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Seeking Second Opinion for Thoracic Myelopathy at Mayo Rochester

Spine Health | Last Active: May 23, 2021 | Replies (40)
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@upnort

Thanks to both of you for your honest feedback. It's always reassuring to know there are other patiients out there with similar stories to tell. To your point of what care plan I was initially on: IV prednisone(8 weeks), oral prednisone (60 mg tabs for 4 months, gabapentin (4 weeks), physical therapy, myofacial release, (2 sessions), water aerobics/ yoga/ CBD oil/cream (6 weeks). The medicines gave me terrible side effects, and although I continue with the daily physical exercise, I have had no relief in my symptoms. I have not been on any medication since March 1. and currently have no specific care plan. My neuroligist said he has not seen a case with my exact symptoms in his years at Mayo Clinic - not exactly a confidence builder!.
Thanks again for taking the time to give me your input. I will both connect wtih the Office of Patient Experience and complete my UDN application.
Sincere regards.

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Replies to "Thanks to both of you for your honest feedback. It's always reassuring to know there are..."
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 18, 2020

@upnort, you said "My neuroligist said he has not seen a case with my exact symptoms in his years at Mayo Clinic – not exactly a confidence builder!"

This is precisely the type of comment that allows me to say with confidence that your neurologist consulted his colleagues. Mayo Clinic physicians are not afraid to admit when they don't know something because they know they are supported by others at the hospital and can draw on the experience and expertise of multiple colleagues. I don't want to belabor the point, but say this to reassure you that your neurologist is not working alone.

At the same time, it's important that he give you the confidence that you need. Be honest and milk the team approach. With the advantage of hindsight, you can certainly say something "Well Doc, that's not a great confidence booster. How can we work together to get some of my quality of life back? Who else have you consulted about my case? What else can be done? What can I do?"

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