2nd Opinion Surgical Opinions
Hi All,
I had a 2nd opinion done on Wed. I arrived early to make sure paperwork was done, I had the results of my MRI and CT-Scan with me. Great office staff, then it was into the exam room. Put on the paper shorts that are provided and waited for the Dr. He came and and was very quick to get it done. He was not aware at that point that the purpose was for a 2nd opinion to surgery. He is also a Specialist in Neck/Back/Spine. He did the normal exam, touched here and there, the bend forward/back/side-to-side, reflects and the needle test to check for feeling. He then told me that he had reviewed my MRI and CT-Scan. Showed me the spine model and explained my situation. He said without the results of the Disco-gram he could not make a 100% recommendation, but his 35 years of experience would indicate that I needed a 2 Level Fusion at L4/5 - L5/S1. I was going to mention to him that those were the discs that were positive during the disco-gram. He stated: "You have nothing to say about the disco-gram, you were there but you were too heavily sedated to understand what was going on, so you have nothing to say". He said this while waving his index finger in a NO-NO fashion. He then said "You have obviously seen a specialst or these tests would have never been completed, why haven't they done anything?" I explained that there are alot of treatment options and that I was evaluating them before making a decision, a 2nd opinion. He said "You have mine, call me if you need me." and proceded to walk out. Well, I considered that a little rude, but it was ok. He had confirmed the problems that are present, and mentioned doing the same thing that I have scheduled. I had an appt with a phsyciatrist this morning. TBI requires all paitents to be interviewed prior to surgery because of the potential outcome and discuss fears and such. The jury is still out on that requirement, but I'm more inclined to think that it's a good idea, because of the potential emotional side effects during recovery, and the fact that it may not work. Additionally, because of the opiate based drugs that are used for many people during the recovery phase that may take months. Just my 2 cents about that. At any rate, I have one more appt scheduled for Tuesday. I consider myself VERY FORTUNATE to live in an area that has a large pool of specialists that I can go to. After Tuesdays appt, I will solidify my decision, which is leaning more towards having the L4/5, L5/S1 Fusion completed on 26 April. Then it will be on to questions about prepping for the surgery and recovery. Oh, by the way I'm also a smoker and will begin Chantix in order to listen to this Doctor was very convincing that it's in my best interest. Thanks again for all the info provided up to this point. It's appreciated.
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