Gary's back

[gja1000]

Well Gary's back appointment is today at 11:00, so hopefully things go well.

This must be medical care day because on Wednesday I had what appears to be an infected pore, maybe a boil (I've never had one, but there is the first time for everything) come up on my back, so I go to the dermatologist at 12:45. I'm sure it is going to have to be lanced or removed in some way (oh fun).

Then, for quite some time, I have had a bone density test scheduled today at 3:00. Fortunately, it is in the same location as the dermatologist, so if I have some procedure that makes me too uncomfortable for the bone density, I can go by there on the way out and reschedule. But I'd like to get everything over TODAY!

The only tricky thing will be getting from Gary's 11:00 appt, to my 12:45 appt. They are all the way across town, which really isn't that far, but Friday traffic can be bad. It will be no problem at all if Gary's doc is running on time, but you know how that goes sometimes. So, we are going to take separate cars to Gary's appt and then if I have to leave before he is completely done, I can make it to my appt.

WHEW!

[Janet]

Sounds like you have a plan Gayle. Let us know how you both make out at your appointments.

[gja1000]

Gary's appointment went OK, they need more tests to determine exactly what has happened. It appears his spine has shifted forward and is sitting on some nerves in the tailbone area. But of course, they need more studies to be sure what it is and what to do about it. The shifting is due to a malformation of the tailbone that he was born with.

So, he's scheduled for an external nerve test Oct. 13th and he also needs a mylogram (dye study of the nerves) but they have to get clearance from his heart and kidney doctors, so it may take a little while to find out when they will do that.

The doctor said that hopefully, we can treat with injections and physical therapy, but he just won't know for sure what to do till he has a better idea about the amount (if any) of nerve damage.

This doctor is VERY conservative, and surgery is always his last resort, so hopefully we can solve this without surgery!

Now, on to my two appointments.................

[gja1000]

Well, this isn't about Gary's back, but is related to my appointment today that I mentioned above. I have a big ole cyst on my back which has to be excised. I have to take antibiotics first though, because it is inflammed right now. They will cut it out the middle of October. Fun. Just a local in the office, no big deal.

[paula1961]

Wow Gayle! You've had a big day today with drs appts. Sorry about Gary's back, hopefully it can be fixed with no surgery.

Ewww a boil is sooo sore! I had one once and it was awful. Hope all goes well with your bone density test. Mine turned out to be low and I have to take Actonel for it. Hope yours is better.

[gja1000]

Thanks Paula. My bone density is low too, but getting better. I take Evista. This is just a routine test to see how I am doing. Hopefully OK, I'll find out in a week or so.

Re the thing on my back. It turned out to be an encapsulated cyst rather than a boil - which is not as painful. However, it will have to be surgically removed (just in the office). She injected it with cortisone today to reduce the inflammation and I have to take antibiotics for a week also. All the inflammation has to be gone when they remove it or they can't get it all and it will come back. I don't want that, for sure!