at what point does a neurosurgeon get involved?

[wishforchange]

It's confirmed, my case has been handed over to a neurosurgeon.  Does this inevitably mean they are looking at surgery (ulp!), or is it just for another opinion?  I can't think what other reason a neurosurgeon would be involved, suddenly this is all getting too serious for me.  There is no urgency note attacthed to my file, so may be a while before I see this person, but the seeds of worry are being sown.  It's a bit of a leap from being dismissed.  Can it be that this person is just there to review things and confirm all is fine, or am I kidding myself?  I suppose if this could all be sorted out surgically that would be a positive thing, compared to being told there is no cure.  But I have had one other major operation in my life and that one went wrong.  And those here who know me know of my levels of trust in doctors.  Shall I just try to forget about this until I get further news?  Maybe the new MRI which I haven't seen showed up some more problems...?  Why am I wasting my time speculating?

Legal battle kicking off next week, when I'm well enough.  Why is everyone chucking c r a p at me at the same time?
Still no good news to balance things out.  Surely I'm overdue some nice stuff happening by now?  When it does I want to post it to show that there's more to me than a misery guts.  Should be asleep all day today, no chance with the harrassment going on.  May try to sleep again after lunch.  Otherwise have a pile of books and mags that need reading.  All our mags just full of celebrity gossip, it's what we do in the uk apparently, talk about celelbrities all day, or the weather.  Horrible weather today isn't it?....

[emschick]

I will post to my journal or can email which ever you prefer.

[JustWantToKnow]

Hi,

You might be interested to know that you can pick up a copy of your MRI on CD or films and a copy of your report usually within 24 hours after the test (at the facility where the testing was done.)

(They are your tests and you are "allowed" to have a copy.)

I always pick up my test and the report.

You will be amazed to see what is in the report.  It is always very informative.  It also gives you an opportunity to review the results, research and have your questions ready.

Also, it is very important as a MS patient to have copies of your MRIs for comparison in future MRI studies.

[wishforchange]

Shelly and Deb, thanks for support.  Not worrying any more.  Have more pressing issues to think about...

Kathy, actually you've made me feel less concerned this is anything major.  May just be looking at pain control like you said.  I hope your session on Monday goes well.  Keep meaning to PM you.

Quix,  maybe answer this on a new thread?  Kathy will be more likely to pick it up there.

[Quixotic1]

I'll look over your timeline.

Q

[Fluffysmom]

I saw a neurosurgeon, hoping for a minimally invasive procedure to take some of the pain out of my world.

He wanted to check out everything thoroghly, ordered all new MRIs, had me do a L.E.F.P. test, then did a diagnostic epidural.  The epi confirmed where the discogenic pain was originating, but he thought that my status re: MS and the hyperintense C-4 vertebra were more important than my lower back, and he thought the pain had to do with nerve root ischemia.  My sports and spine doc kind of shook his head about all that.

I'll be seeing another neurosurgeon for a discogram, for confirmation of which disc is causing the pain, and then they will work to get a minimally invasive procedure approved through my insurance, which usually consider them investigational or experimental.

Sorry, this doesn't really answer your questions, except to say that seeing a neurosurgeon doesn't always lead to surgery.  I think that he will investigate whether surgery is a viable option for youl

Well, the sun finally broke through, and I think it's supposed to get up to 84 degrees, though it's still only in the 60s.  We had a few sprinkles of rain yesterday afternoon, and some thundershowers off to the east in the evening.  I hope the lightening didn't set anymore fires; the sky to the east has been hazy from the fires sparked by lightening and some human stupidity.

Hey, if you're really bored, look over my timeline and pick out the "neurological symptoms".   :o)   My appointment with the MS specialist is Monday!

Kathy

[Deb61]

I don't know . . . I would think that if a neurosurgeon is involved that surgery would be on the table for you . . . Maybe there's something that can be done that would take some of the pain out of your life that isn't too risky.  I can hope that there's some good news headed your way.  You are long overdue.

Deb

[sllowe]

Hey Wish,

Hmmmmmm, I'm really not sure.  My docs never mention the stuff I have going on structurely.  Just the lesions.  I often wondered when a neurosurgeon was brought in, and I always thought the studies would have to reveal some moderate compression, or something like that going on.  And for me, I only had mild and moderate mass effect on thecal sac in some spots, not actual spinal cord.

Weather is great here today, as for the celebs ...ah, who knows...ha/ha...

see you around,
Shelly