Doctor wants me to see surgeon

[1waiting]

I have four bulged disks in my neck.L2L3,L4L5 and a very narrowed nerve.I have asked to go see a surgeon but have no insurance at the moment.Am I in any danger by my delay?

[bigsissie]

I would say since you have already lost the use of your left arm the longer you wait the more harm you are doing. The longer the nerve is compressed the less chance of ever regaining them back. ( I am assuming the nerves were pinched therefore resulting in the loss of being able to use the arm?) I understand being broke and waiting for insurance. Trust me lol. Have you considered going to a teaching hospital where pay would be based on a sliding scale or checking programs in your area where you may be able to be examined and it not cost as much? It may be quite a drive depending on where you live but it may be worth it especially if you need surgery. I would not wait if I were you I would try to find a way to at least be checked by the specialist and see where you need to go from there. Best wishes, Sissie

[1waiting]

I actually have 4 bulged disks in my neck and a narrowed nerve.I have had cortizone shots in my shoulders for arthritis and epidurals for the hip and  .My orthopedic Doctor asked me to see a surgeon specialist.I can't until after august in which I hpoe to get insurance.At this time,I have severe pain and no use of my left arm.Am I taking a chance by waiting?Thanks bigsissy.:)

[bigsissie]

I would say that you are only in danger when you don't know what is causing the pain or problem. Also I am a little confused are the four bulging disc the L 2-3, L 4-5 or do they have the narrowing nerve? L stands for lumbar and those disc are in your lower back not your neck. Try to take things as easy as you can and not do heavy lifting or a lot of bending as this can increase your chances of danger. The one thing to look for as emergency symptoms would be numbness or tinging that will not go away. That is a sign that a nerve has became compressed and you are at risk for permanent nerve damage. If that happens please go to your dr or the er asap. Outside of that as long as you don't over do things or push yourself beyond what you can do without causing pain you should be fine  until you can get help. Surgery should be the last resort for anything. There are a lot of things you can have done now to fix the disc such as pt and decompression tables. Also there is a Nerve conduction chart on my profile that you may find helpful when you discuss  your problems with the surgeon. Best wishes, Sissie