Bob.Johnstone@f227.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Bob Johnstone) (05/31/90)
Index Number: 8537
[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference on Fidonet]
First, I would go back and insist upon another X-Ray, if you dont
feel that you are getting what you paid for, even if it is
necessary pay for it again. Even if it is necessary to pay for ONE
visit to a specialist, it might even be best to have that
individual do the X-Ray. Might cost a bit more, but quality is
worth the price you pay.
Whenever I go to a physicial, I remember, all doctors do not
graducate at the top of their class. Every time I move to a new
area, I will pay to see a physician, just to talk to him. I might
see six or seven, before choosing one to be my doctor. Then, I
make sure to see him at least once a year. To me, it is cheaper in
the long run, to have confidence in the person taking care of me,
than the money for the visits cost.... When you get into problems,
is not the time to be choosing a doctor. When most doctors are
asked if they would have the same operation that they are
recommending, many will answer no. Even surgeons, will only use
surgery as a "last resort." When you get the person to care for
you that you have confidence in, then, take their advice. Get at
LEAST three or four opinions on this surgery from qualified
individuals.
If you can access the echo Grand Rounds somewhere locally, it might
be best to ask for advice in that Echo. To me it seems that there
are more qualified physicians, optitians, et al in that echo than
any. Ask the same questions there. I have seen a lot of good
advice both pro and con about surgery in that echo. Always
remember, advice in most cases, is worth what you pay for it.
(Even mine.)
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!103!227!Bob.Johnstone
Internet: Bob.Johnstone@f227.n103.z1.fidonet.orgera@ncar.ucar.edu (Ed Arnold) (06/01/90)
Index Number: 8559 In article <12104@bunker.UUCP> Bob.Johnstone@f227.n103.z1.fidonet.org writes: >Index Number: 8537 > >[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference on Fidonet] > >First, I would go back and insist upon another X-Ray, if you dont >feel that you are getting what you paid for, even if it is >necessary pay for it again. Even if it is necessary to pay for ONE >visit to a specialist, it might even be best to have that >individual do the X-Ray. It was my understanding (having been told so by a Physician's Assistant) that, with regard to back damage involving disk compression or rupture and nerve pinching: an x-ray will not really show a complete picture of these (relatively soft) tissues. An MRI or CAT scan will be required to show details of the damage. Anyone know if this is true? >Whenever I go to a physicial, I remember, all doctors do not >graducate at the top of their class. Humor digression: that reminds me of the best medical joke I've heard this year: Q. What do you call a person who graduated last in his/her medical class? A. "Doctor." >Get at >LEAST three or four opinions on this surgery from qualified >individuals. Good advice. If I were considering a laminectomy or spinal fusion, I would take the Good Housekeeping approach and take it one step further: have your closest med school run a computer search of the literature under "laminectomy", "spinal fusion", etc. They should be able to do this for less than $50, unless they're really money-grubbers. Then call around the country to these top people and ask them who THEY would use in your state if they were having the operation. Several references to the same doctor is probably a good indicator. -- Ed Arnold * NCAR * POB 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000 * 303-497-1253(w) era@ncar.ucar.edu [128.117.64.4] * era@ncario.bitnet * era@ncar.uucp "See, the human mind is kind of like ... a pinata. When it breaks open, there's a lot of surprises inside." --Jane Wagner/Lily Tomlin
Betty.Draughon@p10.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Betty Draughon) (06/02/90)
Index Number: 8577
In a message to A L L <21 May 90 21:06:00> Orville Bullitt wrote:
OB> H E L P - I N E E D A D VI C E !
I'll do my best.
OB> QUESTIONS:
OB> How safe are lamenectomy operations?
Relatively safe, these days, while under the knife of a COMPETENT
neurosurgeon.
OB> What are the chances that the operation would relieve the
OB> pain that I suffer?
You need good, basic, informed consent here. Not knowing the
extent of the spondylolesthesis, it is purely from a layman's point
of view that I speak. It has been my experience in the past that a
simple laminectomy did little but postpone another surgical
procedure - buying time, if you would. The relief from pain would
be apparent rather quickly, I'd say. I would think that the fusing
of the joint L5-S1 would be appropriate at the time the spine is
invaded. To risk another surgical procedure of this magnitude, not
too many years down the road, seems to me (again let me stress that
I am a LAYMAN!) not worth the effort. My personal philosophy is do
what you need to do, and anything you think you MIGHT need to do in
the next 15-20 years while you're in there. I do not consider the
invasion of my spine by a scalpel as a picknick in the park!
OB> Should I consider switching primary care physicians until I find one
OB> that will be willing to refer me to the neuro-surgeon that cared for
OB> me before?
I would think so. Your insurance carrier should allow for second
opinions, and might even offer a referral service. Another tactic
you might consider is to call your neurosurgeon personally, and ask
who you might consult that would be willing to refer you back to
him. Tell him of your new symptoms and difficulties, and I suspect
he will be more than glad to provide you with the name of a
sympathetic primary care physician.
I hope this helped. Best of luck to you.
I bid you Peace.
Betty
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!360!1.10!Betty.Draughon
Internet: Betty.Draughon@p10.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.orgJoe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) (07/25/90)
Index Number: 9506
KD> I can't help you on the operation, having no experience with that.
KD> However, everyone is entitled to get a second opinion and I urge you to
KD> seek out another practitioner and have him check you out again for a
I saw a report on the operation you were considering and
the orhropaedic surgeon said that surgery is not indicated for
JUST back pain. When back pain and leg pain is present then
surgery should be considered. However, he also said that the
success rate was only about 50%. Not very good odds.
-=joe=-
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!140!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.orgOrville.Bullitt@p0.f36.n135.z1.fidonet.org (Orville Bullitt) (07/27/90)
Index Number: 9557 > I saw a report on the operation you were considering and > the orhropaedic surgeon said that surgery is not indicated for > JUST back pain. When back pain and leg pain is present then > surgery should be considered. However, he also said that the > success rate was only about 50%. Not very good odds. You can say that again! Where did you see the report and was there any substantiation to his "50%" odds? Thank you, Orville -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!135!36.0!Orville.Bullitt Internet: Orville.Bullitt@p0.f36.n135.z1.fidonet.org