Back

[Puzzled]

I had an MRI, CT scan and X-rays of my back.  It is much worse and my new PT wanted me to see this doctor so she could get an idea of what areas to work on.  The doctor is also a radiologist.  When I had the initial appointment with his assistant we told the assistant that the reason we were there was for some information for our PT. so we went in telling them we were not looking for surgery.  Obviously if something bad turned up we would have had to deal with that.

When we met the doctor he was by far the rudest doctor my husband and I have ever had contact with.  He said the pedicle screw was up against a vein and the longest one he had seen.  It is out of the bone as it was not put in correctly.  We tried to ask if this was a problem and mumbled something but we could not get an answer.  Now I had the Mri etc. done elsewhere so I have copies of everything.  I now find out my husband has a write up so I'm assuming that despite the fact that my back bone is now leaning to the right where it had been fairly straight that this is normal with aging??  I do have a nerve that is acting up and I know that is from the back as it was caused when I carried my child and I had a pretty bad time of it with the same spot that is now on fire half the time.  No one said anything about the nerve.  So what am I doing wrong to get answers to things.  Do I assume that everything is not something major based on the fact the surgeon said he would take out the hardware but it was only a 50/50 change of pain reduction?  That sounds to me like he thinks everything is ok as far as something that would have to be removed.  I will never have another back surgery unless necessary.  The pain was insane and I don't metabolize right which makes pain control really hard.

All this is hitting as my husband is about to retire and he cannot stay any longer than the cut off date which is the same for everyone.  You hit 65 and you are out.  That happens next month. 

If anyone has any thoughts they would be appreciated.

[Joe S.]

Your MD will only see a problem if you have broken bones. Look at your X-rays do you see any broken or deteriorating  bones? If you do not see this then another type of doctor may be required.

A chiropractor looks at the alignment of the bones. Are there some that are out of alignment?

If there is no alignment issue then look to alternative therapies. Massage, acupressure, refelexology, Sound, light, Jucing, and other alternative therapies.

[irish]

Sounds like you got ahold of an oernery dude. I would try another doctor if you want an answer. No doctor should disrespect a patients desire to ask questions and get te answers---especially when older and health insurance is involved. Irish

[A Mom on Spin]

Definitely get another opinion.  Something sounds just not right with this doctor.

[Navigator]

I agree with Irish.  You should take a little time and get a second opinion. 

[Puzzled]

Good heavens, for everyone writing about Brain Fog I seem to have just come out of a flare and fog.  I was sure I wrote a thank you to all that wrote on my question.  That was before Navigator wrote.

Joe, I am sure I'm out of alignment as have a tendency for this, and I know my one hip is now higher than the other, but I also have a nerve that is acting up. 

I will see another doctor but I tell you it is really scary trying to figure out who to see.  When I can't get a recommendation for an Ortho because the doctors don't know of anyone they would recommend, it really becomes difficult.  It seems most of the doctors that they would have recommended have retired.  I needed this to happen about a year ago!  I think my husband finally found someone that had unfortunately been operated by the doctor I saw.  Her recommendation when his name was mentioned was run away!  Then she gave my hubby the name of another doctor she had that sounds like he could be a good choice.  I hope he is still practicing!  I need to call and set up an appointment but will have to work around my hubby's schedule.

When I first joined this board I remember being warned not to drive far distances if I started having fatigue.  Well, I have it, and I don't go that far because when it hits it is like lights out.  I don't remember if it was you, Irish, or Scottie or both of you.  Of course my memory could be wrong...Sigh

So thank you all who wrote to me.  I appreciate it.

[irish]

I don't know how far you are from the university hospital and clinic in your state but that might be a ood place to investigate. They do the surgeries and are usually up on their procedures, etc. Can be a long drive but sometimes it saves time and money to start at the top. irish