MTI

Yes that is exactly it. Yes I have the MRI to confirm. I had this done on Tuesday and went to the Nuerologist today with the results.

Given the way insurance companies are, I submitted the paperwork today to get the approval for the next exam. The one that you mentioned, I believe. It is to see whether or not there is nerve damage or loss of response in my left arm. As it is now, I get pins and needles from time to time and infrequently, since I am on a coctail of muscle relaxers and anti-inflamatory/pain killer drugs, LOTS of pain starting at my left shoulder (the shoulder-blade part) working down to my left elbow. It was so bad a few weeks ago that the pain would wake me from my sleep.

If you or anyone out there has had any experience with this I would love to hear from you. Part of the current situation is that I am currently unemployed (got laid off the 2nd of February). My health insurance is still active but when I get a new job, my health insurance will obviously change therefore, I will have to declare pre-existant problems - obviously then the new health insurance will not cover any treatment/operations.

The Nuerologist today told me that with treatment and so forth I can aleviate the pain and all that but the herniated disc will still be there. Sooner or later I will have to get this operated on. (still need to see a nuerosurgeon) I am 34 years old and do not want to spend the rest of my life in treatment and on drugs.

Therefore, even though still only halfway through the diagnosis, I am considering an operation. (milk the current health insurance company/policy and take advantage that I am out of work for the recoup time)

Anyone out there with facts that can chime in? Just how dangerous is it to operate on herniated disc between C5-C6 today? Is this now commenplace? Will traction and coctail of drugs cure my problem - relieve the pain but still persist with herniated disc that will cause problems with the disconituation of treatment? I know that each problem like this unique but, I would like to hear what the forum has to say.

Thanks,

Iggy

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Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

2006 - Suzuki Gran Vitara (2.0 L fully equipped) Like this car so far except for trying to put on the seatbelt.
1988 - 190e - 2.3L - 172K miles (It now belongs to the exwife)
1999 - Chevy Blazer LS Fully Equiped - killed it June 2006
2001 - Honda Civic EX - 68K miles (sold June 2004)
1963 - 220S - Dual Carb 6 cyl. (sold)
1994 - Yamaha WaveRaider (fun to ride)