Text 23106, 90 rader
Skriven 2007-11-20 13:39:06 av Carol Shenkenberger (1:261/1466.0)
     Kommentar till en text av Dave Drum
Ärende: Persistent Pain
=======================
 -=> Quoting Dave Drum to Carol Shenkenberger <=-

 CS>I suspect this is something the Doc aint gonna be able to waive a
 CS>wand and make go away.  Last Doc used the terms 'fragile back' 
 CS>and 'degenerative disc' at me.

 DD> That's (degenerative disc) what Georgia has. It's chronic and genetic.
 DD> Her youngest daughter has it - but, it missed the other two girls and 
 DD> doesn't seem to affect males, so her son is safes as houses.

I've had some level of lower back problems as long as I can recall.  Used to 
worry the gym teacher a bit when she noted i couldnt move at first when laying
down flat on my back on the gym floor, til things 'shifted'.

Until recently though, it has never affected me as I've been careful.

 DD> If your mom had it and you have - perhaps you should talk to your 
 DD> croaker about Charlotte's chances ... and get her tested so it can be 
 DD> caught early. In Georgia's case, she was mis-diagnosed early on and it
 DD> is too late, too many surgeries, too many etc. to do much beyond 
 DD> palliative care. Erin, OTOH, is young enough that disc replacement 
 DD> surgery is in her future - which will alleviate the problem.

We will see.  The DOD school in Sasebo actually does regular back checks on the

kids annually.  Seems some Asian strains are prone to problems so with the high
asian population (genetically), they check all the kids.  I did see this though
last night when checking DOCS and asked the Doctor today.  She said there is 
no immediate rush but depending on what the MRI shows, she would like to look
at her too. Good catch.  I was not aware this was that sort of genetic thing.

Here's the run down so far.  Very possible herniated disc, almost certain some
level of ongoing degenerative disc problem in at least 2 locations and may be 
3.  One of them is now causing scoliosis-like sway which I didnt know but she 
could see.  Abnormal posture due to problems (not radical except when I first
stand up and have to wait for things to settle before i can get fully upright).

She was really happy I brought in the box of Bio-flex type I chose to start on
and said, yes, keep taking it.  We couldnt get that in Sasebo so we just
started
it here (Don and me, him for arthritis).  She said we picked the right one as 
there are several versions (none bad, but ours is optimal).

I have to wait the TRICARE system for followup.  MRI, I gather 2 series or 'one
whole back and spine' series.

2 bits of good news sortof.  Depends on how you take it <g>.  I'm golden for VA
disability as it's shocking that this wasnt reviewed correctly. I have for 
exampleno Carpal tunnel at all and that 1.5 years in a wrist brace when I first
got to Sasebo was the degenerative neck discs.  I have obvious nerve damage now
due to lack of treatment but while irritating, it is not going to cause loss of
hand use beyond what I have, with proper treatment.  I also have what i already
suspected just from seeing other people.  Extremely high pain tolerance and 
due to it, we got a long time before i hit the need for surgery just for the 
pain.  Other things 'may' drive surgery, but I'm tolerating without too much 
discomfort what apparently would drive most men to tears.

She was real glad I have over 20 years in.  Thats the goodie number 3.  i will
not be medically retired with less than 20 (lower benefits) but get my full
allotment and VA stuff.  Inherent though is they may force me to retire before
I finish this tour.  We will have to see.
 
 CS>I started us both on a chondritin and 'whatever' series of stuff.  My
 CS>Mom has  the same problem but hadnt mentioned it til i mentioned
 CS>mine.  It's kept her  steady and she's in her 80's.  She wishes it
 CS>was out when she was my age as she
 
 CS>*thinks* it would have helped even more if started younger.

 DD> Even if it doesn't and she *thinks* it does - that's a plus. The mind
 DD> is  a major part of health care. Really.

Doc agreed with Mom on that one.  Unfortunately as it's 'over the counter'
stuff
she cant give me it for free <g>.  She says to ask when I get my MRI, if they 
can as it's 28$ a bottle for a month worth. If they can't, it's 28$ well spent.

Good news number 4.  *IF* the MRI shows particular things, a combination of
physical therapy and a _specially selected_ chiropracter who deals with things
like mine will be in the offing.  Portsmouth is one of the listed places on 
the link you sent me.
                 xxcarol



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