Not what I was looking for

[sienamystic]

So the trip to the neurologist/spinal doctor this morning was not exactly a fun-filled frolic without care. Actually, it ended in tears - mine, and lots of them.

I'm going to get a second opinion (and maybe a third - mom wants me to send my MRI's to a doctor in Virginia that she trusts) but apparently the MRI shows - to my own eyes, even - that one of my discs is seriously making a break for freedom. I actually have a total of four discs going wrong, which is not usual in someone my age, but apparently I have a special talent or something. Two of the discs are probably not going to trouble me at the moment, one of them is borderline, and one of them has encroached into the spinal column and has actually bruised my spinal cord - thus the weird symptoms I've been having. You could see where the normally grey spinal cord was whitened by the bruise.

The doctor - who I do like well enough - thinks I need the surgery where they whip the little sucker out and put in a bone graft either from me or from "the bone bank," aka from a cadaver, and the whole thing fuses together. And he thinks I need it fairly soon, like in the next month or so. It's not an uncommon surgery, and I could be back to work in about a week or ten days, which is a small relief. They'd go in from the front and I'll have to think up a story to explain a scar on either side of my neck. I'm thinking pirates. Or clumsy ninjas.

I'm most concerned about finances, of course. Between this and the phone call I had with one of Bemo's student loan people, the dream of owning a house is receeding further into the distance. We're simply never going to be able to save up the money for a down payment.

Anyway, I'm upset and frustrated and still trying to process everything, so I'm not at my best at the moment. I'm thinking a hot shower and some time on the couch with my Life DVDs is indicated.

Comments

[coneycat.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[(Anonymous)]

I don't know what to say, other than It will get better. Health before house. Cry all you need to, get the 2nd opinion, but do what will give you the best quality of life for decades to come. I'm thinking of you, and virtually hugging you (gingerly, so as not to do more damage--har har lame joke). Kate-h

[nwhepcat.livejournal.com]

Ow. That does sound like a decidedly unpleasant morning. I hope your second opinion is more reassuring, but in any case, that you get relief.

I agree, hot shower and DVDs do seem like just the thing. (One of these here sofa ornaments in my icon might help too.)

[jonquil.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry. Your immediate plan is v. sound.

[stephanieburgis.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Good luck!!!

And I've also gone through that realization that we won't be buying a house after all, at least not in the forseeable future (and again, it was health-related). It really, really sucks. Sending you all my empathy and hope for the best.

I am so sorry.

[dakiwiboid.livejournal.com]

I agree with everyone else. A house is a good thing. I'd love to have a house, but I fear we will never afford one ourselves. My health simply costs too much, and we have debts, especially from moosl's long-ago college days.

I sympathize so much. I hope that something better happens soon.

suckage

[(Anonymous)]

I'm really sorry to hear all this. Will give you a call.

Love you,
Cher

[swooop.livejournal.com]

*offers pie*