I met with the spine doctor last Tuesday to discuss the results of my latest MRI. I’m documenting it here so I have an easy way to go back and see what’s been going on, in regards to my pinched nerve. I had the MRI right before we went to Bornholm.
According to Dr. Kai, the degeneration has not progressed much since 2017 (when the previous MRI was done), but he said that was to be expected since it had already progressed so far. It’s basically the same, bone on bone between a couple of vertebrae.
After 4 weeks off I have had very little issues, almost no pain or tingling or pins and needles in my right arm or hand, which he also said was to be expected since I’ve been relaxing, not sitting at a computer working 8 hours a day and much less stress. He expects it will flare up again at some point, but there’s no saying how long that will take. Since the last time it was nearly 4.5 years, it’s anyone’s guess.
So, we decided that waiting and seeing is the best option right now, instead of electing for surgery immediately, but that if and when it comes back or gets bad, I just need to call the spine center, and we can discuss surgical options at that point. He said most likely I would not be able to avoid surgery as nothing else will correct the problem.
Today, I’m having lots of pain in my shoulder/neck, but I feel like it’s because I slept wrong. Ibuprofen so far hasn’t helped much. I’ve been using the massager as well, but might have to call Emily to see if she can fit me in sooner than my scheduled appointment in 3.5 weeks if it doesn’t release.
Here’s hoping that 4 weeks off has been enough to get things to relax, but since I have noticed slight tingling now and then when I’ve sat wrong or tipped my head back, I suspect it’s just a matter of time.
Mood: resigned
Music: Spin Doctors—You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast