dovajorth

Hi, All:

I am a 37-year-old male, in fairly good shape. (Though a heavy smoker.) In 1994, I herniated a disc, which eventually ruptured. It was 4 years before a doctor finally discovered the problem, and I had a cervical fusion (C5 and C6). The surgery was a miracle for me. During the course of the MRI's, though, the surgeon shared that I had Chiari I malformation. He said it may or may not pose any problems, but that I should be aware of it.

I have been experiencing major exertional headaches for quite some time now. My doctor has been trying to determine the cause... tests indicate the Chiari is unchanged since my 1998 fusion surgery. I have had an MRI, and MRA, x-rays, saw a neurologist, and still no real answers. My doctor thought it might be mastoiditis, and put me on Tequin, which didn't seem to help.

Now (intensely as of the last week or so, but for about a month overall), I have major pain in my right scapula as well as continued headaches, dizziness, and neck pain. My jaw is also quite sore. The pain is reminding me of my pre-fusion pain. (Although symptoms sound frighteningly like pancoast tumor--lung cancer.) WHAT DO I DO NEXT? Is there a test I should insist my doctor order? He's really good about working with me, and I like him a lot.

ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Doug