Hi,
I would suggest seeing either a neurologist or orthopedist, but make sure they specialize in the spine and have a spine fellowship. I personally went to an orthopedic spine specialist and ended up having surgery. But either might be okay. And you probably might want to see a Pain Management specialist as well.
I'm sorry you're in so much and I definitely sympathize for you! Has your doctor given you any meds to try help the pain? I sure hope so. It sounds like you have alot going on and either way, I hope you get some good resolution in the end.
Yes, there are many risks with having spine surgery, but any surgery carries many risks. There are no guarantees and you always have to weight to risks versus the possible benefits. And also think about how you're quality of life is....has it changed for the worst? I imagine with all that, you are probably quite limited in what you can do anymore. I know I became severely limited.
IF..you ever decide on surgery, make to sure to go to a good surgeon who has done alot of the same type of surgery. And you would need to ask the doctor alot of questions before you make up your mind. I am hoping that your family doctor DOES give you a referral to a specialist on the 27th, as your thoracic spine compression can end up becoming serious. Not to scare you, just letting you know the truth. And jsut because you see a specialist, it does not mean that you need surgery. If you get a referral, make sure to ask them alot of questions and definitely tell them how long your pain's been going on, tell them exactly every location on yoru body that you get pain or numbness or pins & needles; tell them if it's constant or intermittant; tell them you cannot sleep because of the pain; And also try to come up with some good descriptive words for your pains and symptoms. For example, is it sharp, shooting, electric, dull, achy, fiery, hot, tingling, buzzing, vibrating, do your muscles spasm......and another example, when I had severe sciatica down my left leg and into the ankle, I told my doctor that the pain in my ankle felt liek someone was using an electric nail gun and shooting huge nails into my ankle constantly. I said my sciatica down my leg felt as if my leg was cut open and someone was pouring rubbing alcohol down it all day long. Tell them if any body positions lessen the pain & what positions make the pain worse. You have to tell them all of it. If you have any other questions, please let me know...