Totally Confused by Neurosurgeon

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have just returned from seeing a Neurosurgeon. His impression of my condition contradicts what I was told by two Neurologists and the MRI images. He says that my cs is no worse than any other person of my age and is quite what should be expected, in other words it is normal. He said that I do have a prolapsed disc whereas when I saw the MRI images before two prolapsed discs were clearly visable. He claims that the sharp shooting pains in my fingers, hands, arms and shoulders are nothing to do with cs. He said that my vertigo is not related to cs either and that it is probably to do with my inner ear. He also said that the sharp shooting pains in my right leg and foot are again nothing to do with cs. So the only pains that I have that are related to cs are those in my neck which he claims are quite normal. Yet all the pains in my upper limbs go straight up into my neck via my shoulders. The dizzyness mainly occurs when I turn my head or lay on a flat surface with no head support. He did ask if the tingling in my hands disturbs my sleep to which I replied \"no but the sharp pains in my hands, arms, shoulders and neck do\".

He now wants my GP to refer me to a different specialist as he thinks the pains are due to joint problems.

This has left me really confused as all the pains are classic symptoms of cs, both neurologists I saw confirmed this as did my MRI scan. I am beginning to wander if he had somebody elses MRI images instead of mine. Mine clearly showed two slipped discs, spur growths and osteophytes, all of which were pointed out to me by a Neurologist. When I move my head it sounds and feels like the grinding of gears when a clutch slips.

He dosen't think the severe pains and swelling in my right hand following the Carpal Tunnel op are related to nerve damage but he did say that I should be referred back to the surgeon who performed the op. Yet the surgeon who did the op said that the pains in my hand are due to nerve entrapment in my neck, which was also confirmed by the Nerve Induction Test. What about the pains in my left hand, that was not operated on.

When I asked about an operation he replied that it involves major surgery and he was pleased when I declined (for now at least).

That neurosurgeon sounds like he is either a Vulcan or from planet ATOS

working undercover for the DWP. His remarks were definately not logical.

Cheers,

Janner

2

Hi Janner

Sounds like he is definately confused! Did you tell him about the previous consultations and the diagnosis of the Neurologist?

Ask your GP to refer you to another Neurosurgeon as that one was definately under cover for Planet ATOS!

Maybe he thinks you are kidding him and faked the MRI scan?? Bad back syndrome methinks? Only joking. I have a consultation at the Walton Centre in August with a Nuerosurgeon so hoping it's not the same one!

I would go straight to the GP and let him know what was said as he may put your mind at rest.

Good luck

Lyn

3

Hi Janner

Sounds very confusing and unhelpful. If the consultants are disputing each other it only adds to confusion. Maybe you could phone or write to the Neuro and ask for a copy of MRI (on disc ) and any nerve tests so that, if needed, you have the possibility of a second opinion without having to do the tests and MRI again. I'm sure you're entitled to do this ( there may be a small fee ) and it may encourage them to have another look and a rethink. It's also a way of letting them know that you're not fully satisfied with their opinion without haVing to confront them head-on. In the letter you could point out the different opinions you've been given and how confusing that can be.

I'm sure there's a back up process, within the system, which allows for a second opinion. They just don't tell us how to go about it for fear of it being abused. In cases like this it would seem totally justifiable. I'm not saying that the Neuro's opinion is wrong, just that you have every right to question it considering what you've been advised before.

You are certainly entitled to know that any advised procedures are going in the right direction and that the Neuro's should be in agreement on this. It shouldn't have to be a lottery of who you trust the most. A good Neuro should appreciate a patient who questions their opinion with good reason.

I know doing this can be difficult, because it will seem like you're challenging the professionalism of the one person who can maybe help your condition, and you will have no desire to create an awkward relationship. Might be worth a try though, before going off on another round of tests.

Gerry

4

Hi,

Yesterday and today I have spent a few hours researching the causes of the pains travelling between my hands (mainly the right), arms, shoulder and neck. This extensive use of my computer has caused me a lot of pain but the results are worth it.

I have come to two deffinate conclusions.

Firstly, the neurosurgeon if deffinately a Vulcan or Atossian working for the DWP. He even discredited the last neurology doc by saying that as he was a registrar he has little experience.

Secondly, all my research points to what I already knew. The cause of the pains is CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY, in other words a type of CS (the other main type being myelopathy). The pains are caused by nerves being pinched by the stenosis and prolapsed discs.

As the surgeon is writing to my GP to have me referred to a joint specialist I will just wait. When I see the specialist, explain my symptoms and be examined, he/she should come to the same conclusion that cs is the cause.

I do understand that not all aches and pains can be attributed to cs and that there could be another underlying cause for such. But, despite not being a Vulcan (unqualified expert), in this case it seems that radiculophy is the obvious cause.

Next week I have to attend the opthamology clinic as my eyes are rather painful. Although cs can cause eye pain I think there is another problem relating to a past injury.

I have had so many hospital visits lately, with many more to come, that I may soon be put on the staff - which would no doubt please the DWP (they will say that I can get a job as a professional patient).

I've got a busy few days now. When I was a woodturner I used to regularly attend an annual five day craft fair, amongst many others, I usually did very well. It starts today so I will pop along to see many old friends and have a good chat. I have been asked to look after a friends stall there, now again, as well. I have also recently been elected chairman of a local old peoples welfare committee, this will involve having to deal with the ladies branch of the geriatric maffia. When some people reach old age the only activity they can really enjoy is whinging, and boy do they enjoy it. They sit in a row of armchairs, synically christend \"death row\" by one old chap, at the back of the hall critisising everyone and everything. But like I said they enjoy it and it keeps them happy. I'm just glad I'm thick skinned.

Cheers,

Janner