GOOD MORNING
ALICE ROGERS (tarprent(AT)gte.net)
Wed, 20 Jan 1999 09:28:07 -0500
I hope this new days finds all of you well.
Several of you have asked about the tests run on Sabryna. The second
neurologist ran another MRI which included the lumbar portion of her spine. The
one done as a hospital inpatient was only done to about the
level of T3 or 4, which made no sense since her pain was lower than
that. He said there was nothing 'significant' in those pictures.
The X rays of her lower back did show some curvature and a 'compressed'
disc. He said it appeared that the disc was bulging due to the mis-
alignment of the vertebra and for that reason gentle chiropractic
treatment would probably help. He told my daughter this in a phone
converstion after the office visit and after his consultation with
another doctor late yesterday afternoon. Both doctors are now of the
opinion that this is a nerve problem, as Alton suggested, and easily
corrected.
My daughter said they also did extensive blood tests, she wasn't sure
exactly what tests were run. Also a urinalysis, throat culture and
stool culture. It will take a little longer to get the results of those
tests.
Alton, you specifically asked about the swelling; it started in the
lumbar region of her spine and gradually increased to involve her lower
abdomen and hips. On Sunday the swelling appeared to be moving up
her back, primarily on the left side. Alternting heat and ice packs
relieved the discomfort and reduced the swelling.
Yesterday she was in less pain and was moving around, a little gingerly,
but up and going. The neurologist has said he would rather not do a
mylogram (sp?) unless the symptoms re-appear or worsen. He doesn't
want to do any invasive testing on a child of this age unless it is
absolutely necessary. He did say that if she should have a recurrence
of symptoms that a mylogram is definitely in order.
So, at this point all we can do is watch and wait. Hopefully this
problem, whatever it is, will continue to subside and the chiropractic
treatment will provide relief.
Some of you also asked about the medication given in the hospital---it
was Decadron. I'm not sure of the spelling. She was also given Tyenol
with codeine. After being released the pain increased after about 24
hours and she was given Loritab.
Our family sincerely thanks all of you for your concern and support.
We were very frightened at the mention of myelitis and your calm, no-
nonsense approach helped tremendously.
Alice