Surgery with Dr. Lenke

[Confusedmom]

Doreen,

I too am amazed at all you are accomplishing despite the troubles you are having with your neck. You have an amazing spirit! Congratulations on your tourney, and keep us posted on your neck.

Evelyn

[Doreen1]

Anyone in STL for Appt July 1 or 2?

My family and I will be in STL in a few weeks and am curious if anyone has an appt with Dr. Lenke July 1 or 2? I'll be seeing Dr. Riew (Lenke's cervical partner) on July 2nd.

Latest updates are:
1. MS is back on my radar (good grief)
2. Two docs confirmed I have an autoimmune disease (just need to pinpoint which one)
3. Left hand is going numb
4. Increased spasms in neck, arms and hands

Details on my blog.

As of right now, I'm still able to shoot because the part of my left hand that is numb is not a part of my hand needed to hold the bow. The pinky and ring fingers are numb along with the far right palm area where those two fingers are located. The active area of holding the bow is my palm where my thumb is located along with ring finger and thumb. Shooting has been a wonderful distraction and I really hope I don't have to stop shooting. :-/

I got connected with Blaze Sports America which is a program for kids and adults with disabilities. They offer a lot of different sport programs and happen to host a weekly shoot where my daughter trains. Their archery program is primarily for wounded warriors, but the fella running the program said they have a couple of slots for civilians. It's nice to connect with people who shoot with disabilities. While I was putting on my quiver, my cane fell onto the floor. Really?! Needed a little help getting it.

[golfnut]

Doreen,
I am so sorry to read that you are having so many issues. I hope that you can get answers to your problems and get relief from pain.

[Confusedmom]

Doreen,

I'm sorry to hear about all this. You were doing so well! I am so impressed, though, at how you've kept a positive attitude and are still out there pursuing a new hobby!

Okay, I've got to ask the obvious question. Is there any chance the upper body issues could be caused or aggravated by your fusion combined with the archery? You're not overdoing it, are you? Would it be worth taking a couple of weeks off and seeing if you feel better?

Best wishes,
Evelyn

[Doreen1]

Hi Evelyn,

None of the doc's feel any of the issues stem from my fusion, including Dr. Lenke. The specific areas that are numb can be connected to exact cervical levels. I was surprised to learn that from both Dr. Riew's nurse and the local cervical doc. The other issues I'm having are due to the yet-to-be-determined MS or autoimmune disease. Although, some of the numbness could be coming from the potential MS.

I took a week off from shooting and weight training after the tourney and totally felt like crap; joint pain increased a lot. I was eager to return to shooting/working out but forced myself a full week off for recovery. Once I got back to my routine, I felt much better, relatively speaking.

My team has been extra cautious in creating my shooting and training program. Archery coaches reviewed Dr. Lenke's PT approved exercises which left me with only a handful of approved archery movements, but that's ok. My local coach connected me with Paralympic head coach who has seen it all in regards to disabilities. Did you know Paralympian Matt Stutzman was born without arms? Amazing to see him shoot. My point is, everyone has been ultra conservative with my training and coaching.

[JenniferG]

Doreen, I'm so very sorry to hear about your ongoing health issues. One might be forgiven for thinking that once we've survived spinal fusion surgery, we might be "right for life." Having issues of my own, I can imagine your disappointment and fears. Just wanted to wish you the best for your follow up appt, and I hope it's not long before you know for sure, what you're dealing with. Not knowing is hardest. Good luck!

[Confusedmom]

Okay, I figured you had probably checked all that out, but wanted to make sure.

My heart goes out to you. It is awful feeling bad and not knowing exactly why. Keep us posted, and hopefully you'll get some help from your docs. Glad the archery is a positive influence!

Evelyn

[susancook]

Just wanted to say hi and wish you the best as you journey to figure out what's happening. Archery sounds like fun. I did it in high school a million years ago!
Susan

[rohrer01]

Doreen,
Can't they just do an MRI to determine whether or not you have MS? I know they thought my sister had it and that's how they ruled it out. I hope you find out about your possible other issues. The spine seems to be rather straight forward compared to some of the other diseases out there (for most people). My spine issues have blurred the waters with some of my other stuff. Anyway, I know how frustrating health issues are.

((((HUGS))))

[jrnyc]

rohr...if you look at Doreen's blog, it says they did not find any lesions on MRI that was already done...

Doreen...i am so sorry for all you are going thru..and hope the doctors
can pinpoint just which autoimmune disease it is really soon!
how frustrating it must be to not even know exactly what it is you
have to deal with...
you are in my thoughts and prayers for better days to come.

jess...and Sparky

[Doreen1]

No cervical surgery is needed! Short update, I do t have all the technical terms yet, but I need a few more tests at home. The issue is either coming from my elbows or pinched nerve in my thoracic. I may need elbow surgery or if things show the thoracic as the source, I might need surgery to have a rib removed. Dr. Riew was shocked local cervical doc suggested 4 level fusion. He said while there is narrowing of spinal fluid and height loss of a disk, the condition is not a surgical one at this point.

[golfnut]

I am happy to hear no surgery is needed.

[mabeckoff]

I am glad that no surgery is indicated .

Melissa

[Confusedmom]

Great news, Doreen!

:-),
Evelyn

[leahdragonfly]

Hi Doreen,

That's great news! Pretty scary that a so-called cervical specialist recommended a 4-level cervical fusion.....that's not a decision to be taken lightly!

It sounds like they are you checking you for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Take care,