The first MRI in June, Read- L5-S1 Tiny Disc Protrusion no narrowing and no loss of disc signal. All of the other discs were fine.
The MRI in Sept., Read - L5-S1 Small disc bulge with an annular tear. Mild DDD with minor loss of signal and minor narrowing.
L4-L5 - minor disc bulge with no loss of signal or narrowing.
The MRI also showed a Cyst on my (R) Kidney, which is common for my age and the Doctors felt it was not of any concern.
I did just return from my appointment with the head of Sport Medicine. I explained to him my goals and over emphasized that I want my life back and do not only want to treat the symptom, but would like the root of the problem fixed. I expressed a concern after they get this pain under control about my fears of getting hurt again. As it was explained to me, the tear will NOT heal nor will the Disc. There is a very good chance that this could happen again in the future. They have put me on a Steroid pack and have scheduled me for an EMG to make sure there is no more nerve damage. As well as continue my PT. We will re-evaluate in 2 weeks. I am starting to think that this health system is not up to speed on current technologies. As I was explaining about certain procedures to them, they were looking at me like "We can't do that yet."
We have a lot of old dogs in the Crozer network and the young bucks are just getting into the game. Crozer is now getting a bit more aggressive in recruiting some of these Doctors that are familiar with these new procedures. I mean after all, we are talking about a multi-billion dollar industry once the FDA gets off of it's ass and decides to catch up with the rest of the world.
We'll see!!!
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