When it rains, it seems to pour!! I had surgery in 1993, an extensive A/P fused from T9-S1, complete with rods and pedicle screws. The year before last, I was having some severe pain, and decided to see a pain management specialist. During this last year, it dawned on me that I was "listing" when I walked, and that I was limping as well. I had pretty much ignored all of my back pain/problems prior to this because I was dealing with some pretty intense family problems. After the death of my mother, I decided it was time to take care of myself again.
Went to a specialist, had my consultation and discovered that I, like so many others, had flatback syndrome. Good news/bad news. Can be repaired...tests to follow.
Had my myelogram and they discovered that I have mild Chiari malformation. Scared the hell out of me (I am a nurse!). Brain MRI followed to check that out. MRI shows that it was probably congenital, and since I am 47, it is unlikely to change-but I have a neurosurgery consult coming up for that. Oh, by the way-did you know that you have a tumor in your right parotid gland?? Very rarely malignant, but needs to be checked out as well. Another appointment with my PCP and probably a general surgeon as well. Maybe biopsy, maybe not.
Right now, I am feeling overwhelmed. Logically, and professionally, I know that it is good to find these things out now. Emotionally, I am wrecked. It has just been a little over a year since I lost my mother...and right now...I want my mommy badly. By the same token, I am glad that she isn't here to deal with this. She didn't handle my original surgery very well.
Still have to have bone density, stress test and pulmonary function tests to follow. Needless to say-thinking of having these tests doesn't thrill me. Wonder what else they will find??!! Like one of my patients said the other day: "I was healthy till I started going to all these doctors!"
One foot in front of the other, the journey continues. More to follow later...
Mary
Went to a specialist, had my consultation and discovered that I, like so many others, had flatback syndrome. Good news/bad news. Can be repaired...tests to follow.
Had my myelogram and they discovered that I have mild Chiari malformation. Scared the hell out of me (I am a nurse!). Brain MRI followed to check that out. MRI shows that it was probably congenital, and since I am 47, it is unlikely to change-but I have a neurosurgery consult coming up for that. Oh, by the way-did you know that you have a tumor in your right parotid gland?? Very rarely malignant, but needs to be checked out as well. Another appointment with my PCP and probably a general surgeon as well. Maybe biopsy, maybe not.
Right now, I am feeling overwhelmed. Logically, and professionally, I know that it is good to find these things out now. Emotionally, I am wrecked. It has just been a little over a year since I lost my mother...and right now...I want my mommy badly. By the same token, I am glad that she isn't here to deal with this. She didn't handle my original surgery very well.
Still have to have bone density, stress test and pulmonary function tests to follow. Needless to say-thinking of having these tests doesn't thrill me. Wonder what else they will find??!! Like one of my patients said the other day: "I was healthy till I started going to all these doctors!"
One foot in front of the other, the journey continues. More to follow later...
Mary
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