I am quite interested in your recent posting about your C5-6 disc problem and
biopsy to rule out cancer.
I have been going through a miserable mess the last three months with a
possible similar problem. I had an MRI three months ago because of neck pain
which was causing headaches, back pain, and numbness in my arm and fingers.
The MRI showed four herniated disc--C4, C5, C6, and C7. It also was read by
the radiologist as possibly metastatic disease. Needless to say, I've had
many more tests since then. What keeps showing up is a darkened area on C5.
They are not sure if this is possibly lymphoma, arthritis, degenerative
disease, or a marrow problem.
I've met with two different surgeons at Jefferson who feel I can't ignore
this. A biopsy is recommended where they will enter through the front of my
neck and go to my vertebrae to take a sample of the C5 disc.
I'm set tomorrow to go in for pre-admission testing at Jefferson Hospital.
One appt is with an Internist to verify me capable of withstanding the
surgery; one appt with the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (who will asst);
and the other pre-admission stuff--EKG, x-rays, blood, urine tests. As of
today, the biopsy is set for September 22.
Another consideration here is the surgery itself. I was told nine years ago
that any surgery has the possibility of triggering another attack of TM. Both
of the surgeons I met with last week also told me this. So, I'm once again
going back on steroids before and after the surgery to help avoid this from
happening.
Now if all this on top of TM weren't enough, on Saturday I started having
blood in my urine along with severe dizzy spells. I've called my primary care
doctor this morning and I'm waiting for her to call back. What next!
I would greatly appreciate any info you can give me on what was done to you
during your ordeal. In a way, they seem similar. Thanks.
PatS