Hi everyone. Well, I saw Dr. Shaffrey today and he walked in after examining the x-ray out back somewhere, and his first words were "good news". First words seem to tell it all. Last time it was "well, I wouldn't do surgery" - and that was at 49L. Today, a year later, a "Year of the Back" later --- drum roll - progress was documented. 49L is now 45L. Of course the disclaimer about morning vs. evening was given, and differing measurement from different doctors, but two measured, and my last x-ray was at the same time of day - 8 am. It has improved. The 34 thoracic has gone down a degree also.
The first Dr. who saw me this morning - the sit-down and "how are you doing" one, was... after I showed him all my books and told him all I had done in the last year - was impressed. He looked at my books and thanked me for bringing them in. He expressed amazement that I was off the Daypro. When I told him I was swing-dancing, he'd heard enough. He told me to write down what I've been doing, and submit it. He was going to refer me to Dr. Shaffrey's ongoing pain study.
So Dr. Shaffrey, after giving his prognosis, said he could see me in 2 years' time and then 5, barring any nerve issues and such that I may come in for, which would not necessarily mean surgery but be looked at. This is since too many x-rays are not ideal. But he agreed for me to be in his study, and now wants me back 18 months, to get on track with the others in it. I was overwhelmed with the good news and could barely listen, but my mother (previously a nurse) explained on our way out that he wants to use me as an example of positive outcome though exercise.
Having been all nerves while waiting for my x-ray, nearly in tears, I now feel very much confirmed that I am on the right track. I will continue to explore the Schroth treatment in June.
So, I could not have asked for more. Progress and the ability to potentially help others. I could barely focus at work the rest of the day. Thanks Jess, and Amy, for your interest, and all others. I'd put an x-ray photo up but I can't figure out how .
The first Dr. who saw me this morning - the sit-down and "how are you doing" one, was... after I showed him all my books and told him all I had done in the last year - was impressed. He looked at my books and thanked me for bringing them in. He expressed amazement that I was off the Daypro. When I told him I was swing-dancing, he'd heard enough. He told me to write down what I've been doing, and submit it. He was going to refer me to Dr. Shaffrey's ongoing pain study.
So Dr. Shaffrey, after giving his prognosis, said he could see me in 2 years' time and then 5, barring any nerve issues and such that I may come in for, which would not necessarily mean surgery but be looked at. This is since too many x-rays are not ideal. But he agreed for me to be in his study, and now wants me back 18 months, to get on track with the others in it. I was overwhelmed with the good news and could barely listen, but my mother (previously a nurse) explained on our way out that he wants to use me as an example of positive outcome though exercise.
Having been all nerves while waiting for my x-ray, nearly in tears, I now feel very much confirmed that I am on the right track. I will continue to explore the Schroth treatment in June.
So, I could not have asked for more. Progress and the ability to potentially help others. I could barely focus at work the rest of the day. Thanks Jess, and Amy, for your interest, and all others. I'd put an x-ray photo up but I can't figure out how .
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