I just found this group last week. I hope you can give me some timely advice also.
In 2008 I started having problems with severe pain in my legs when I walked. One of the doctors I saw noted that I had a Chiari malformation. He said it was just a interesting factoid, but nothing to be concerned about.
Over the years I have been having increasing problems with my right arm, chest pains, and difficulty making myself breathe. After some extensive testing, my neurologist said that she thought the Chiari (only 7mm) was the root of my problems and has referred me to a NS. He did another MRI checking the flow of the spinal fluid (don’t remember the name of the test). I have not gotten the results from him and won’t until the first week in June.
I have a long list of other complaints that I have been living with for a very long time. I have severe neck aches, ringing in my ears, vision issues, bowel incontenance, and I have developed a problem with my spine (my right shoulder has dropped so I look a little crooked). I have really never complained about them because I thought they where things that came along with aging. Should I start seeking second opinions before I meet with this doctor?
If someone could also suggest some good doctors I would appreciate it. I live in central VA.
Are you seeing the NS in June? Will this be your 2nd visit with him? I am glad he ordered the flow study..called a CINE MRI. I wanted to know if he also ordered a full spine MRI to rule out a syrinx?
Did you check out the DOCTORS Tab on the top of the page? I , personally do not know any NS in your area. Hopefully someone in your area will reply to this post.
I think it would be a good idea to get a second opinion, make sure you bring all the test results with you so the new doctor doesn't send you to more tests and he could look at them right there. if you're comfortable waiting til then and with him, getting the second opinion could be a waste. But if you aren't comfortable waiting until then and are in that much pain, i'd say go for second opinion :)
It never hurts to get more than one opinion! Also I would ask about getting a full spine MRI because of the bowel issues. You may have tethered cord or a syrinx. Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks for the response. I think I understand what you are getting at. It is almost like some doctors look for the easy diagnosis and then dump everything into that. I have not mentioned many of my symptoms to most doctors because I am tired of being looked at like a 3 headed monster. I have one doctor that I have talked to and she has not discounted anything I've told her. She's the one who initially brought in the NS. He did agree with her on the Chiari.
There is a terrific doctor in Fredericksburg, Dr. Berlad. He did my surgery almost 9 years ago and I feel so much better. I had been seeing a rheumatologist for a few years and was being seen for Fibromyalgia, when things started to go beserk.
After having a neurologist run a couple of tests, I was sent to Dr. Berlad. He is great, I walked into his office with a legal pad with tons of questions, he took the time to explain everything to me, answered all of my questions, he was great.