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Sciatica, it's crippling me: Who to turn to?
Spine Health | Last Active: Oct 30, 2023 | Replies (48)Comment receiving replies
THANK YOU very much, Jennifer. I have read the EXACT article from the Medical Journal link you have sent me. I have almost the Identical image in my cervical spine. The doctors will not do anything though, because I do NOT have the typical symptoms that come with the neck issue (loss of strength or mobility) It hurts in my shoulder and down my neck as well as my buttocks, Leg and foot. I do NOT understand why they can not just correct this!! It does show compression, but not severe enough in their opinion for surgery.
I want to come to the MAYO, but my insurance will not cover the cost. I wish I had a way to cover it, and i would take the time off to come. It is a sad circumstance, when I know this is what is causing the issue, but no one will take the "risk " to help me.
I appreciate your support and kind heart in sending me your links.
Clint
Replies to "THANK YOU very much, Jennifer. I have read the EXACT article from the Medical Journal link..."
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@justclintdavis
Clint, are you able to change insurance to another that would have Mayo in their network? If not, look for a spine surgeon in your insurance plan and when you go for a consultation, give them the medical literature and ask if your case is like this in the literature right from the start. Mayo does have links to various hospitals across the US where doctors can consult Mayo specialists and you receive care locally. It’s called the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Doctors can also independently consult Mayo, but may not think they need to do it. It took me 6 opinions before I found a surgeon who understood this connection and that was at Mayo. I know how frustrating this is and you’re right. Surgeons don’t want to take a chance when they don’t understand the problem, and they worry about other complications. You have to keep searching for the best specialist you can find covered by your insurance. You can also call your insurance company for names of their best recognized surgeons.
Jennifer