Spine update: What the first surgeon said

[editrx]

Went to Concord Orthopaedics today & spoke to a surgeon there about the MRI they did earlier this month. Guy clearly didn't know I hadn't been told the outcome of the MRI, the results, nothing. He was pretty, well, a hot-dog. But one likes that in some surgeons, so I didn't pay much nevermind to that at the time

Comments

[malkingrey]

There's a reason why our little local hospital sends its orthopedic trauma patients to Dartmouth . . . it's because they're the best.

[editrx]

I'd been up there for a consult in August 09 and OMG I was so impressed. And their spine center is one of the best in the country: if you go to Wikipedia and look up "spinal stenosis," the entry is mostly about DARTMOUTH.

LOL.

Sitting in my backyard, so to speak. Well, I guess I'll be up there soonish. I'll let you guys know when I do go in for surgery there, as I'll be stuck there alone for about 3 days or so, since I don't want Elric to have to drive back and forth 3 hours each day (he's just too tired to do that, and that would be dangerous, plus he needs to get work done, I'm sure).

Then there'll be the logistics of physical therapy and pain management through the spine center at Dartmouth, but I'd rather have them do it than anyone else. It'll be a long haul, but I'm sure we can figure out something.

No matter what happens, it's going to be a big big surgery: the stenosis is only part of the issue, alas. I may still end up with titanium rods and screws stuck into me. Oh yay.

Let Himself know about this all, eh? Thanks!

[shekkara]

This is too big a thing to not get a second opinion. Under HIPAA, you have a right to a copy of your medical records, so ask for an electronic copy of your MRI. They should be able to give you one on a disc. Then you will always have a copy that you can take to another doctor. And of course any other doctor you consult with can request the MRI scan from Concord as part of their need-to-know for patient care.

[roxyk630]

gAH! OMG!!!! *HUGHUG* I'm glad you ditched that trainwreCK!

GAH!

[madrobins]

It's your spine. No one should touch it unless you're comfortable with him/her. Someone who lies or misrepresents things to you? Not the right guy. I'd go to the Spine Center--(hey, it has "spine" in the name! They must be on to something!) in a heartbeat. And don't, don't, don't let them push you into doing something you're not comfortable with.

Not that you would. I would give money to hear you talking to the first surgeon. Heh.

[cleothyla]

Go for it, Girl! Sometimes you have to show that you're not going to sit down and take the condencending attitude of certain medical practitioners, (I.E. I don't know how to do this so I'll dazzle them with bullshit).