Wholy Brand new to this.......and Scared

[oes ali]

Thanks Justin,
I guess i am just not being specific enough but, I am one of those types that are please tell me exactly what it is i need to have in my folder as i don't have a clue...........

some ideas please would be appreciated........... a list.

And i will contact Dr. B as soon as i know my dates of traveling..........

Thanks!!
Ali

[fuzzy]

Most importantly you need copies of your MRIs, corresponding Radiology reports, report of the Discogram and records of other important tests or treatments you may have had done. Then to present to someone like Bertagnoly you need to write up carefully your current situation and the history that lead you to this point. I would like to highly recommend Marks GPN service for presenting your case to Bertagnoly, He will help you getting you records organized and placed on his website so then to submit to the doctors.

Best of luck and no more pain!

[Justin]

Originally Posted by oes ali

Thanks Justin,
I guess i am just not being specific enough but, I am one of those types that are please tell me exactly what it is i need to have in my folder as i don't have a clue...........

some ideas please would be appreciated........... a list.

And i will contact Dr. B as soon as i know my dates of traveling..........

Thanks!!
Ali

No problem, as I know it can be overwhelming when just starting out. If possible, you should request a copy of your medical records from your primary care doctor as well as all specialists you have seen. It is also a good idea to request a copy of all films (most places put them on a CD now, but some still give you films). Here's the "meat and potatoes" that should be provided to your doctors:

1. Past Surgical History (Spine/Non-spine related) / Medical History (comorbidities: high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc.)
2. Meds / Allergies (Drugs, Environmental, Food)
3. Diagnostics (xrays, MRIs, CTs, discograms, etc. [films with dictated reports])
4. A short list of conservative therapy you've tried (PT, meds, injections, etc.)
5. History of Present Illness: a concise description of your current symptoms describing:
--> the Location of pain
--> Quality (burning, numbness, electrical shocks, weakness and explain duration)
--> Quantity (pain on a scale out of 10)
--> Timing (when your injury(ies) occurred or when your symptoms became troublesome)
--> Better or Worse (what makes your pain better [rest, frequent change in position, heat, stretching, etc.] or worse [prolonged activity, what position is least tolerable])
--> Associated Symptoms (any associated nausea, vomiting, fever, etc. issues)

Good luck!