Re: O.S.
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JAN MCKIM
Apr 13, 2010, 4:06:22 PM4/13/10
to opll_di...@googlegroups.com
Dear Nancy,
I'm sorry to hear of your new MRI results. One diagnosis is enough to comprehend, let alone 3! As I understand the differences between MRIs & CT Scans, the MRI shows detailed images of the soft structures of the body, while the CT Scan shows 3D images of bodily structures. So the CT Scan is used for showing detailed images of "bone" as well as other structures.
I think your O.S. is being overly thorough and excessive in requesting a 2nd EMG (nerve conduction test) to rule out carpal tunnel. I had tingling in my arms and hands due to OPLL but another doc insisted on doing a nerve conduction test on my hands/wrists. I found the EMG test to be painful and a waste of time and money. My surgeon wasn't interested in the EMG report because he knew that my symptoms were due to the OPLL in my cervical spine. The MRI and CT Scan are enough!
I would tactfully tell your O.S. that you would prefer not to go through the expense and pain of another EMG test. I guess I've been through so many exams and have met with so many drs. that I try to voice my opinion about any test/exams and my treatments. If the dr. is put off by this, then I know it's time to find another dr. who will be my partner in my medical care and not be threatened by my questions. I believe it's important to be your own advocate when it comes to your medical care.
I wish you the best, Nancy, and hope that you can obtain a 2nd opinion about your conditions in your spine.
Jan
San Carlos, CA
From: nmac <mcin...@earthlink.net>
To: OPLL <opll_di...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Mon, April 12, 2010 11:57:55 AM
Subject: O.S.
Went to my appt. with the Orthopedic Surgeon. My new MRI showed DDD ,
OPLL & DISH & congenital
fusion C 5-6. The only thing new is severe right Foraminal narrowing
C 4-5. The written MRI report was very brief. He looked at the films
and said he wants me to get a CT scan and another EMT to rule out
carpal tunnel. I told him that I already had a EMT done one year ago
but he wants another. He said he didn't want to make any suggestions
until I get the additional tests. Did you all have a CT scan in
addition to the MRI? What does a CT scan show? Is it more detailed? I
don't go back to O.S. until May 11. He had a student and they both did
seem interested in me. Fill you in when I get more info. How's
everyone doing?
Nancy
--
To unsubscribe, reply using "remove me" as the subject.
I'm sorry to hear of your new MRI results. One diagnosis is enough to comprehend, let alone 3! As I understand the differences between MRIs & CT Scans, the MRI shows detailed images of the soft structures of the body, while the CT Scan shows 3D images of bodily structures. So the CT Scan is used for showing detailed images of "bone" as well as other structures.
I think your O.S. is being overly thorough and excessive in requesting a 2nd EMG (nerve conduction test) to rule out carpal tunnel. I had tingling in my arms and hands due to OPLL but another doc insisted on doing a nerve conduction test on my hands/wrists. I found the EMG test to be painful and a waste of time and money. My surgeon wasn't interested in the EMG report because he knew that my symptoms were due to the OPLL in my cervical spine. The MRI and CT Scan are enough!
I would tactfully tell your O.S. that you would prefer not to go through the expense and pain of another EMG test. I guess I've been through so many exams and have met with so many drs. that I try to voice my opinion about any test/exams and my treatments. If the dr. is put off by this, then I know it's time to find another dr. who will be my partner in my medical care and not be threatened by my questions. I believe it's important to be your own advocate when it comes to your medical care.
I wish you the best, Nancy, and hope that you can obtain a 2nd opinion about your conditions in your spine.
Jan
San Carlos, CA
From: nmac <mcin...@earthlink.net>
To: OPLL <opll_di...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Mon, April 12, 2010 11:57:55 AM
Subject: O.S.
Went to my appt. with the Orthopedic Surgeon. My new MRI showed DDD ,
OPLL & DISH & congenital
fusion C 5-6. The only thing new is severe right Foraminal narrowing
C 4-5. The written MRI report was very brief. He looked at the films
and said he wants me to get a CT scan and another EMT to rule out
carpal tunnel. I told him that I already had a EMT done one year ago
but he wants another. He said he didn't want to make any suggestions
until I get the additional tests. Did you all have a CT scan in
addition to the MRI? What does a CT scan show? Is it more detailed? I
don't go back to O.S. until May 11. He had a student and they both did
seem interested in me. Fill you in when I get more info. How's
everyone doing?
Nancy
--
To unsubscribe, reply using "remove me" as the subject.
Kiwi
Apr 14, 2010, 6:15:35 PM4/14/10
to OPLL
Hi Nancy (and Jan)
Sorry to hear things are not great Nancy. I had a CT scan which
basically diagnosed OPLL but it was followed by an MRI which was
required to confirm and the extent and the NS did not require nerve
conduction tests - thank goodness, I have heard they are not
pleasant. I was told I was very lucky that the radiologist who read
the CT scan was extremely good and his experience probably helped
enormously to diagnose OPLL at that time.
Good luck and stay strong.
Sorry to hear things are not great Nancy. I had a CT scan which
basically diagnosed OPLL but it was followed by an MRI which was
required to confirm and the extent and the NS did not require nerve
conduction tests - thank goodness, I have heard they are not
pleasant. I was told I was very lucky that the radiologist who read
the CT scan was extremely good and his experience probably helped
enormously to diagnose OPLL at that time.
Good luck and stay strong.
Jane
On Apr 14, 7:06 am, JAN MCKIM <jjmc...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Dear Nancy,
>
> I'm sorry to hear of your new MRI results. One diagnosis is enough to comprehend, let alone 3! As I understand the differences between MRIs & CT Scans, the MRI shows detailed images of the soft structures of the body, while the CT Scan shows 3D images of bodily structures. So the CT Scan is used for showing detailed images of "bone" as well as other structures.
>
> I think your O.S. is being overly thorough and excessive in requesting a 2nd EMG (nerve conduction test) to rule out carpal tunnel. I had tingling in my arms and hands due to OPLL but another doc insisted on doing a nerve conduction test on my hands/wrists. I found the EMG test to be painful and a waste of time and money. My surgeon wasn't interested in the EMG report because he knew that my symptoms were due to the OPLL in my cervical spine. The MRI and CT Scan are enough!
>
> I would tactfully tell your O.S. that you would prefer not to go through the expense and pain of another EMG test. I guess I've been through so many exams and have met with so many drs. that I try to voice my opinion about any test/exams and my treatments. If the dr. is put off by this, then I know it's time to find another dr. who will be my partner in my medical care and not be threatened by my questions. I believe it's important to be your own advocate when it comes to your medical care.
>
> I wish you the best, Nancy, and hope that you can obtain a 2nd opinion about your conditions in your spine.
>
> Jan
> San Carlos, CA
>
> ________________________________
> From: nmac <mcinal...@earthlink.net>
mcin...@earthlink.net
Apr 14, 2010, 8:16:38 PM4/14/10
to OPLL
Hi everyone! The sun is out! Hope its sunny where you are! It really helps the outlook if you live in a climate where it rains too much! I really appreciate your responses. I am going to get a copy of the EMG report that I had last year and send it to him and cancel the EMG appt. I currently have good insurance but I still have to pay for a portion and I don't feel anything has changed in less than a year. Besides it is my left side and I am right handed. I have a question to those of you that had surgery for OPLL. Did the surgery improve any of your symptoms? Did your surgeon say that they thought it would reduce your pain?
George, Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge. I looked at the lami sites and maybe I am not ready to see what might be in my future. I have some medical background and have worked on a cadaver in school but when I think that I might be the patient I have a hard time looking at live pictures of surgery.
Thanks to all!
Nancy
George, Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge. I looked at the lami sites and maybe I am not ready to see what might be in my future. I have some medical background and have worked on a cadaver in school but when I think that I might be the patient I have a hard time looking at live pictures of surgery.
Thanks to all!
Nancy
Brian Sherrod
Apr 14, 2010, 9:09:56 PM4/14/10
to opll_di...@googlegroups.com
Hi Nancy,
My surgery did reduce the pain in my neck but I still have quite a bit
in my shoulders. My left shoulder and arm are actually worse but my
walking/stumbling has improved lots. I feel the surgery helped me alot.
My surgery did reduce the pain in my neck but I still have quite a bit
in my shoulders. My left shoulder and arm are actually worse but my
walking/stumbling has improved lots. I feel the surgery helped me alot.
Keep us posted on your decision and I hope all is well with you.
Cheers, Brian
Sent from my iPhone
Big George
Apr 14, 2010, 11:28:20 AM4/14/10
to OPLL
Hi Jan,
Well said- from my experiences, I agree with you 100%. I had both
MRI and CT, when they couldn't do a myelogram due to my severe
stenosis. The radiopaque dye stayed in my lumbar area and couldn't
travel up my spinal column when they inverted the table. Because it
wouldn't travel up my spinal column, the incresed pressure in my
lumbar spine felt like I was hit with a baseball bat- pain meds
helped, but didn't go away for a good 24 hrs. I agree about the EMG,
unless they didn't check the hands the first time. I was lucky, my EMG
was relatively painless- thanks Dr.Scott Long- a great PMR doc at
Group Health Assoc. in Cincinnati. There was a little shock when he
checked the nerve transmission, but it wasn't uncomfortable. He
determined that there was some peripheral neuropathy from OPLL and
some from my diabetes. I don't believe in repeating tests within a
calendar year unless there are significant clinical changes. The info
from the MRI and CT are used like a road map when surgeons go into the
OR, and they often want the films there for reference. I hope this
helps, Nancy. Also, I hope you get some relief from your symptoms.
All my best,
George
On Apr 13, 4:06 pm, JAN MCKIM <jjmc...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Dear Nancy,
>
> I'm sorry to hear of your new MRI results. One diagnosis is enough to comprehend, let alone 3! As I understand the differences between MRIs & CT Scans, the MRI shows detailed images of the soft structures of the body, while the CT Scan shows 3D images of bodily structures. So the CT Scan is used for showing detailed images of "bone" as well as other structures.
>
> I think your O.S. is being overly thorough and excessive in requesting a 2nd EMG (nerve conduction test) to rule out carpal tunnel. I had tingling in my arms and hands due to OPLL but another doc insisted on doing a nerve conduction test on my hands/wrists. I found the EMG test to be painful and a waste of time and money. My surgeon wasn't interested in the EMG report because he knew that my symptoms were due to the OPLL in my cervical spine. The MRI and CT Scan are enough!
>
> I would tactfully tell your O.S. that you would prefer not to go through the expense and pain of another EMG test. I guess I've been through so many exams and have met with so many drs. that I try to voice my opinion about any test/exams and my treatments. If the dr. is put off by this, then I know it's time to find another dr. who will be my partner in my medical care and not be threatened by my questions. I believe it's important to be your own advocate when it comes to your medical care.
>
> I wish you the best, Nancy, and hope that you can obtain a 2nd opinion about your conditions in your spine.
>
> Jan
> San Carlos, CA
>
> ________________________________
> From: nmac <mcinal...@earthlink.net>
Well said- from my experiences, I agree with you 100%. I had both
MRI and CT, when they couldn't do a myelogram due to my severe
stenosis. The radiopaque dye stayed in my lumbar area and couldn't
travel up my spinal column when they inverted the table. Because it
wouldn't travel up my spinal column, the incresed pressure in my
lumbar spine felt like I was hit with a baseball bat- pain meds
helped, but didn't go away for a good 24 hrs. I agree about the EMG,
unless they didn't check the hands the first time. I was lucky, my EMG
was relatively painless- thanks Dr.Scott Long- a great PMR doc at
Group Health Assoc. in Cincinnati. There was a little shock when he
checked the nerve transmission, but it wasn't uncomfortable. He
determined that there was some peripheral neuropathy from OPLL and
some from my diabetes. I don't believe in repeating tests within a
calendar year unless there are significant clinical changes. The info
from the MRI and CT are used like a road map when surgeons go into the
OR, and they often want the films there for reference. I hope this
helps, Nancy. Also, I hope you get some relief from your symptoms.
All my best,
George
On Apr 13, 4:06 pm, JAN MCKIM <jjmc...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Dear Nancy,
>
> I'm sorry to hear of your new MRI results. One diagnosis is enough to comprehend, let alone 3! As I understand the differences between MRIs & CT Scans, the MRI shows detailed images of the soft structures of the body, while the CT Scan shows 3D images of bodily structures. So the CT Scan is used for showing detailed images of "bone" as well as other structures.
>
> I think your O.S. is being overly thorough and excessive in requesting a 2nd EMG (nerve conduction test) to rule out carpal tunnel. I had tingling in my arms and hands due to OPLL but another doc insisted on doing a nerve conduction test on my hands/wrists. I found the EMG test to be painful and a waste of time and money. My surgeon wasn't interested in the EMG report because he knew that my symptoms were due to the OPLL in my cervical spine. The MRI and CT Scan are enough!
>
> I would tactfully tell your O.S. that you would prefer not to go through the expense and pain of another EMG test. I guess I've been through so many exams and have met with so many drs. that I try to voice my opinion about any test/exams and my treatments. If the dr. is put off by this, then I know it's time to find another dr. who will be my partner in my medical care and not be threatened by my questions. I believe it's important to be your own advocate when it comes to your medical care.
>
> I wish you the best, Nancy, and hope that you can obtain a 2nd opinion about your conditions in your spine.
>
> Jan
> San Carlos, CA
>
> ________________________________
rockdoc
Apr 13, 2010, 4:51:07 PM4/13/10
to OPLL
Hi Nancy and Jan -
I ha both MRI's and CT's done for my OPLL. The MRI shows soft tissues
very well but does a poor job of imaging bone while the CT shows bone
very well but not soft tissues. My doctor wanted both because he
could do a much better job diagnosing the OPLL and plan for the
surgery better. I also had an EMG that diagnosed me with carpal
tunnel syndrome - the 'carpal tunnel' disappeared after my surgery
which makes me suspicious about the carpal tunnel diagnosis. I did
not find the EMG test that bad but I inject everyday anyway so needles
don't really bother me that much. My guess is that is you told your
doc that you did not want to do the emg, he would understand that.
Most doctors ac as if these tests are no big deal but they have never
had one either.
I hope things are gpoing well for everyone!
Cheers.....
BrianS
On Apr 13, 1:06 pm, JAN MCKIM <jjmc...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Dear Nancy,
>
> I'm sorry to hear of your new MRI results. One diagnosis is enough to comprehend, let alone 3! As I understand the differences between MRIs & CT Scans, the MRI shows detailed images of the soft structures of the body, while the CT Scan shows 3D images of bodily structures. So the CT Scan is used for showing detailed images of "bone" as well as other structures.
>
> I think your O.S. is being overly thorough and excessive in requesting a 2nd EMG (nerve conduction test) to rule out carpal tunnel. I had tingling in my arms and hands due to OPLL but another doc insisted on doing a nerve conduction test on my hands/wrists. I found the EMG test to be painful and a waste of time and money. My surgeon wasn't interested in the EMG report because he knew that my symptoms were due to the OPLL in my cervical spine. The MRI and CT Scan are enough!
>
> I would tactfully tell your O.S. that you would prefer not to go through the expense and pain of another EMG test. I guess I've been through so many exams and have met with so many drs. that I try to voice my opinion about any test/exams and my treatments. If the dr. is put off by this, then I know it's time to find another dr. who will be my partner in my medical care and not be threatened by my questions. I believe it's important to be your own advocate when it comes to your medical care.
>
> I wish you the best, Nancy, and hope that you can obtain a 2nd opinion about your conditions in your spine.
>
> Jan
> San Carlos, CA
>
> ________________________________
> From: nmac <mcinal...@earthlink.net>
I ha both MRI's and CT's done for my OPLL. The MRI shows soft tissues
very well but does a poor job of imaging bone while the CT shows bone
very well but not soft tissues. My doctor wanted both because he
could do a much better job diagnosing the OPLL and plan for the
surgery better. I also had an EMG that diagnosed me with carpal
tunnel syndrome - the 'carpal tunnel' disappeared after my surgery
which makes me suspicious about the carpal tunnel diagnosis. I did
not find the EMG test that bad but I inject everyday anyway so needles
don't really bother me that much. My guess is that is you told your
doc that you did not want to do the emg, he would understand that.
Most doctors ac as if these tests are no big deal but they have never
had one either.
I hope things are gpoing well for everyone!
Cheers.....
BrianS
On Apr 13, 1:06 pm, JAN MCKIM <jjmc...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Dear Nancy,
>
> I'm sorry to hear of your new MRI results. One diagnosis is enough to comprehend, let alone 3! As I understand the differences between MRIs & CT Scans, the MRI shows detailed images of the soft structures of the body, while the CT Scan shows 3D images of bodily structures. So the CT Scan is used for showing detailed images of "bone" as well as other structures.
>
> I think your O.S. is being overly thorough and excessive in requesting a 2nd EMG (nerve conduction test) to rule out carpal tunnel. I had tingling in my arms and hands due to OPLL but another doc insisted on doing a nerve conduction test on my hands/wrists. I found the EMG test to be painful and a waste of time and money. My surgeon wasn't interested in the EMG report because he knew that my symptoms were due to the OPLL in my cervical spine. The MRI and CT Scan are enough!
>
> I would tactfully tell your O.S. that you would prefer not to go through the expense and pain of another EMG test. I guess I've been through so many exams and have met with so many drs. that I try to voice my opinion about any test/exams and my treatments. If the dr. is put off by this, then I know it's time to find another dr. who will be my partner in my medical care and not be threatened by my questions. I believe it's important to be your own advocate when it comes to your medical care.
>
> I wish you the best, Nancy, and hope that you can obtain a 2nd opinion about your conditions in your spine.
>
> Jan
> San Carlos, CA
>
> ________________________________
Sunny
Apr 16, 2010, 9:44:14 PM4/16/10
to opll_di...@googlegroups.com
Hi Everyone,
Doctors did an EMG several years ago to rule out carpal tunnel. This was
before they found all of the bone pushing on my spinal cord with MRI and
Myelogram (boy, I hate that one!) CTs. He did the laminectomies I had which
made the symptoms subside. My neurosurgeon has never had me do another EMG
but has done other MRIs and CT Myelogram as new symptoms and return of old
symptoms have occurred, the latest in November when he diagnosed my OPLL.
Nancy, I cannot even imagine having this along with DDD and DISH! If my
neuro wanted me to have another carpal tunnel test I would probably question
the necessity of it. I hope things get better for everyone.
My prayers and good thoughts go out to all of you!
Sunny
Doctors did an EMG several years ago to rule out carpal tunnel. This was
before they found all of the bone pushing on my spinal cord with MRI and
Myelogram (boy, I hate that one!) CTs. He did the laminectomies I had which
made the symptoms subside. My neurosurgeon has never had me do another EMG
but has done other MRIs and CT Myelogram as new symptoms and return of old
symptoms have occurred, the latest in November when he diagnosed my OPLL.
Nancy, I cannot even imagine having this along with DDD and DISH! If my
neuro wanted me to have another carpal tunnel test I would probably question
the necessity of it. I hope things get better for everyone.
My prayers and good thoughts go out to all of you!
Sunny
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