Did you know that the MRI is NOT to determine what is wrong with the patient,
but rather to JUSTIFY payment for surgery or injection?
heh.
No wonder I can't get a diagnosis from my Spine (or any other) Doctor.
I'm not interested in the surgical *option*,
nor in having a needle poked into my spinal cord to
inject corticosteroids....
so I can just *call him*
if I have any more problems...
(you know, beyond the excruciating pain and other non-covered
items.)
sigh.
Going to the gym and making my own endorphins is the only thing
that makes me feel better.
That and heirloom tomato sandwiches on freshly baked
sourdough bread
with mayo and basil.
Oh, and KNITTING.
Pi, for dessert. ;)
xox
Well, that's the PITS! I had no idea the MRI was not diagnostic in that manner. I'm glad you have your garden and knitting to provide comfort.
Posted by: Jane | July 16, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Greta - I did not want surgery either for my back. Cried like a baby when the neurosurgeon thought it might be the only option that worked for me. He did suggest the epidural steroid and physical therapy first, and I finally caved (mostly because quite frankly I couldn't walk more than a few steps without excruciating pain). The MRI, interestingly enough, WAS needed to make the diagnosis of a herniated disc. The doctor suspected a slipped one originally.
Believe it or not, just one steroid shot did help a lot. Physical therapy was good to get the spine muscles firing properly again -- and then I found a chiropractor who has continued to do wonders for me. I don't take pain pills unless I have a really bad day, and usually a little bit of mentholated spray helps without medication.
If you are not getting the answers you want, find a different doctor, but don't be afraid of the treatments - sometimes they are necessary (and make sure that the doctor agrees that surgery is only an option of last resort!).
Posted by: Cyndilou | July 20, 2009 at 02:14 PM