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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2011, at 12:56:05
Okay I'm terrified. Saw neurosurgeon's PA yesterday for the low back pain have had for a long time and he did testing. Got a positive Hoffmans sign and the xrays of the cervical area concerned enough to consult there and then with the neurosurgeon who is doing MRI on lumbar spine Friday. Looks like surgery as explained go into front or back of neck and work on bone spurs and try to relieve pressure on the nerves. Numbness in arms when sleep also. Pain in right leg. And only have medicair. What is better Humana or AARP anyone know as need to get before Friday and a diagnosis. And I though psych problems were bad. I'm numb and can't think. What do I do and what does this mean googled and googled and can find northing other than 80% payment from medicaire. Does this mean bankrupcy as have no money. Please if you don't like me I really need help now. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 27, 2011, at 14:58:14
In reply to Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc, posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2011, at 12:56:05
I'm not familiar with Hoffman's sign. I found it on wikipedia, but it's not in my book of diagnostic tests. I would inquire about non-surgical options when you see the doctor. I have read that doctors sometimes resort to back surgery even when it is not necessary and doesn't help. And what they see on MRI is frequently not the actual source of the symptoms, leading to unnecessary surgeries.
Posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2011, at 17:09:48
In reply to Re: Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc » Phillipa, posted by mtdewcmu on April 27, 2011, at 14:58:14
Yes I googled Hoffman's also. Have had in the past two spinal fluid taps which r/o MS and also a recent MRI of brain have a copy of it on a disc. Only abnormality is a microadenoma on pituitary gland. Might want to google Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine And check out Dr Dyer? Pretty good website tells all they do and the huge amount of docs. Recommended by another doc to me. I sure hope you are right!!! Adding supplemental insurance today hopefull. Either AARP or Humana. Thinking AARP as United Healthcare. Someone said they had them and didn't have problems with them. Even if don't cover whatever never know what else will go wrong. Hoping you are still doing well today. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2011, at 21:44:43
In reply to Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc, posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2011, at 12:56:05
Signed up for AARP secondary insurance today. If sign up in the first six months of turning 65 no preexisting conditions per federal law. So Now have the secondard insurance. And doesn't matter what's been wrong with me in past. If wait more than six months after turning 65 it doesn't apply. Then pre-existing conditions counted and lots of exams and getting paperwork from previous docs. So I'm covered. Phillipa
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 27, 2011, at 21:56:09
In reply to Re: Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc, posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2011, at 21:44:43
That's really fortunate that this happened during that 6-month window, huh?
Posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2011, at 22:03:18
In reply to Re: Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc » Phillipa, posted by mtdewcmu on April 27, 2011, at 21:56:09
For sure now all medical conditions covered. $20 co-pays. I lucked out for once. Thanks. Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on April 28, 2011, at 15:10:50
In reply to Re: Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc » mtdewcmu, posted by Phillipa on April 27, 2011, at 22:03:18
> For sure now all medical conditions covered. $20 co-pays. I lucked out for once. Thanks. Phillipa
That is good. Glad you caught a break.
Maybe you've posted another thread already, but are you seeking another opinion?
fb
Posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2011, at 19:24:00
In reply to Re: Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on April 28, 2011, at 15:10:50
MRI tomorrow consult with first neurosurgeon middle of May. Won't know a thing til then unless the MRI shows bad things. I remembered I do get numbness in arms at times when asleep also. I'm hoping for discetomy I think it's called. As the PA said even with osteoporosis can inject into the narrowed discs a substance that holds them back up in place. Now that would also be basically non-invasive. Love Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on April 28, 2011, at 19:39:49
In reply to Re: Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2011, at 19:24:00
What is the injection procedure called? Interesting.
I'm glad some options are opening up.
Sounds like you're hanging in there :P
Posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2011, at 21:37:45
In reply to Re: Cervical Surgery For Stenosis, Spurs, Narrowing Sc » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on April 28, 2011, at 19:39:49
FB really not sure. I think something from their website Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Charlotte NC. Discotomy? I think I had to google it as saw on the site not for osteoporosis but the PA said stuff they instill between discs? Not sure? Tomorrow the MRI. Love Phillipa
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