. that crap just does progress over time. the good news here is that with a good experienced knowledgable NS, it CAN be relieved. it would appear that the last NS you saw, well, this was way over HIS head to fix, so YOU have suffered for HIS lack of overall experience. not at all that is was not possible to actually fix for you. what an a**.
i have had to push docs just to be heard before matt. yes it does suck and we should NOT have to do that, but unfortuently in this type of case that 'squeaky wheel gets the grease" ya know what i mean? you were just victim to a stupid inexperienced NS. what was this guy like 12? i personally had to go thru three seperate NSs to find the only one who really knew the ins and outs of what my particular condition was and the risks of having it and what NEEDED to be done. i had a rare cavernous hemangioma( a glob of blood vessels that HAD bled inside my cord )at c7 t 1.
you just need to find that right NS who actually 'can" go into the foramen and also into the spinal canal too(they would just be a much better choice for you). these NSs clear stenosis all the time with no problem. believe me matt,this is by no means hopeless. what any NS actually tells you they can or cannot do,espescially when egos are involved, directly depends upon THIER level of experience in doing any particular procedure,thats it. someone who has done this over and over IS the type you need here(plain old experience). just get that second, and if needed, third opionion too. i did, and it was only my third opinion who actually knew the most about what i had. three was the charm for me.
but you HAVE to at this point obtain that updated MRI. i can guarentee you just based upon the progressive nature of many different types of spinal issues and your newer numbness that things HAVE changed in there.
by the by,if you did NOT actually recieve ALL of the medical records you should have and KNOW are there, ask again to get them, but this time state you want and NEED ALL of your records, not just part. if that does not work call the AMA chapter in your area for guidance here. they cannot withold all of your medical records when asked for them by any patient. this IS a patient right just to be able to actually do. i do know that in some areas they do need a fee paid, but here in MN where i live, i have never ever had to pay one single penny for all of my many many medical records. it all depends. but you DO have that right matt so gather them up.
sorry i gotta stop now,my fingers are doing their little happy dance again. please get that new MRI. based upon just having the "newer" symptoms it should be simple to obtain that referral for it. you just need it in order to be able to see a new NS. this is just your main priority right now,getting that comparative MRI done. that will dictate what needs to be done next. just hang in there my friend, there are options here matt,trust me on that one. marcia
matt3507
03-28-2009, 04:34 AM
Marcia,
Thank you for responding. I am sorry I have not been around to support you and my other neck/back friends. I have been seriously depressed with this thing, but I'm back on the horse now and ready to be proactive (get off my a**) again. Boy this stuff can get you down.
My plan now is to get a complete physical from a new pcp. Blood work and thyroid test. Then a referral to a new pain doc. Then the MRI, then 3 opinions from surgeons.
Again, thank you for reading my melt down post, I'm a basket case. This pain just makes my brain not work. Bless your heart. I will be watching especially for you and sammy again and keep you updated. If you get bored I have not been on since November and would like to know how you are.
Take care! Matt
Thank you for responding. I am sorry I have not been around to support you and my other neck/back friends. I have been seriously depressed with this thing, but I'm back on the horse now and ready to be proactive (get off my a**) again. Boy this stuff can get you down.
My plan now is to get a complete physical from a new pcp. Blood work and thyroid test. Then a referral to a new pain doc. Then the MRI, then 3 opinions from surgeons.
Again, thank you for reading my melt down post, I'm a basket case. This pain just makes my brain not work. Bless your heart. I will be watching especially for you and sammy again and keep you updated. If you get bored I have not been on since November and would like to know how you are.
Take care! Matt
sammyo1
03-28-2009, 11:52 AM
Matt, let us know when you have an appointment. I have a feeling you will finally get somewhere this time. Mar gave you good advice. Dont put it off buddy we are here for & trust me we understand. God bless & let us know how your doing. Sam
Sens123
03-29-2009, 03:19 PM
hello Matt
i'm a newbie here and just joined on i have some thing MYELOPATHY i haven't a clue wut it is but im in so much pain here.
listen if you open up a note pad and create a letter like this you will have no doubt be getting your medical records.. write a letter like this :
on the left hand side the dr who you are seeing now and under that write
Name
Address
DOb
the above named patiet is Requesting the you release the following medical records to our atteention
Diagnostic studies for the last ____ years
Laboratory studies for the Last ____ years
Office Noted & Consults for the last ___ years
Compelte chart for the last _____ years
Records can be mailed to
Your Dr Now
his address
and state
or faxed medical Records @ the phone fax
thank you for your assistance
ask you new dr if he has a letter like this in his office when you get it make copys of it
in case you need to use the letter again if the dr has it just fill out the dr that has your records now also you have to sign And date bottom of form
if you do it this way it takes you out of the picture and the axenity ..
also just a idea.when ever you get anything done with you health care when your @ the office ask the nurse to make u a copy of the blood work,tests,mri reports etc.
its a good rule of thumb to have your own stack of reports in that you dont have to write a letter like this.
the reason i tell you this is ive been dealing with this pain since my ex threw me agaist the wall i have all copys of the trauma reports from the er and the last 10-years
when yoou build yourself your own book of medical records when you see a NEW doctor you just copys the reports and give that to the new doctor ...it HELPS ALOT
your book of records speak for you i hope this helps kelly From NJ
i'm a newbie here and just joined on i have some thing MYELOPATHY i haven't a clue wut it is but im in so much pain here.
listen if you open up a note pad and create a letter like this you will have no doubt be getting your medical records.. write a letter like this :
on the left hand side the dr who you are seeing now and under that write
Name
Address
DOb
the above named patiet is Requesting the you release the following medical records to our atteention
Diagnostic studies for the last ____ years
Laboratory studies for the Last ____ years
Office Noted & Consults for the last ___ years
Compelte chart for the last _____ years
Records can be mailed to
Your Dr Now
his address
and state
or faxed medical Records @ the phone fax
thank you for your assistance
ask you new dr if he has a letter like this in his office when you get it make copys of it
in case you need to use the letter again if the dr has it just fill out the dr that has your records now also you have to sign And date bottom of form
if you do it this way it takes you out of the picture and the axenity ..
also just a idea.when ever you get anything done with you health care when your @ the office ask the nurse to make u a copy of the blood work,tests,mri reports etc.
its a good rule of thumb to have your own stack of reports in that you dont have to write a letter like this.
the reason i tell you this is ive been dealing with this pain since my ex threw me agaist the wall i have all copys of the trauma reports from the er and the last 10-years
when yoou build yourself your own book of medical records when you see a NEW doctor you just copys the reports and give that to the new doctor ...it HELPS ALOT
your book of records speak for you i hope this helps kelly From NJ
matt3507
03-30-2009, 10:42 PM
Thx so much for the EXCELLENT info! That letter is a brilliant idea! Yes it is so stressful dealing with this crap on top of the pain. My old doc. moved so I'm not sure about how to find out her mailing addy. w/o spending $ on a people find thing. I'll be monitoring to see if you start a thread about your myelopathy. The people on this board are awesome and smart. I tried to private message you and it said you have chosen not to receive private messages, just so you know.
Thanks again!, Matt
Thanks again!, Matt