As of Wednesday, April 2, 2008
April 3, 2008I don’t know how many of you who read this site actually know me personally. Nonetheless, I’ve decided to take the next couple of posts and keep my personal relationships up-to-date on this medical journey. Each post will be “as of last post.” It will be emotionless, nothing but the facts. Therefore, if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Oh, and one more thing: despite the fact that my legs aren’t really into the whole “being legs thing” anymore, I am still capable of having good days. I promise.
Type of Doctor: Orthopedic Specialist
New Symptoms: Left leg/foot swelling; loss of function in left leg.
Diagnosis:
I went to the Orthopedic Specialist who is affiliated with a local NCAA college athletic department. I have 2 bulging disks in my lumbar spine, which could be causing the extreme knee pain and the loss of use in my left leg. At this time, I have lost all function of my left leg, including simple things such as lifting my foot. It has also atrophied. In an attempt to prevent the atrophy of my right leg (loss of function cannot not be prevented), I have to do everything I can to fight through the pain and keep it minimally active. Therefore, for those of you who see me in a wheelchair, my right leg has “dropped.” It is not better. I am not better. It is just a preventative measure.
I am going to a Neurosurgeon on Friday. If the Neurosurgeon does think that the spinal cord problems are causing the leg problems, I will have to have surgery on that area. If the Neurosurgeon does not think that my bulging disks are causing the pain, I may have to undergo more tests including a bone marrow biopsy and/or a spinal tap.
…more to come…
Haven’t been here in a while and I am under a different name, but it is good to hear everything that is going on and knowing a place to look for updates. I do hope that you find out some good information tomorrow though. No matter what needs done, I will be praying for the results be them fast from a positive on the disks, an answer to the biopsy or spinal tap, or anything else that may come about. I do pray that you are safe in all of these procedures and that some kind of closure can come about. I also pray that the pain you need to endure as you walk will be lessened and you can be as comfortable as possible as you await the results. I am sure we are all eager to hear what will happen and hope for something positive.