<rant> Just a little background, since 1993 I have had work done on both knees (one major reconstruction) both shoulders, a disk in my neck removed and a wrist rebuilt.

That is just to say that I know a little bit about joint pain.

So when I had some shoulder pain develop last month, I made an appointment with the orthopod surgeon resposible for both shoulders and the wrist mentioned above.

Then I lost some of the feeling in my left hand.

So, instead of just waiting to see the surgeon I made another appointment with a spine guy to get the expected MRI rolling because I knew from experience it was my neck again.

Well today I finally saw the orthopod, so while I was waiting for him in the exam room I opened my MRI on the computer (since I had both done through the same hospital the nurse brings up my whole file we she puts me in the room).

As I am trying to decifer the Doctor-speak in the notes and understand what I am looking at, the orthopod walks in, looks at the MRI for about 20 seconds and says "Wow, what are you doing waiting for me? You need to see a neurosurgeon asap." He explains that I have completely blown out the disk below the one that was fused 6 years ago.

He then scribbles a note, hands it to me and tells me to go down the hall to neurosurgery and tell them you need an appointment with the surgeon and if you don't get one right away to call him and he will call the guy himself, and hands me a script for pain meds.

So now I am both relieved that I know what the problem is and scared shitless as to what I have to look forward to in the coming months. :-) </rant>

Thanks, just wanted to get that off my chest.

The only smart thing I did today was bring a La Aroma de Cuba Marquis with me so I was at least able to relax on the drive home.
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Good luck with that. Hope that the waiting will be the worst part.
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Good luck to you.
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Hoping it all goes well for you, Rick. :-)
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I wish you the best of luck, my brother.
I've worried about the stuff fused in my lower back, that it'd just transfer all the torque to the discs above and below. You answered that question for me. I'm sure that's no consolation, but your experience might save me some grief down the road if I take it easy.
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Prayers and thoughts for you during and after your surgey! Hoping you feel better after this Rick!
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Good luck with everything Rick...glad it sounds like they're taking care of you quickly
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Wow :-)

Sorry to hear that Rick. Hope all goes well.
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Hope Everything Works Out For You, Brother; Don't Live In Pain If You Don't Have To.:-) Thoughts & Prayers Sent.
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Well the first time around I was out of work for 6 weeks and bored stiff for 5 of them.

I am smiling at the thought of the destruction I could unlease with that much time on my hands (either that or the Vidcodin is kicking in) :-)
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I'll make sure to include you in my prayers!
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Good luck Bunker. I'm curious to hear how things go as I've had issues with my neck recently and while things are good now, I ain't getting any younger.
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Best of luck with everything Rick. Hope it all works out for you.
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Best of luck!!! Thoughts and prayers sent!!!
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thoughts and prayers
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Good luck hope everything gets taken care of!
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Positive thoughts Rick!!
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Chin up and stay strong! They do some great things these days at Mass hospitals. Prayers are with you.:-)
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All the best to you!
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Rick, will keep you in my prayers that the doctors be given the wisdom to perform this surgery with skill to bring about healing and recovery, and that you be given strength and patience to deal with pain post-surgery rehab and healing.

Peace of the Lord be with you.
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