Results of the MRI

5/2/2014

     Unreal. My doctor's nurse read the results over the phone and I sat quietly for a second or two.
     She said that the MRI showed a herniated disk between the - I think she said - the C5 and C6 vertebrae.
     "A herniated disk."
     "Yes, ma'am."
     "Oh. Well, okay. That stinks. I'm glad she figured out what it was though. I'll go ahead and make an appointment for physical therapy then."
      "Well..."
      "Well?"
      "Yes, it says here that she's going to need you to have a consultation with a neurosurgeon."
      "A what?"
      "A neurosurgeon."
      "I know, but why?!"
      "For a consultation ma'am."
      "I get that, but a consultation for what? There's no way I can get surgery. Why would I see a neurosurgeon if I'm not getting surgery?"
      "Don't worry ma'am. You'll be getting a call soon for the consultation."
      And that was it. I hung up the phone and sat staring. A neurosurgeon. A neurosurgeon?! Maybe he'll just go over my options for physical therapy or a shot or something I can get. Surgery is not an option though. Not even a tiny, little ounce of an option. I don't have time for it.
      Man, getting old is a pain.

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15 Comments

5/1/2014 10:24:27 pm

OOOOH NO! I am sooo sorry for you. Be sure that you do what is necessary, including getting a second opinion! We are praying for you.

Beatty link

5/2/2014 11:33:02 am

Thank You Di. That means more than you know. XO

5/2/2014 07:45:28 am

I also have a herniated disk (C3-C4, I think it is). My orthopedic doctor suggested trying transdermal epidural injections. He said it could take up to 3 injections, but I was fortunate that one worked. I have flare-ups ocassionally but so far have not had to have any more injections. Good luck.

Beatty link

5/2/2014 11:35:39 am

Thank You TC. That's good to know. It would be nice if that's what happens. No pain and no surgery. Win/win. : ) I'm so glad that you're feeling better! Thank you for writing.

Scarlett Stowe

5/2/2014 08:13:22 am

Oh dear. So sorry, I know you must be in so much pain. If it's any help to know, I also have herniations And tears in my L2-S1. I've had 2 rounds of epidural injections and I'm a new woman. Xoxo my friend

Beatty link

5/2/2014 11:37:51 am

I Love You Scarlett. I'm so sorry about your back. I'm glad that you're feeling better! If they want to do injections, I'll be calling you! : ) Hope you guys are doing Great!!! XOXO

Craig Whitney

5/2/2014 11:27:53 am

Been there....I've had two lower back surgeries...L4/L5 and L5/S1....both were discectomies. I wish you luck, I've never been to a neurosurgeon that didn't "want" to operate. They will usually however give you steroid injections for a while (to give you time to prepare for the surgery)......

Beatty link

5/2/2014 11:41:17 am

Craig! When did you get your surgeries?! Holy moly! Your point is exactly what has me nervous. What surgeon wouldn't want to do surgery? I don't even want to go. ugh. I hope you're feeling 100% better now! I'm sorry you've gone through all of that. : (

Craig

5/2/2014 11:58:00 am

Bea...I had my first in 2004, second in 2008. Haven't had any since. But I take extremely good care of what I do to myself now and ensure I don't tackle things I can't handle. Just so you know...I was down and out of work for 7 weeks the first time and 5.5 weeks the second time. And I went back as soon as he released me (both times).

I feel for ya...get the consult, and get multiples (don't simply rely on one guy/gal, I saw 3 or 4 before I settled on the one I liked). Definitely get the steroid injections (at least the first one) as soon as you can if you are in chronic pain right now, the first couple I had were godsends. I put off surgery the first time as long as I could, but I was living on vicodin (taking upwards of 4-5000mg a day simply to function, even before driving to/from work etc..). Be careful with the drugs...it is very easy to get hooked on them.

Tammy Joy

5/2/2014 11:56:11 am

I've had a herniated disc in C5-6 and T2-3 for 11+ years. No surgery and no shots. Chiro on a regular basis, more during a flare, sometimes but rarely oral steroids. Message me if you wanna chat.

Chris Kurz

5/2/2014 12:18:30 pm

Take care of yourself Bea! Hope everything is ok!

Shannon Carroll

5/2/2014 01:51:44 pm

I would love to share some of my essential oils with you! We use them for all kinds of things, including pain and discomfort.

Bobbie

5/2/2014 03:15:32 pm

Really consider the epidural it done wonders for my sister.. I am going to do the same thing here next week.. It's def wort a try befor any surgeon start cutting on ya... Take care

Stephanie Brethour link

5/3/2014 07:06:53 am

Oh my goodness not good. Good luck with everything

Terry

5/4/2014 06:25:34 am

Definitely get a second opinion. Find a doctor that will take a safe conservative approach. Injections many times will do the trick. They worked for my husband several years ago when he was having back problems. Sure beats surgery and the risks involved. Praying for a good course of action. God bless.

Results of the MRI

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