#4100

[Full Quiver]

Well this is the last day of the year, my 4100th post, etc. but I would like to update you guys on something that is going on in my life.

I have been having back pain for some 8 weeks now. I thought it was a muscle problem since it was the same location and pain that I had three years ago that was finally diagnosed and treated to my satisfaction as a muscle tear. I immediately sought an orthopedists instead of just going to my primary care physician, pcp.

The ortho was at first only treating the pain which was just a symptom of the actual problem. I am not one that likes to take these pain meds so I got straight with the doc and made him listen to me. While in Georgia for Thanksgiving I ran out of the pain meds, which only made the pain bearable, so I took a muscle relaxer. I was actually able to sleep through the night then. With just the pain meds I couldn't get comfortable enough lying down to get into a good sleep.

Anyhow I reported to my doc when I got back to town that the muscle relaxer worked better than anything. He found it strange but said we must be dealing with a muscle problem which is why I sought his services in the first place. He ordered an MRI.

After I took the MRI I was called by the radiology dept. at Vanderbilt and told to come back in for a second MRI this time with contrast. They couldn't give me a reason why. The doc finally called and said I see something on the scan but I cannot diagnose you based on what I am seeing so we need the second scan but we will not charge you for it.

I took the second MRI with contrast and the doc showed the results to one of his partners, a spine surgeon. They both insisted that I had an infection in my spinal column and insisted that I had fever especially at night. I told them I did not have any fever at all anytime. They said it was strange so the surgeon then ordered a CT Scan with contrast which I did last Saturday morning.

I met with the spine surgeon Monday morning and he had reviewed the CT scan and said I needed to have a biopsy done which would be guided by a second CT. At this point I'm getting nervous because I hear biopsies hurt and I don't like the thought of people cutting near my spine.

I called and set up an appointment with my pcp for a second opinion or consultation of sorts. He reviewed the tests, looked me in the eye, and said Danny you have to have this biopsy done ASAP and if you haven't heard from the surgeon by tomorrow morning then you call him back. He told me that either I have an abscess in my back or I have a tumor on my 8th thoracic vertebrae. He said it's small, round, and definitely there where my rib attaches to my spine. He said you cannot let this lie.

I asked about the abscess and he said we hope it's an abscess but can't explain why you would have one considering you don't have any fever or a reason to have such an infection seeing as how I haven't had any surgery there nor do I have an immune deficiency problem. He warned me that I was about to enter a very stressful time in my life. I felt like a couple of grown men immediately sat down on my shoulders and wanted me to carry them around but I was thankful for the doc being so upfront with me.

Anyhow I solicit your prayers during this time. This may be nothing at all and I can only hope for the best. I am not terrified but somewhat anxious. I know thousands of people face these things every day and I know several personally that are having harder battles just now so I am not prepared to have a pity party. Please pray for my health and my family.

Happy New Year!!!!

[scooter]

Will do.

[RamboPreacher]

FQ, you have asked me to refrain from praying for you, so I will. However, I would like to mention that I am very happy that you are in a place, spiritually and ecclesiologically, that allows you to see doctors and take their advice after prayer yourself. "You're a good man Charlie Brown", and I hope all the best for you thought this time of need and challenge.

[Full Quiver]

I am still anticipating the call from the doctor about the biopsy. He emailed me Thursday and said he was coordinating it with the oncologist.

Can anyone tell me about a biopsy? What is the process?

[Tracy]

My guess is a needle biopsy. But really, I don't know. If I were you, I would insist on a pain-free biopsy. They have ways of numbing, giving you relaxation meds, etc.

I will certainly pray for you.

[Mike Vande]

Dear Lord, protect our brother's health and comfort his family in this time of trial and stress. Please grace him with healing for his body so his family won't have to do without him. Bless them all in Jesus' name and for the sake of what HE did for us all. AMEN!

Keep us posted, dude.

[Mole_J]

If it is a needle biopsy it is not that bad.

I have had three of these, once on a lymph node near my waist and two on my hips. None of the biopsy was I allowed to see the needle. They numbed the entrance so you don't feel anything with the initial poke. They made me turn my head so I would not see the needle before they poked me.

The one I had on the lymph node, I don't remember any pain associated with that. The two on my hips hurt some as they took some part of the bone with the biopsy. I don't remember a lot of pain, just some discomfort after they inserted the needle and started scraping the bone. There was a little discomfort at the spots they injected the needles after. I don't remember it being very painful, just some discomfort.

I think they gave me some pain medicine after, but I never did have to take it.

I will remember you in my prayers.

[Full Quiver]

The doc's office called yesterday and told me that I would have an open biopsy on Feb. 10th. I will first have a CT scan to mark the spot and then go to surgery for the biopsy. it is scheduled as an outpatient procedure but could turn into an overnight stay depending on how I do and what they find.

This is much more intrusive than I was looking forward to and we , my family, would appreciate your prayers.

[paul]

praying for you

[Tracy]

I will definitely pray.