Thoracic Options-Considering

Shebo · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2011, 05:17 PM

So, I saw my PM yesterday. What a disappointing visit.

She said that the orthopedic surgeon isn't interested in my case (he performed my cervical fusion). She also said that she presented my case to the medical board (?) and out of 200 physicians there were no answers or suggestions. Boy, did that bum me out.

Her three suggestions were to purchase a topical pain cream from a company called TPS. Has anyone tried or heard of this? Suggestion 2 was to have another steriod injection (I have had 2 with no relief). Suggestion 3 was to have a stimulator implanted. She started to say something about what I think was an ablation but then she stopped and went in another direction.

I have 5 thoracic ruptured discs.

I would like to hear from anyone who has tried any of these especially anyone who has thoracic issues.

Of course, I always like to hear from everyone else also.

mmglobal · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2011, 11:01 PM

In the US, I like Dr. John Regan. There are some other options I'm pursuing, but not there yet.

Overseas, Bertagnoli in Germany and Pimenta in Brazil are great.

Let us know what you learn.

BTW, I'm having CT guided thoracic costovertebral joint nerve ablations done next week. Very rare, but positively identified the levels w/CT guided injections last month.

Wish me luck,

Mark

(And good luck to you too!)

Shebo · #3 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 01:00 AM

Thanks for the info and definitely good luck with your procedure.

dshobbies · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 05:48 PM

Funny, before I read Mark's response, I was going to recommend Dr. Regan.

Personally speaking, Dr. Regan and I aren't the best of friends but I think so highly in his knowledge and surgical skill that I have no problem recommending him in the most difficult cases. I don't think you can do much better. However, he's not cheap and no insurance company I know of pays his fees. He will however, and so will Dr. Bertagnoli in Germany, do an internet consult which might be in your best interest before deciding on your next course of action.

Dale

cherylstewart67 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 11:05 PM

200 docs and no one to step up. I love it when they suggest things that you have already done that have NOT worked. It's like, does anyone really read the file? I mean they ask for all of this info and updates, and forms everytime you visit. They answers are all there but they still ask questions. The old saying is something like, "it's a sign of insanity to keep trying the same thing expecting a different result." I have had injections done three times! I most recently did rhizotomy. 50% relief...Problem is most pain mgt. docs will only do 1-2 levels at a time. I haven't received the bill yet, I'll let you know....

Shebo · #6 (**permalink**) 01-31-2011, 02:09 PM

Thanks Dale. I think I will get my info to Dr. Regan to see what he says.

Cheryl, how was the rhizotomy? I just keep looking for answers. It seems silly that you (the patient) has to know almost as much as the doctors. They act shocked when I state some medical facts or ask an informed question. "How do you know that?" Well, I do my research.