OT - saw back specialist

Oh, if I'm gonna go to PT and pay for it (I think my insurance pays 80%, but I am afraid my 20% will add up quick if I have to go a couple times a week for six weeks), I'll commit to it and I'll do the exercises at home and everything I'm supposed to do.  I expect to hate it, I've done PT before and hated it, but if I'm gonna do it, I'll do it all the way.  And I guess I am going to do it because if this doctor, who is an expert, says that's what will help, then it doesn't make sense not to unless I'm content to live in pain for the rest of my life.  And that's not really acceptable to me.  so I'll do the therapy.  But I don't have to like it!

Oh I hope it works for you Kelly!  Having a plan is at least something to hold on to for now!  Best of luck!!

 Thank God you seem to have found a dr who knows what he is talking about. I hope you get some relief quickly!!!!!

Wowee no wonder you have been hurting so bad! Now it can be treated properly and hopefully you will feel better soon.

Who can blame you for being more than a little pissed at the two specialists who apparently completely booted the diagnosis?

It seems like more good news than bad, yes?

I didn't think that nerve endings are regenerative. Are they not nerve cells themselves? I could have sworn that in freshman biology we learned that nerve cells do not regenerate...

Anyway, I'm glad that the prognosis is mostly positive...for whatever that is worth.

I think it is good news.  He seems to know what the problem is and seems pretty sure physical therapy will either fix it completely or at least make it much better.  So that's good.

I really have no clue how the radiologist and then the other othopedic doc screwed up the diagnosis.  If you've ever looked at the images from an MRI, it's confusing until you know what you're looking at, but this doctor was showing me each disc, which could clearly be seen, and pointing out how the space around each disc was even.  He was saying if there was degenerative disc disease, some of the spaces would be squashed looking.  The herniated disc was easy to see, too.  I would not have known it was a herniated disc, but could see right away that it looked different than all the other discs.

I googled to make sure I understood.  The procedure is called a radiofrequency neurotomy and apparently the nerves DO regenerate.  www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-neu rotomy-facet-and-sacroiliac-joint-pain

Huh...who knew? (Well, apparently he did...)

Here's hoping for the best of all possible results!

So glad to hear some good news about your back! Praying this fixes the problem. Also, I won't be on for support group tomorrow. The grandkids need taking care of.

Kelly,

I am so glad to hear that this doctor can see the problem, and has a solution. This is a much better diagnosis than the degenerative disc disease.  Sure it will be hard work, but you're strong, and used to doing what needs to be done to accomplish your goal, so I'm sure you'll handle this well.
 
Knowing you Kelly, you'll be a back expert telling those Physical Therapist's how to do their jobs in a very short time. If you find a herniated disc forum, don't forget us here because we need you more than them, okay?

Keep us posted,
Kat

I am so happy to hear that you are finally getting some real answers! I hope this treatment does work!