Just back from Orths appointment

Slosh

Well a good appointment especially as at present I do not need further surgery on my neck!
Very honest registrar who asked if I understood the outcomes of my neurology appointment as although he had read it, he was a spinal specialist and so it didn't mean much to him. I said I did and I appreciated his honesty.

He went through how I am now, outcomes of my surgery etc, and that while they had done their best to relieve the pressure on my spinal nerves/cord it was never a guaranteed outcome.

He said it is difficult to be clear about how much my problems are linked to my neck/spine problems and how much to the neuro problem. They will keep me under review, see me again in 3 months and will only consider further surgery if things get worse.

As my Mum used to say to me when I was younger, I could never do anything the easy way and things always seemed to get complicated.

dreamdaisy

It is good news that no further surgery is currently required and I hope that remains the case! I suppose it is one of those situations where only time will tell - it is impossible to give any form of accurate prognosis when dealing with matters medical but you are more than playing your part in co-operating with the docs and doing what you need to do. Keep up the good work, Slosh, and I sincerely hope things improve for you. DD

Slosh

Thanks DD. I am just relieved that I don't have to go back to school next week and tell my head I'm going to be off again. I'm also pleased that they are going to keep me under review and it feels as though I have a "safety net" so to speak if things do get worse (fingers crossed they don't ) as it took a long time to get my first appointment after the initial referral made by my GP. It's also a good time scale in terms of assessing the effect of my new physio regime.

Off to get my hair cut this afternoon.

Megrose489

Pleased that the appointment was so positive, Slosh. Fingers crossed that you don't need the surgery in the future.

Meg

stickywicket

I can only endorse all that DD has said. You have a good team on your side and you are doing all that is asked of you. You deserve success.

Slosh wrote:

Very honest registrar who asked if I understood the outcomes of my neurology appointment as although he had read it, he was a spinal specialist and so it didn't mean much to him.

Oh I love that! How many people come on here, having asked for a copy of the consultant's report, thinking they'll be able to understand it? You have a treasure ie a very knowledgeable guy who knows his limits. These are the ones we can trust.

bubbadog

Glad your 1st appointment of the year was pretty positive! Fingers crossed you won't need any surgery.

theresak

I`m glad the appointment went well Slosh - the registrar was indeed honest. They are the best sort!

I`m really pleased you need no more surgery at present - and also pleased that they will be keeping you under review. It`s always good to know that there will be a follow-up appointment in case things change.

Slosh

Thank you all for your kind wishes. I just hope for a calmer year on the health front than last and that even if things don't improve any changes are more gradual/slower than last year.

It makes up for yesterday when as my shoulders have been feeling reasonable for a few days I decided to do something I haven't done in months and put on a jumper! While putting it on in the morning was ok, taking it off again in the evening was not and so I ended up having to cut it open! Lesson learnt.

stickywicket

Right. Here's how I do jumpers.

1. To put on
Get something long, thin and lightweight eg my long-handled shoehorn-cum-backscratcher. (Can't scratch my back with it but great as a dressing aid. ). Screw back of jumper up and balance it precariosly on top of stick. Toss over head. (Preferably not right over though it does happen from time to time :roll: Insert arms.

2. To remove
Get one sleeve over wrist. Grasp tightly between knees. Heave and lean backwards until arm can be removed. Repeat with other sleeve. Get long-handled whatever, insert under neck of jumper and shove over face.

Works for me

Slosh

Thanks Sticky, I wonder how many calories that uses up? I think I will just stick to blouses. Mind you I have invested in one of those long dressing aids things with a hook on the end as I find it makes putting trousers on and pulling them up over my bad leg easier.

stickywicket

I must say I never thought of it as part of my exercise regime but I guess arthritis has to be good for something so weight loss will do me fine

Just blouses sounds quite expensive on fuel bills. I use gilets a lot as they're easy to get on and off. I also use thick (eg cord or suede), long-sleeved blouses as cardigans over short-sleeved blouses.

Slosh

I wear cardigans over them at home and the office at work is quite warm. I also tend to have my evening shower quite early so then snuggle up in my jim-jams and dressing gown with a fleece blanket over my legs.

villier

Pleased to hear you don't need anymore surgery Slosh it looks as though they are going to keep a good eye on you that's what you call a good team. Keep up the good work let's hope it helps keep things at bay. xx

LignumVitae

No more surgery has to be a good way to start the year. I hope you can sort things out via your neuro team and physio work.