Tuesday I had my MRI and Ortho appointment. The diagnosis is stenosis at
C3 and C4 and some damage at C-5 and C-6.  My Orthopedic Doc said there
were three options on the table at this time: a series of three Cervical
epidural steroid injections two weeks apart, nerve blocks, or surgery.
He is as conservative as I am and he recommended the steroid injections
to start off with.  He said he had always been amazed at the number of
patients who quickly jump to surgery at the outset.

My Ortho also discounted the chest pains I have been having as Costo
Chronditiis, instead it was more likely coming from the stenosis in my
back.

According to some internet sites I have visited it seems the injections
are normally about 50% effective, but i would rather start at this level
to see if I am in the 50% group who are helped by them.  Even if they
only give me relief for a short period of time, it will be welcomed I am
so tired of hurting and being inactive.

I also made a major change in RD's. I have been seeing an Rd recommended
by my former RD at the Cleveland Clinic, however he has no privileges at
KU Med where all my other Docs are located. I asked for and got a
referral to an RD there at KU Med.  Considering what is going on with
this old bod I felt it was important that my RD be able to access all of
my medical info immediately when I have an RD appointment.  I was lucky
since RDs at KU Med are not taking new patients at this time.  I could
only get in on a referral basis. He is a good Doc and I know he will
understand my change.

Wednesday I was absolutely miserable, paying the price for all the
activity the day before. I suspect I will pay the price for a while
after each injection, but it will be worth it if they work.

I would appreciate any and all comments from the group on the  cervical
epidural steroid injections.

TIA,

Don W