Intro to Barrows

The end of 2014 is coming around. I have had a couple MRI’s that were conclusive diagnosis for Arachnoiditis.  I was now in pain management for this condition and treatment for Pudendal Neuralgia.  A Social Work Colleague of mine has spent years working with a Physiatrist at a Rehabiliation Center and kept in contact with him.  She contacted him and he was willing to see me as a patient.  This was a blessing, the beginning of a BIG blessing. Dr Raj Singh is a Physiatrist with Barrows Neurological Institute. He deals with neurological injuries. He saw me immediately in the Scottsdale location, Saturday appointments so Phil could go with me and drive me.   He immediately began ordering specialized imaging tests, as he believed and knew something was not right with the surgery that had been done.  He ordered a 3D CT Scan, a Nuclear Bone Scan.   He suspected possible Osteomyelitis (bone infection), but my blood work did not indicate as such.   The imaging came back and all I can say is WOW!  Lots of  glowing!  Of course it should not glow.  It can mean many things, inflammation, infection, malignancy.    Most of the “glowing” was where the bone graft was placed and right where my pain is.  Dr Singh then referred me the a Barrows Neurosurgeon Dr Taro Kaibara.    I saw Dr Kaibara within a couple months.   He felt as though there were ways to go about doing the procedure in “better ways” to stabilize my pelvis.  But going back in there with the Arachnoiditis could cause me more damage and issues.  His thoughts were to consider the spinal cord stimulator.   He was kind, I felt I could trust his opinion.   I had several more visits with Dr Singh to discusss options as well and he also agreed to the least invasive procedures as I am at risk for paralyzation.  So as the days, weeks, and months go on, I will continue to battle daily pain and consider the spinal cord stimulator.   I continue to work both jobs (Hospice and the Hospital) as well as doing Gold Canyon.  I attempt to be as Social as possible.  Phil is challenged with a health issue, has a seizure, and is unable to drive for 3 months.  I begin driving him to work.   Surprise to Phoenix and Phoenix to Wickenburg and back.   Hours upon hours in the car.     I know I need to make a change. My health is declining.  I am starting to feel extremely tired...more like exhausted.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lean on Me

I have very much appreciated everyone in my life.  Words that constantly ring in my ears are "call if you need anything".  Those are such precious words to me.  The song Lean on Me plays over and over in my head some days.  I often hear it and become tearful.  Why?  I will tell you why... When you become chronically ill, isolation just happens, you become more vulnerable for abuse, and depression, and you grieve.  Leaning on friends during this time is so important. But, where are they?  They go on with their lives, that's where they go. Most do not understand what it's like to be chronically ill.  If you try to educate them, lets say post about it on facebook, then you often get called out for "trying to get attention".  If you post about how you are feeling, you get called out for "complaining".  It's a lost battle.  People expect you to be able to do the same things you once could do.  There are very few people who und...
Read more

Who's responsibility?

My goal is to write, and not just for me, but for others, who need to be educated about these rare diseases, because believe me, they are becoming more prevalent.  With more and more Failed Back Surgery Syndromes and the NUMBER ONE cause of Arachnoiditis is Epidural Steroid Injections into the spine. Epidurals are not FDA approved for injections into the spine. It is on the label that it can cause neurological injury (Arachnoiditis). Doctors (especially pain doctors know this) and should not be offering such injections.  You, as the patient have every right to refuse these injections.  I, only want to educate you. That is my goal, if I can prevent any one of you from getting this condition, then I have done my duty, I have accomplished my goal.  You do not want this.  I did not get Arachnoiditis from an Epidural, mine was from spinal trauma, but Epidurals are the number one cause and please think twice before getting one.  Here is the link to the FDA websit...
Read more

Friendships

Throughout the past few years I have been blessed with some very helpful, compassionate, understanding friends.  I have also had to bear the hurt, rejection, and sometimes betrayal of those once closest to me.  About a year into my ordeal, I would come to understand just how chronic illness would impact friendships and become peaceful a year or so later with learning to be alone.  I was always a social person, the first to create an extravagant event at my home, invite 60-80 guests and make "special treats" homemade.  This, I could no longer do.  I had a history of being "fun", "life of the party", I used to enjoy the occasional bottle or two of wine, and the crazy events that arose from them.  Lots of memories had been made over the years within my group of friends.  My health no longer allowed me to be this person, the pain put a stop to the fun, no doubt.  One thing I could still do was give.  When I was invited places, I still offered to...
Read more