DC-area referrals?

[Tatonka_usn]

Greetings all,

It's been some time since my last post, and I'm hoping I might be able to tap into the collective for recommendations on a good neuro/ortho surgeon in the DC/Northern Va area. After quite a number of frustrating years trying to get TRICARE to deal with me in a productive manner, I have departed the Navy to resume life as a civilian. Unfortunately, in the procrocess of finishing up grad school, finding a new job (which I did), moving cross country to Northern Va, buying a house, and separating from the military, my ongoing lumbar problems have now morphed into cervical spine problems as well....right about the time the military health care system has pretty much washed it hands of me (literally and figuratively). While I still have transitional coverage for the next 6 months, if the past is an indication I'll get absolutely nowhere (precisely when I need help the most). As such, if anyone has a good surgeon in this area I would greatly appreciate the feedback.

To give the abridged version....after 3 years of lumbar issues (now chronic), my neck has appeared to have blown out over the past several weeks. This all started back with my MVA (Dec 03), and even though I appeared to walk away with just whiplash, I honestly believe the ordeal started a gradual chain reaction. L5-S1 blew out in April 07, and I've been wrestling with the after-effects of a micro-d that only gave me 6 months of improvement (followed by a reherniation, loss of disc height/water signal, stenosis, DDD....and a partrige in a pear tree). The last 2 surgical opinions I had labelled me the perfect ADR candidate, but Tricare refused (of course) and shuffled me out the door (yes, a letter to my elected officials is forthcoming).

Well, my worst nightmare has come true, and I began noticing pretty significant neck pain late last summer/early fall. They did an MRI in September, which revealed bulges at C5-C7 (though no cord impingement). The pain/pressure continued through winter, with a gradual increase in pain/tingling in my left arm. Sadly, I'd noted this periodically over the past few years, but wrote it off as shoulder problems (I'm told C6-7 can often mask initially as rotator cuff issues). By December it became clear there was a problem, but (as with the last 2+ years) I was more focused on the lower back to pay much attention.

Then I think IT finally happened the first week of January, as we were getting ready to move. I was re-screening a door (on the floor), and I immediately noticed decreased sensation in my last two fingers (left hand). Was hoping it was just over use, but over the past few weeks the level of pain in my neck and down the left arm has increased. Went to the ER for it a week ago Sunday (31 Jan), but was sent home without much of anything being done (the tossed tylenol with codeine at me....whooopie). To his credit, the Doc realized doing an X-ray would show nothing relevant, and recommended I see my primary care provider for referral to neurosurgery and another MRI. To date, the weather has wreaked havoc on my attempt to get in to see anyone, and at this rate, it could be weeks before I'm even seen (let alone anything actually done). What concerns me is that I'm now VERY symptomatic down my RIGHT arm as well, and while I can still move both, I can feel weakness settling in (on top of increasing pain across the lower neck, shoulder blades, traps, shoulders, and into the upper arms --- as far down as the elbow, maybe further).

I'm pretty much at a loss at this point, and don't want to wait until this becomes a life altering proposition. I'd normally say that paranoia is playing a part in my worry, but get the feeling that one (or both) of the bulges have blown (more likely C6-C7, based on the dermatome charts and current symptom pattern). I've just started a new job, and am worried that if this continues (let alone gets worse) I'm going to have significant problems performing up to standards (particularly during the important, initial timeframe). I have contacted the clinic in Barcelona that Neckman saw, but don't have any imaging studies more recent than September to send along. I'm not patient when it comes to this stuff, and need to find a way to get an MRI done.....SOON!!! I have the money to do the surgery if necessary, but am concerned about: 1) finding out what's really going on, and 2) rushing into something without going through the proper motions (ie conservative treatment). Hence, if anyone knows a good surgeon in this area I'd love to try an endrun and force tricare's hand? Any information/feedback you have would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Alan

[Harrison]

Hi Alan,

Sorry you are back again, but I hope we can help you in your next steps. I am tied up the next few days, but can catch up with you this weekend. Have you already searched the forums and talked to other patients from your area? You are located with proximity to some very experienced arthroplasty surgeons.

BTW, congrats on all your achievements! And changes! It's not always easy to grow, change and accept new responsibilities; especially with a troubled spine. But you did it.

If anyone else can chime in, please do. Alan, talk to you soon.

[ans]

Hi Alan,

So sorry you're in this bind.

Have you seen this thread? Lori Todd is a true pioneer and I think that you can contact her. Also, have you checked www.chirogeek.com

I remember from one forum that one Tricare member won an ADR appeal using her ideas - among others.

Also, and this is rough financially, could you get an opinion from say Dr. Bitain in NYC or Dr. Yue at Yale/New Haven. I know it's a helluva train ride by experience.

My best - ans