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DiscussionConnecting to those w/diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)?
Spine Health | Last Active: Mar 18 9:14am | Replies (53)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "@tallyteresa Thank you for posting as I'm here to see if there is some information to..."
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@toddwgwen Newly diagnosed with DISH or the cervical issue or both? It has been awhile so I hope my memory is correct, but I believe Dr Selby Chen, my neurosurgeon who did both cervical spine surgeries for me told me that a CT is needed to confirm DISH. I am glad we removed the osteophytes causing my problem, otherwise I imagine my life would be far less comfortable and enjoyable. I do not seek care for DISH there or anywhere. When I checked years ago, there was really nothing that could be done so I did not want to monitor progression unless something became so problematic that it warranted investigation and possible remedy. What helped most with symptoms from it and other maladies was the 15 day program I did at Mayo JAX through the Pain Rehab Clinic. It not only is for patients with chronic pain, but lots of other chronic conditions. In that program, we learn tools to live with challenging health problems in a way that actually keeps us away from unnecessary Dr visits and medications! I seldom come on Connect because we do not talk symptoms, diagnoses, or prognoses as a matter of practice. I now take no prescription meds or otc pain relievers and actually have far less if any of that "p" word than when I took them. To be frank though, I, on my own, take Vitamin D and Vitamin k-2 because of incidental findings of too much calcium along with a couple of other Vitamins my drs have me on due to other issues. If there is newer research for DISH, I have not looked which in itself is a huge change. I used to volunteer counsel newly diagnosed cancer patients and others as well and spent an inordinate amount of time doing the Dr Google thing. Now, I focus as much as possible on doing what I learned to do in PRC to be as healthy and happy as I can be. I have come a very long way in the 3 years since I graduated. Still have had surgeries and the acute thing here and there, but recover faster and with as few meds as possible. I would encourage you or anyone to seek care at a highly ranked, top volume medical center. Back in my counseling and caregiving days for my husband and other family members, I learned that patients who seek care at these places statistically live longer and better under their care. I call myself a medical tourist now because I moved to JAX to get that kind of care. It shows and has changed my life. Not on paper if you look at all my diagnoses, but in the way I am now able to live my happiest and healthiest life since I finished that program. At age 70❣️ I hope this is of any help to y'all and wish you both so well as you figure out what your next steps will be. Mine, if all continues to go well will be a year in Europe which I have never visited!