I'm caught up - from Lana - Update HA/Neck

March 26, 2004

Hi everyone!

I want to thank everyone for reassuring me and asking about me. That helps

a lot! I care so much for all of you, and I felt all the caring coming back

to me tonight! It's true, what you give, you receive. Thanks again!

Yesterday, my doctor went and picked up the x-rays from the Chiro and was

concerned. He said there was significant deterioration from the last x-rays

he had taken of my neck, and due to my symptoms, wanted me to go for a MRI,

which I did today. I went for the MRI at 1:00 p.m. and he called me back by

3:30 with the results! I was very pleased that he took such a proactive

approach to this. The results were Moderate Cervical Spinal Stenosis in the

one area, and the area just below that is Cervical Disk Disease. He said

the bone spurs are on the back side of my neck. It's all pushing on the

spinal chord and causing all the pain. He wants me to go to a specialist,

and gave me a choice of either a neurosurgeon or orthopedic that is a spine

specialist. He favored the Ortho because he thought they would be more

informed about Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, so I went with that. So far, he's

never steered me wrong (oops - except for the Chiropractor!). I have an

appointment next Wednesday at 8:30 in the morning, and need to take the

MRI's with me.

The pharmacy did not have a soft cervical collar, and I'd have to go clear

across town to get one and before I could, I'd have to have my doctor fax in

the rx instead of calling it in, etc. etc. What a pain in the A - -! So, I

decided I'd just wait until Wed. to see what the new spine doctor recommends

and go from there. Maybe he won't want that, or maybe he'll suggest

something else, so I'll just hold off on that. We're kind of tight on money

right now, because Mike has to have shoulder surgery April 8th. Between

the two of us, we've spent lots of money just in the first 3 months of this

year, on medical!

I have no clue what this doctor will suggest. I know they like to go

conservative if at all possible, and I'm for that. I have an appt. with

Betty next Monday, and I hope she will teach me a few things, and I'll get

my notes out from Mike and start practicing, as I can't afford to go back,

at least for awhile, until we're caught up a little. It will make me learn

how to do all the techniques! I will talk to the new doctor about pillows,

chair support at work, braces, etc. I will let you all know what he

recommends. My neck and back tonight are very tired, but not extreme, so

that's good. I haven't had another night like last Fri. thank God!

Thanks again for being there for me for advice and support, everyone! You

don't know how much it means to me to know you're all here to turn to!

Love Lana

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