Diagnosis but no PROGNOSIS

[JMar63]

I need to know that I am not alone. I have had, in the past two months, an MRI, CT Scan, Myelogram and an EMG/Nerve Conduction test. I have been diagnosed with the following: Mild scolisos, arthritis, Level 2 osteoporosis, herniated disk (L4-L5), spinal stenosis, degenerative disk disease, sciatica of course and most recently chronic nerve damage. Cannot find out who can help me find out what normal is now. I feel like I am being passed around from doctor to doctor with only a diagnosis but no prognosis. Does anyone else have all this going on?  If you do, do you have ANY advise?

[sin120]

I would like to Thank You.Your information will help me too.I will look it up on the internet,

                                                                         Thank You sin102
Oh ya;I been like this for a year now ,I did the x-ray , ct scan,mri.And there all not the same.They keep fineing more things on me as I go.And the Doctor just call me in to see him about my MRI. Last week I was there and he had my MRI,and did not say much to me.And now would like to see me.

[JMar63]

There is a lot of information on the internet regarding both of these tests. I can tell you on the Myelogram (remember this is my opinion) my was done at the hospital can pretty much took up the day. Plan on having someone to drive you home and stay with you that day. They use a needle to input dye into your spine to look at whatever region you are having problems with. In fact, the radiology dept called my doctor and requested that I also have a CT scan since the dye was in there already. For me it was a painful procedure. It was more the dye then anything.
The EMG test is very uncomfortable but the pain doesn't last long. It is basically two electrodes that test the reaction of the nerves/muscles.

The best thing I can advise you is to look on the internet about these different tests. There are going to be words that your doctor uses in his report that are very hard to understand. Make sure that you ask your doctor for a copy of the results, and also make sure you ask your doctor exactly what the results mean.  If they use big fancy words and you don't understand, tell them.

See I had all these tests and never asked for a report and never had them really explained to me. I have gotten better about this. I now have all my test results and am learning more about what is happening with my body.  

Do not be shy about asking any questions. Remember, this is your body and you have every right to ask questions when you are unsure about tests, their results or anything else.

[sin120]

I would like to know whats a Myelogram and EMG test is,Because I have to do that soon,My Doctor is giveing me a run around too.    Thank you sin102

[JMar63]

I wanted to let you know that I have gone to the pain management doctor. I also have been referred by my PCP to a Neurosurgeon. I go see him on April 15th. The pain management doctor says that I have multiple issues, but he believes that I can get some relief with the herniated disk by probably getting the spinal fusion done. Also, I found out from him that my Arthritis is a MAJOR factor in this also. I will know more once I see the Neurosurgeon. At least I feel more knowledgable about what is going on.

[browneyedgyrl]

I have scoliosis, and it wasn't found until I turned 35 yrs.old. Every so often my doctor sends me to Physical Therapy. It helps some, but nothing can take away all the pain of it. I also have arthritis, and bone spurs. Oh and Carpal Tunnel in both wrists. I do a lot of heat therapy and try to stay mobile as much as I can. Pain med.s stopped working and so now I rely on exercise and trying to eat healthier foods. I don't push myself harder than need to be though! If ever you need to chat, just let me know! I hope you get to feeling better!