And the neurosurgeon said........

[Bummer Knees]

This is neurosurgeon Bodybuilder use to work with, and he is well known in this area of Kansas.

I have never been to a specialist on the cervical injury, always been treated by the primary doctor

I also wanted an opinion by this doctor on the lumbar spine as the nerve pain in the hip & leg have worsened.

Cervical spine:
I do have a hernation of C-5, C-6.
The doctor recomended physical therapy & pain management, he dosen't feel surgery is needed at this time.

Lumbar spine:
I have problems at L-1, L-2, L3, L4, & L5.
The doctor said he could do a fusion of L1-L-4, although there is no guarantee that it will help with the pain.

The biggest area of concern is L-4, something about the nerve and a color change on the MRI.

I told the doctor no surgery at this time, I would like to try other types of treatment first.

He is recomending I start with ESI's and pain management. He also suggested physical therapy.

My ankle is unstable and he dosen't believe it is from the spine.
I agree as I have moderate arthritis of the ankle.

I am happy with what I learned and it does give me a peace of mind.

Thanks Bodybuilder for the help.

[bodybuilder1958]

You're very welcome, did you like him?

I always noticed that he had a wonderful bedside manner, he treats staff well. My opinion that how a doctor treats his staff reflects his true heart. Doctors that treat staff poorly in the OR have a higher infection rate. One doctor in Wichita who still practices gets off on making female OR staff cry. But his patients love him, they think he's great, a wonderful person.

Glad things went well for you, that you received the answers that you needed. Peace of mind, that's why I paid over $700. for that MRI to make sure I didn't have a bone infection. If one day you do decide on surgery he's the one you want doing it.

BB

[Bummer Knees]

Yes I do like him, excellent communication skills.

He treats his patients with respect.

BB, The MRI you paid for will also get you the knee replacement.

[red1030]

Bummer... sounds like you are getting some answers and for that I am happy for you, but am not happy to learn of your many injuries. Wow.. and he is talking about surgery. I am with you on trying more less invasive type treatments versus surgery. Good luck and many prayers going up for you. Red

[Still in Limbo]

Bummer, the Only part of Your Diagnosis I can Speak on is the Spine and the Fusion. You know My Condition and Pain, and I Recently Started having Stability Issues, Mainly Losing My Balance while Standing or Walking, and on Uneven Surfaces. My Dr. said that They would be Happy to Send Me for a Consult on a Fusion, but the Very First Thing I was Told was that even though it can Help with My Stability Issues, it will NOT Help and will Probably Add to My Pain, and then I would have to Worry about Scar Tissue Issues around the Fused Area! Just wanted You to Know that from My Condition which is Different from Yours, Fusion will not Help Pain. So I Think You are making a Very Smart Move to try the Less Invasive Routes First!! Best of Luck!!