Connect
Comment receiving replies
Hello, all!
Some of you know I had a 12-month follow-up with my neurosurgeon yesterday. A year ago, an MRI showed some spinal cord compression (spinal stenosis of the cervical region), but the doctor told me two key things: (1) the compression might not be the cause of my balance problems –– I'd yet to be diagnosed with PN), and (2) that if were to operate to relieve the compression I might find after recovery that I still had my balance problems. A fresh MRI done in advance of yesterday's meeting revealed that the compression had worsened –– not yet urgent, but if I wanted to be eligible for outpatient surgery while still eligible (I'm 78, and otherwise healthy) sooner rather than later might be the way to go. The doctor again emphasized –– and I assured him I fully understood –– that surgery might be of no help with my PN –– it might, but then again it might not. I'm thinking of this as good-sense preventative doctoring: to avoid future and more serious damage to my spinal cord. And who knows? The surgery might actually help with my PN. I can dream, can't I? LOL! Although I am feeling positive about having the surgery, I will still seek a second opinion from another of my neurology doctors. The earliest I could have outpatient surgery is June 27, so I've time to think.
Ray (@ray666)
Replies to "Hello, all! Some of you know I had a 12-month follow-up with my neurosurgeon yesterday. A..."
Ray - I am hoping, dreaming, and praying with you! Please keep us posted!
Connect
Please…pay attention…neurosurgeons are trained to cut. How goes that old adage, A carpenter with a hammer….everything looks like it has to be fixed with a nail! See an orthopedist or a neurologist whose mindset isn’t ready to cut. Besides, surgery pays a physician a lot more than they’re prescribing anything else to give you relief.
I had spinal surgery for scoliosis, many years ago, open back style before minimally invasive was a thing, and the surgery crippled me, ruined my career and my life. I’m 82 now and have learned to live disabled for decades. Many doctors would find late 70s spine surgery unadvisable. A fusion may be involved. But even the affect of anesthesia on an elderly brain is questionable. There are other ways to treat compression of nerves, do some research. Physical therapy; injections of cortisone; losing weight; adjustments to diet. Do see another opinion with a health provider whose orientation is to cut. Today, many chiropractors have non-invasive equipment that can gently stretch out your spine while you lie on a “bed” and in a couple or few sessions, may open the space between the vertebra so that the nerves that are squeezed will be relieved. I’ve used such a table and found the feeling wonderful!