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Experience with Radio Frequency Ablation procedures?
Spine Health | Last Active: Dec 29, 2022 | Replies (97)Comment receiving replies
I love hearing the time and attention you received . It is a requirement when you have complicated problems . I can tell when a dr doesn’t “get it “ when I am talking about my history and current issues .
I had a C3-C5 ACDF & one month later I had C2-T2 PCDF in 2019. I was in the hospital for two weeks while I waited to get into an adjoined inpatient rehab facility . I actually did well but I was in a such a weakened state from having to wait for surgery so long (I had a rare infection and was on IV & oral antibx for about 9 months prior to being able to have surgery) . I recovered and wore the brace for 3 months . My gait got better but I still had problems with walking any distance . I assumed this was from the compression on my spinal cord previously .
I started feeling movement of something in my neck that felt very wrong when I would bend forward about 4 months ago ; then I started having pain and difficulty walking . I have been worked up for this and I am having to work with a different surgeon who is just disinterested and says I don’t need surgery. There is also some loose hardware that was found on a CT but he refused to address that either . I got the distinct feeling he just didn’t want to deal with my situation . I was essentially blown off by him .
I went from doing pretty good and I had a certain amount of independence I had not had before , but now I sit back in a recliner all day unless I have a dr appt . I don’t want this to be my life and I want to know I have done everything to find an answer.
Thanks for your concern - it has been helpful and reassuring . I do wish I could have everything done on this visit in February . I live in Mississippi and I have to fly each time and someone has to come with me . Thanks so much !
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@marycdickens01 Loose spinal hardware is definitely a concern. Who knows where it may migrate. It sounds like this doctor doesn't want to do a revision surgery. It may be too complex for his level of expertise, and you wouldn't want a surgeon operating who does not have confidence about their ability to improve your functioning. They don't want a poor outcome on their record. Mayo is known for taking more difficult cases that others refuse to do. You could reach out to your neurologist and ask what to do to try to protect your neck before you get to your appointment.
I know that feels bad to be rejected when you need help, but remember, you will be seen by the surgeons at the #1 neurosurgery hospital in the country. You can also ask to be put on a cancellation waiting list in case you could be seen sooner. Prior to my surgery, I got to where if I bent my neck forward, I sent a big electric shock down my body. I used a bead filled microwavable neck wrap and wrapped a long scarf around it to limit my neck movements. I didn't have a neck brace, so that is how I improvised.
Just do the best you can while you wait. Do you have helpers for chores and kitchen duty? If you were offered surgery right away for intervention during your first Mayo visit, would you be ready and organized for post op recovery at home? I had bins with clean laundry folded that were on top of a chest, so I didn't need to try to reach up or bend over to get anything and elastic laces in my shoes.
Mayo has all staff and patients wear masks because of Covid and they will test you for it. I had to pass the test 2 days before my surgeries for my ankle. Omicron is so rampant now and you need to avoid infection before surgrery. Do you have good KN95 masks for travel?