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

[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!