snap sees a neurosurgeon

[snapdragen]

It's not a good thing when your new doctor says your MRI films are impressive. At least I finally have confirmation that the problems with my hands, wrists and arms are related to the trash pile that is my neck.

I'll be getting a new MRI, my other one is almost a year old. From there it may be more therapy, epidural or surgery. Holy carp. I did not expect to hear the 's' word.

He also gave me drugs - Neurontin (sp?) to see if that would take care of the symptoms in my hand/arms/ etc.

I'm a touch freaked out. Guess I'll go walk six miles tomorrow........

[salsabike]

I have a friend who took Neurontin for neck-related pain--I think it helped quite a lot, and the side effects were livable for her.

Go, Snap!

[Wahine]

Neurontin is a very effective drug for nerve mediated pain so it should help. The epidural injections are low risk and also can help a lot. Obviously surgery is never a desired outcome but it can be very effective in treating this type of thing and I've seen plenty of patients do very well after this type of surgery.

Snap - I'm happy that things are getting taken care of. You've been suffering from this way too long and I know what's coming is scary but you need your life back and this is a step in the right direction. (((((Hugs)))).

[maillotpois]

Yowza!!!

I hope the drugs help. What Wahine said - you need your life back. And I am confident you will get through this.

Have a great training tomorrow. Go bobblehead!!!

[teigyr]

It's scary but since now they know what it is, they can start fixing it. I know you've been dealing with this since I came to the forum and that is a long time to be dealing with the unknown.

I think you will be fine. The "s" word is horrifying, I know! But whatever makes this better, is worth it. It sounds like you have options and this will be resolved one way or the other.

Heck yeah you should walk tomorrow

[OakLeaf]

(((((snap)))))

Sure hope the meds do the trick. But if not, you have a plan, so that's good. Hang in there kiddo!

[Trekhawk]

I hope things are starting to move towards a pain free time for you Snap.
Keep us up to date with how you are getting on.

[Pax]

Snap - Glad you finally have a doc who can give you some solid answers and a plan!

[snapdragen]

Had the follow up visit today, the narrowing in my spinal column is not going to get better, and will probably get worse. I'll be having surgery at the end of October. Doc wanted to do it sooner, but I told him I had no intention of missing the Nike marathon. I've worked and trained too hard to miss it!

His one request is that I be careful. No bike riding, no tightrope walking, no skydiving. I must give up my daredevil lifestyle until after surgery, or risk permanent damage to my spinal cord, should I have an accident.

He said he can't say that all my neck pain will be gone, but it will lessen a great deal. The big difference will be in my arms and hands. That was pretty much all I needed to hear.

[crazycanuck]

Snap, I guess this means you can't join the circus You can get a spin bike & do evil coach troy stuff at home..(???)

I'm glad there will be some relief from pain after the surgery!!

[maillotpois]

poo

Not much else can be added. We love you....

[salsabike]

Snap, I hope it will be of some comfort for you to know that I have a good friend whose husband had this surgery this past summer, is well on his way to recovery, and is intermittently a bit euphoric about not being in severe pain anymore...it'll be okay, kiddo. AND you will still get to do your marathon.

[OakLeaf]

wow... (((((snap)))))

not sure exactly what surgery you're having, but like Salsa, I've known a number of people (my dad, and clients) who've had neck surgery for nerve root impingement, and every one of them said that even with the surgical pain, they were in less pain IMMEDIATELY following the surgery than they had been before.

Wishing you all the best ... with the pre-surgical anxiety, the surgery itself, and the recovery.

[Trek420]

((( snap ))) I can't say it better than anyone else has.

subliminal hint, and she's soooo close to another sweatshirt $1,945.00 of $2,500.00

[Pedal Wench]

I know someone who also just had that surgery. PM me if you want to chat about it.