Well, I saw Eric in Dr. Shelokov's office yesterday. They have my old films there, and they confirmed a 9-10º increase in both of my curves over the last 4 1/2 years. So, I'm increasing at a rate of about 2º a year. I also have degenerative disc disease in my neck - the discs are "desiccated" or dehydrated. He said that if he took an MRI of a 70 year old person, it would look much like my MRI of the neck. Apparently the desiccation isn't a problem in and of itself (it part of aging), but it is a problem when accompanied by pain -yippee I win the genetic lottery again...I have LOTS of pain in my neck. However, that wouldn't be addressed by the surgery and would be a separate issue.
Anyway, he said Dr. S is now booking for surgeries in Oct. and Nov., but I need to see the Dr before I can be scheduled. He also said that Dr. S usually doesn't like to operate on anyone with children under 4-5 years old, but may make an exception as my back is progressing so aggressively.
Alright, now I'll come clean and admit this to myself. I was initially relieved to have my beliefs confirmed. I KNEW that my back was a lot worse because I could feel the shift and I was in a LOT more pain. The other two doctors just weren't very concerned...but they didn't have my old films either. I also got the impression that they were not that believing when I verbally told them about the past progression, and I hate not being taken seriously.
But now the reality is setting in deeply. I have documented confirmation of major progression, and it isn't going to stop. Eric said that, if he had to predict my outcome without surgical treatment, he would believe that I will ultimately be in a wheel chair - not from paralysis, but from the pain...that I would not be able to cope with the pain of daily activities. My pain levels are progressive and have been for years. It's hard to function now.
It's not a nice picture and I feel divested of any choices. But... at least there is a chance for me. So, I guess that gives me hope. I just need to let this settle in for now.
Thanks to everyone for your support and the kind replies to my questions.
Ann
Anyway, he said Dr. S is now booking for surgeries in Oct. and Nov., but I need to see the Dr before I can be scheduled. He also said that Dr. S usually doesn't like to operate on anyone with children under 4-5 years old, but may make an exception as my back is progressing so aggressively.
Alright, now I'll come clean and admit this to myself. I was initially relieved to have my beliefs confirmed. I KNEW that my back was a lot worse because I could feel the shift and I was in a LOT more pain. The other two doctors just weren't very concerned...but they didn't have my old films either. I also got the impression that they were not that believing when I verbally told them about the past progression, and I hate not being taken seriously.
But now the reality is setting in deeply. I have documented confirmation of major progression, and it isn't going to stop. Eric said that, if he had to predict my outcome without surgical treatment, he would believe that I will ultimately be in a wheel chair - not from paralysis, but from the pain...that I would not be able to cope with the pain of daily activities. My pain levels are progressive and have been for years. It's hard to function now.
It's not a nice picture and I feel divested of any choices. But... at least there is a chance for me. So, I guess that gives me hope. I just need to let this settle in for now.
Thanks to everyone for your support and the kind replies to my questions.
Ann
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