Hi everyone!
I just wanted everyone to know that I have had the "best" update possible from the neurosurgeon. The appointment itself was kind of strange, but eyeopening and something that changed my perspective on several issues.
First...and most importantly. I DO NOT HAVE A MENINGIOMA!!!!!!!!!! I have a hemangioma, which to my understanding is a blood vescle issue where there was a bleed or some damage in the area. Basically no real issue there at all.
We discussed many things and he looked over all of the MRI films. He did see some issues, but did not think they were anywhere near as bad as everyone else thought. Of course, he is a neurosurgeon and not a regular Dr, so he has seen his share of bad spines. At the conclusion of my appointment, I asked again would the SCS really help me because I have had every different Dr give me a different opinion (especially this last second opinion pain mgt idiot who said SCS would NEVER help someone like me). So the neurosurgeon tells me that SCS is an excelellant option for me and that he would start the paperwork with everyone immediately. Last year, he did not have the abiltiy to remove the "bad" ones, but the new ones are now removable if they are causing additional problems.
For some strange reason, I have completely changed my mind about the SCS and I WANT to try it now. I think it may be a good fit and I WANT MY LIFE BACK. I realize that it is a shot in the dark and I realize that it may not work at all, but I'm now willing to make the effort. I don't even know what changed my mind....time and worry I think.
The neurosurgeon said that the PM could do the trial, but I said "No he can't" and then told him that it was my spine and that nobody is going to work on or near my spine again but a neurosurgeon...so he said "ok, we'll do the trial here". I felt so much better. He's sending out the psychological to my psych (who is in favor of SCS and has tried to talk me into it before, but understood my problem with "more surgery"). I think he will understand that I am now able to make the decision realistically (especially since my husband is not drinking anymore). God, I pray that he keeps up the sobriety. It is very hard for him and sometimes I KNOW he is struggling so much, but I simply cannot live with him drinking again...period.
The Neurosurgeon is also having the Medtronic's rep contact me with all of the most advanced and updated equipment information because I get to choose which brand I want to use and I decided to check out Medtronics because I have seen many of you with success from that brand. I pray this is the right decision, but I honestly agree with the NS that I cannot continue to take pain meds at the level I do forever and I don't really want to. I want my life back and this is a chance. I know it is not always successful, but it is a chance.
Thank you to all who comforted me during my worry and to all who were so kind! I don't know what I would have done without you all!!!