AngelicMoon
07-31-2003, 04:27 PM
As some of you know, I habe been having a ton of pain and trouble reaching my NS(to catch up read my posts under "calling ns in morning". After seeing my PCP this morning and being perscribed three different meds that make you drowsy, I finally fell asleep. Well, my phone rang. With my collar on trying to hurry is impossible. By the time I answered it, the caller had already left a message. The caller was my NS. His message said" call me in the morning regarding your xrays". Bull. I called right back, he was gone. I know it is bad news and I am terrified. This must be why he wasn't returning my calls. Anyway, I am glad I have the nausea meds, cause I feel like I am going to puke.
Sponsor
DepecheJan
07-31-2003, 04:53 PM
Oh Angelic Moon!!
I am so sorry to hear about everything that you have been going through and your many attempts to get in touch with your doctor. How frustrating. Can't believe you barely missed your NS's call! Sounds like something that should go on a big Murphy's Law poster. I guess there is no chance that his office will page him, eh?
Just try to hang in there. I know--much easier said than done. And try not to think the worst. I know I can get all neurotic about things. Just try not to worry until you know something for sure. And please try to get some rest. If you can, I am sure it will wonders for you.
Anyway, just know we are all here to support you whenever you need. You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Jan :wave:
I am so sorry to hear about everything that you have been going through and your many attempts to get in touch with your doctor. How frustrating. Can't believe you barely missed your NS's call! Sounds like something that should go on a big Murphy's Law poster. I guess there is no chance that his office will page him, eh?
Just try to hang in there. I know--much easier said than done. And try not to think the worst. I know I can get all neurotic about things. Just try not to worry until you know something for sure. And please try to get some rest. If you can, I am sure it will wonders for you.
Anyway, just know we are all here to support you whenever you need. You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Jan :wave:
AngelicMoon
07-31-2003, 05:55 PM
Jan~Thank you for your kind words.
I just got off the phone with my NS. He said the xrays look fine and he sees no clear cut reason why I am having pain. (He pretty much was telling me that I do not have pain). I have to go see him next week. I can't wait to be done with this all and out of this nightmare!
I just got off the phone with my NS. He said the xrays look fine and he sees no clear cut reason why I am having pain. (He pretty much was telling me that I do not have pain). I have to go see him next week. I can't wait to be done with this all and out of this nightmare!
DepecheJan
07-31-2003, 06:14 PM
Hi Angelic Moon,
Glad to hear that your x-ray looked okay. That's good news!
I myself haven't had surgery yet--trying to fight that as much as possible. It does seem that a lot of those who have had the surgery were in a lot of pain for quite awhile afterwards. If your nerves have been compressed for a long time and then you have that compression removed, the nerves seem to go crazy for a bit while they are trying to heal. Maybe that is what is going on. At least you finally got to talk to your NS and will see him next week. Just try to rest (and sleep) as much as you can. Can you do something to take your mind off of everything and distract yourself from the pain (like take a walk, rent a movie, etc.)? You really have to be good to yourself!
Hope you are feeling better and are pain-free in no time!!
Love and hugs! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love1.gif
Jan
Glad to hear that your x-ray looked okay. That's good news!
I myself haven't had surgery yet--trying to fight that as much as possible. It does seem that a lot of those who have had the surgery were in a lot of pain for quite awhile afterwards. If your nerves have been compressed for a long time and then you have that compression removed, the nerves seem to go crazy for a bit while they are trying to heal. Maybe that is what is going on. At least you finally got to talk to your NS and will see him next week. Just try to rest (and sleep) as much as you can. Can you do something to take your mind off of everything and distract yourself from the pain (like take a walk, rent a movie, etc.)? You really have to be good to yourself!
Hope you are feeling better and are pain-free in no time!!
Love and hugs! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love1.gif
Jan
jorjie2
07-31-2003, 06:55 PM
Hang in there Angelic Moon!!! I know it is difficult...I am saying a prayer for you!!
lostsoul15204
07-31-2003, 08:43 PM
Hi AM , Xrays only show bone and not disc's and surrounding soft tissue. MRI showed that I had an infection after Discogram. I'm not trying to worry you but if doc sees no reason for pain on xray.maybe he would see cause on an MRI and remember that the closed MRI's show a much more defined picture. Go with the one with strongest magnet if you can. Just a suggestion Good luck and God Bless
------------------
Rick
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Rick
DebbieMc
07-31-2003, 09:03 PM
Hi Angelic!
Maybe you're doing what I'm doing...too much. I have found that as long as I do nothing, everything is fine. As soon as I try to do anything, I suffer. That includes typing! Today I woke up and decided I absolutely had to get out of this house so I decided to go to work of all places. Well, I had to make sure I remembered how to get there, that my badge still opened the doors and that my name plate was still on my cube...the answer was yes to all three. So anyways, all I did was visit. Didn't lift a finger to do any work. Within two hours I was walking around like Frankenstein again. I wish you lived closer...we could have a long talk with the Captain about it ;)
I'm not saying you're not in pain, I believe you. I had my surgery a day or 2 after yours and I'm still hurting like a bear...if I try to do anything. So let's talk movies. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days was pretty funny. The Wedding Planner is pretty good. I must have a thing for Matthew Mc ;) If you're not into chick flicks, Tears of the Sun was excellent. I have a whole list...lol About Schmidt was good (but I didn't think it was a comedy) and I'm still scratching my head over Catch me if You Can. I'm going back to bed right now and taking the Bridget Jone's Diary with me.
We're going to have to start a thread about everyone's favorite movies so we know what to rent.
Try to take it easy and I hope you're feeling better soon.
DebbieMc
Maybe you're doing what I'm doing...too much. I have found that as long as I do nothing, everything is fine. As soon as I try to do anything, I suffer. That includes typing! Today I woke up and decided I absolutely had to get out of this house so I decided to go to work of all places. Well, I had to make sure I remembered how to get there, that my badge still opened the doors and that my name plate was still on my cube...the answer was yes to all three. So anyways, all I did was visit. Didn't lift a finger to do any work. Within two hours I was walking around like Frankenstein again. I wish you lived closer...we could have a long talk with the Captain about it ;)
I'm not saying you're not in pain, I believe you. I had my surgery a day or 2 after yours and I'm still hurting like a bear...if I try to do anything. So let's talk movies. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days was pretty funny. The Wedding Planner is pretty good. I must have a thing for Matthew Mc ;) If you're not into chick flicks, Tears of the Sun was excellent. I have a whole list...lol About Schmidt was good (but I didn't think it was a comedy) and I'm still scratching my head over Catch me if You Can. I'm going back to bed right now and taking the Bridget Jone's Diary with me.
We're going to have to start a thread about everyone's favorite movies so we know what to rent.
Try to take it easy and I hope you're feeling better soon.
DebbieMc
KeithEugeneW
07-31-2003, 10:04 PM
I'm with Rick, if you haven't had one yet, by all means insist on an MRI. You just can't see the soft tissues (like nerves and discs) on the x-ray, and there's a lot more in there that can cause you pain other than bones! When I was referred by my PCP to the ortho spine surgeon, the very first thing he did after looking at my x-rays from the PCP was order an MRI and schedule another appointment a week later. I was amazed at the detail and it sure explained why I was in so much pain all the time. Don't let anyone, NS or not, try to convince you that you aren't really in pain when you know you are. If that's all you're getting from him/her, then get another NS who will listen to you and work harder to find what is wrong. If you hurt, then something is causing it. Period.
Keith
Keith
AngelicMoon
08-01-2003, 02:30 AM
What makes me so upset is that my NS pretty much was telling me that my pain was all in my head. You would think he would address the problems shown in my myleogram...arthritis in my spine, degenerative disc disease, etc. Anyway, I am having my doc send him a report of todays visit with her. It was apparent in my face that I was in severe pain. I feel a bit "comfortable" at the moment, but I am pretty dopey. If I were better I'd beat the stuffing out of this guy. Anyone wanna do it for me?...*LOL*
Debbie Mc....me?..overdo it?..I am lucky to "roll" out of bed each morning. I can't do squat. My activites consist of walking, studying a bit(when I can concentrate) and watching huge women derobe on Jerry Springer(which btw had me gagging yesterday).
You all have been my sanity the past week.
:angel:
Debbie Mc....me?..overdo it?..I am lucky to "roll" out of bed each morning. I can't do squat. My activites consist of walking, studying a bit(when I can concentrate) and watching huge women derobe on Jerry Springer(which btw had me gagging yesterday).
You all have been my sanity the past week.
:angel:
AngelicMoon
08-01-2003, 02:32 AM
I forgot to mention that my doc took blood to see if I had an infection anywhere.
Memer
08-01-2003, 08:22 AM
Hi Moon,
I'm glad your PCP is listening to you. NS's can be so cold. Wouldn't it be great if there were some machine in the doc's office that could show your pain and where it is and how severe? A long time ago, I read that the PET scan would be able to do this, but I've never heard of it being used with everyday people.
I'm glad your PCP is listening to you. NS's can be so cold. Wouldn't it be great if there were some machine in the doc's office that could show your pain and where it is and how severe? A long time ago, I read that the PET scan would be able to do this, but I've never heard of it being used with everyday people.
AngelicMoon
08-01-2003, 11:05 AM
Memer~
I think I have figured out what NS stands for . "Nasty Son of a B@&#!"
I think they should have a pain detector machine(like a lie detector). *LOL*
I know of the PET scan. It is used for cancer patients.
I think I have figured out what NS stands for . "Nasty Son of a B@&#!"
I think they should have a pain detector machine(like a lie detector). *LOL*
I know of the PET scan. It is used for cancer patients.
mel333
08-01-2003, 12:59 PM
Hi,
As Rick, Keith and Memer said I would get a referral for an MRI, PET scan and then make decisions on how these look to possibly get a myleogram or discogram to see if nerve impingemnt or torn discs are not showing on an MRI or Xray. I have had a discogram which confirmed my bulging disc on MRI(DIDN'T SHOW ON xray)had a large tear in it and after surgery they said it was in peices like crab meat. This disc looked somewhat healthy in certain tests.
I understand when they say it's all in your head I had that one too. Be careful not to start beleiving it. It ususally means they don't know whats wrond and don't sometimes like to admit that. Please go for more tests and you will feel better when you get more info and some answers. Take care,
Mel
As Rick, Keith and Memer said I would get a referral for an MRI, PET scan and then make decisions on how these look to possibly get a myleogram or discogram to see if nerve impingemnt or torn discs are not showing on an MRI or Xray. I have had a discogram which confirmed my bulging disc on MRI(DIDN'T SHOW ON xray)had a large tear in it and after surgery they said it was in peices like crab meat. This disc looked somewhat healthy in certain tests.
I understand when they say it's all in your head I had that one too. Be careful not to start beleiving it. It ususally means they don't know whats wrond and don't sometimes like to admit that. Please go for more tests and you will feel better when you get more info and some answers. Take care,
Mel
AngelicMoon
08-01-2003, 01:56 PM
Mel~ Now you got me to thinking. I had a myleogram done and it is what showed my disc herniation with compression on nerves as well DDD and arthritis in my spine. I have two other discs that are bulging. I am wondering if when the surgery was done, if my NS didn't hit one of them or something and it has herniated as well. That would make sense. Of course he would say it's all in my head. he isn't going to admit his mistake. I have an appt with him next Weds. and I will be armed and dangerous..*LOL* I am taking a docs report with me from my visit to the PCP yesterday.
I am thinking of bringing a nutcracker with me. Then I can tell him that his pain is all in his head...*LOL*
:angel:
I am thinking of bringing a nutcracker with me. Then I can tell him that his pain is all in his head...*LOL*
:angel:
mel333
08-02-2003, 07:10 AM
Hi Angel,
I like the nutcracker idea!! Maybe you should request another myleogram?. I know they are unpleasant yet some of these tests will provide answers. Who knows what could have happened. Even am MRI would show nerve damage if it's there. Armed and dangerous is the way to go.
Mel
I like the nutcracker idea!! Maybe you should request another myleogram?. I know they are unpleasant yet some of these tests will provide answers. Who knows what could have happened. Even am MRI would show nerve damage if it's there. Armed and dangerous is the way to go.
Mel
dylan C5-6
08-02-2003, 04:44 PM
Angel- Request a copy of the "Surgery Report" It is a blow by blow of every step from anesthia to closing.
I would request it from someone other then your NS!
If you could look at it before you see him, all the better!
Dylan
------------------
Hit in head by freight Elevator last August.
HNP C5-6 Small to Moderate in size, eccentric to the right and right paracentral in location. Associated nerve root displacement especially on the right. Associated effacement of the subarachnoid space @ C5-6. on root nerve.
Cervical Radiculopathy.
Chronic Cervicogenic Headaches.
Past Meds:
Elavil, Reglan, Relafen, Flexeril.
Now Tacking:
Nortriptyline, Feldene & Trazodone. Vicodin no more than twice a week.
Pnuematic traction unit
zero gravity chair
Scheduled for 1st Epidural 8.12.03
I would request it from someone other then your NS!
If you could look at it before you see him, all the better!
Dylan
------------------
Hit in head by freight Elevator last August.
HNP C5-6 Small to Moderate in size, eccentric to the right and right paracentral in location. Associated nerve root displacement especially on the right. Associated effacement of the subarachnoid space @ C5-6. on root nerve.
Cervical Radiculopathy.
Chronic Cervicogenic Headaches.
Past Meds:
Elavil, Reglan, Relafen, Flexeril.
Now Tacking:
Nortriptyline, Feldene & Trazodone. Vicodin no more than twice a week.
Pnuematic traction unit
zero gravity chair
Scheduled for 1st Epidural 8.12.03
AngelicMoon
08-02-2003, 05:23 PM
Hiya Dylan~
Welcome to the board~
Would the hospital have the surgery report?
[This message has been edited by AngelicMoon (edited 08-02-2003).]
Welcome to the board~
Would the hospital have the surgery report?
[This message has been edited by AngelicMoon (edited 08-02-2003).]
BAXTER
08-02-2003, 07:43 PM
Hi AngelicMoon, :wave:
I hope you and Dylan don't mind me jumping in on this posting, yes, you can get the operative report directly from the hospital, I had to request mine in writing, I requested all related documents as well (my whole file on that surgery) it only took a few days to get the info. I had to pay like $11.00 or something, but it was worth it for me. It's quite informative.
Good Luck http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a herniation and free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 08-02-2003).]
I hope you and Dylan don't mind me jumping in on this posting, yes, you can get the operative report directly from the hospital, I had to request mine in writing, I requested all related documents as well (my whole file on that surgery) it only took a few days to get the info. I had to pay like $11.00 or something, but it was worth it for me. It's quite informative.
Good Luck http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a herniation and free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 08-02-2003).]
AngelicMoon
08-03-2003, 01:16 AM
Baxter~ Feel free to jump in any time, I appreciated your input! I am going to call the hospital and see what I need to do. I doubt that I'll have the report by Wednesday when I go see my NS, but at least I can take a look and see if something else is going on.
:angel:
:angel:
PsychLea
08-03-2003, 02:04 AM
AM,
Sorry you are having so much trouble. I am in the same boat, except my NS is really a nice guy, it's just his "front men" are keeping me from getting to him. I know he won't be happy when I tell him all I have been through these last 2 weeks.
Your PCP sounds very caring and on the ball. I hope the meds you are taking now have helped. I also like the nutcracker idea. My husband was so mad he wanted to call my lawyer, and we would have, if it had been my NS ignoring me, but it was his office staff who were being vicious.
Good luck on Weds.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
Sorry you are having so much trouble. I am in the same boat, except my NS is really a nice guy, it's just his "front men" are keeping me from getting to him. I know he won't be happy when I tell him all I have been through these last 2 weeks.
Your PCP sounds very caring and on the ball. I hope the meds you are taking now have helped. I also like the nutcracker idea. My husband was so mad he wanted to call my lawyer, and we would have, if it had been my NS ignoring me, but it was his office staff who were being vicious.
Good luck on Weds.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
AngelicMoon
08-03-2003, 01:30 PM
Lea~
I am sorry that you are having trouble as well. I dread even going to this appt on Wednesday with this arrogant man! If he tells me one more time that there is no clear cut reason for my pain, I'm gonna pull out the nutcracker! My PCP has me comfortable now with the Flexeril and Percocet, but my nerves are still aching and I don't want to go back on the Neurontin. Someone mentioned Topomax, so I will see how much more of this I can take then ask about that.
I hope your healing goes well~
:angel:
I am sorry that you are having trouble as well. I dread even going to this appt on Wednesday with this arrogant man! If he tells me one more time that there is no clear cut reason for my pain, I'm gonna pull out the nutcracker! My PCP has me comfortable now with the Flexeril and Percocet, but my nerves are still aching and I don't want to go back on the Neurontin. Someone mentioned Topomax, so I will see how much more of this I can take then ask about that.
I hope your healing goes well~
:angel:
AngelicMoon
08-08-2003, 05:49 PM
*bump*