Post-Myelogram Update

[johnb]

Justin,

Like many on this forum, I've followed your progress. There is one circumstance to your condition that I can truly empathize with and that is age. My DDD was diagnosed at age 24 after 5 years of pain. I can't tell you how many times someone has told me that I'm too young etc and it was even more frustrating when I was looked at with skepticism i,e., malingerer. I had a real tough time from a psychological standpoint in years past but have overcome that now. I guess my point is the we often measure ourselves against our age related peers and I get that. It's something that others will not fully understand unless they have experienced it. Spine problems are tough at any age, but they pose an extra set of challenges if they happen early in life.


John

[runner]

Justin,

You really couldn't have gotten a more complicated spine problem. I believe doctors and nurses make the worse patients.

You are only a month out from surgery and i am sure the time will go quickly as you are busy. It is good that the doc raised your pain meds. Despite what they say about opoids and pain meds, I don't know how we could function without them. I react strongly with the pain meds too and was really nauseous after I first took percocet and then it gradually dissipated.
I think pain meds can be a godsend as I don't think it is good for people to live in pain.

As for going through this, it WILL make you a better doctor, make you have more empathy for your patients. I think my problems have made me a better nurse and person but I could have escaped the drama and the pain.
Now, I have to deal with a perfectly good MRI and all these back and leg symptoms. I keep wondering what the heck is going on?

At least now, you have your answers and Dr. B has a plan of attack. I mean that is half the battle. The rest will be with you, healing after surgery. Think of it this way, you are young and relatively healthy and you should heal quickly. Dr. B seems to be the best doc in the world for spines so you will be in good hands.

Try not to worry too much and here's to a complication-free surgery and a good recovery. (cheers)

Kim

[ans]

Hi Dr. J,

Not here much but got the rundown. Am so sorry you have to go through this ordeal - especially dealing w/potentially incipient CES. You have done complete research and I hope that this w/be your last & successful one. My best Doc - Allan

[Terry Allen Blackburn]

Justin:

Your surgery sounds amazing couldn't take place with a less competent surgeon. You will be going to one of the best in the world so your results should be great. The DSS sounds like a system that should be put in place with all ADR's. I wonder if facet issues could not be avoided, if was utilized with ADR recipients, to provide better stabilization of the spinal column.

As far as being young, I can relate. I started rupturing discs in my 20's and have been on a downhill slide ever since. My first spinal injury was when I was 14. I was walking backwards to get an extremely large kite in the air. They had no gate covering a concrete culvert and I fell backwards, over the ledge, 15 ft. to the concrete below. I landed smack on my coccyx and shoved it upwards. It's been a thrill a minute since.

But, I am now approaching old age and still worry that I may not be done with surgeries on the spine so, I have to really take it one day at a time. I am extremely grateful for what I have today and that I can still walk.

You've become a good friend Justin and I think the world of you. Elizabeth and I pray that all will be okay and you will be able to resume your studies shortly to be the best physician that you will become. It's great to have a surgery date lined up and this will give you an opportunity to get everything all lined up.

Here's to better days ahead Justin.

Terry Newton

[Gil Denis]

Hi Justin

Just getting caught up on your progress i am looking forward to hear how you pain level is removed .I wish you the best and you will be in my prayers.

Thanks for your help in the past and wish I could help you.

Be strong its almost over

Gil

[Roblin]

Justin,
I'm so sorry you have to go through this and you couldn't get an earlier surgery date. I agree with the others though, better to get Dr. B. after his vacation when he is rested, hopefully. I wish you the best success and will be praying for you that all details will work out perfectly. You have been a great encouragement to everyone here and I thank you for that. I truly pray that you have a quick, complete and successful recovery!
Best wishes,
Linda

[Rosy]

Justin, just remember your positive thoughts/prayers for all the patients in this forum when needed, so God will not forget you. He will reward you thousands...
You were always there for me.

"When GOD brings you to it, HE will bring you through it".

Prayers are with you through this rough period.

Best of luck.

[treefrog]

Justin, I'm glad that you have a surgery date, though it wasn't as early as you might have wanted. But, like you said, there is a silver lining in having surgery after his vacation. Hopefully he will be fully rested and ready to go.

And thanks for posting about his time off, I guess there go my hopes of having surgery ASAP as well. Though my desire for a quick surgery are based solely on my employers need. Maybe this means we will be having our surgeries close to the same time. I am hoping to hear from Dr. Fenk-Mayer soon, my profile is now up and ready to be reviewed. It would be great to meet you in person, even though the circumstances aren't the best.

I hope this extra time to plan, is worth the wait. And I look forward to hearing whatever good news you might have.