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From: Liz.Petry@f8.n3801.z1.fidonet.org (Liz Petry)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: CERVICAL DISCOGENIC DISEASE
Message-ID: <18742@bunker.isc-br.com>
Date: 15 Apr 91 15:14:04 GMT
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Index Number: 14896

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

My name is Elizabeth (Liz) Petry and I haven't logged onto his echo in
several months.  I have been involved in 3 major auto accidents within
the last 2 years. My last one occured here in Tyler, TX, when my car
slid off the road during an ice storm in December.  I am currently in
physical therapy, which my neurologist has prescribed 3X/week. I am up
to 27 p.s.i. and it isn't fun at all.  I lost most of the control in my
left arm, hand, shoulder (I also write with my left).  And, after going
to the doctor in January, he ordered an MRI of the cervical spine.

After having this done on February 7, it is determined that I have a
PHASE I-II HERNATION OF THE CERVICAL DISK AT C 5-6.  Going through that
MRI was the hardest thing I had ever done...I could handle the closed
in space, but lying on that hard plastic holder (the one with my head
cradled in it during the scan) was as close to living h--- as I could
get...I got up after the scan..and walked down to Cat Scan where my
neurologist was...and I lost all function in my left arm.  He said I
was "guarding it" and to work it out.  I went home sick.

I am practically living off of SOMA..But, this ia what I want to
know...I am actually glad that the MRI found something...because, at
least I know I wasn't making it up.  Dr. Collins believes that the
whiplash I suffered (I hit the driver's side window with my head, and
then my right ear hit my shoulder..) did most of the damage.  There is
a possibility that my other 2 accidents may have started it...and the
ice storm finished it.  Do I have the right to feel as though I didn't
make it all up?  Dr. C says that I will probably always be in pain for
the rest of my life, and he/I are talking about MORPHENE BLOCKS, and
surgery will be the ultimate last resort.

Jean...Joe...and anyone else here...I have missed you guys a lot...but
now, I am more scared than ever.  I can actually relate to what you all
have been taling about...I had a nerve test recently...and it is
confirmed that the disc is pushing on my spinal cord, and that is why I
feel like my arm/shoulder is the equivalent of paralyzed...

I apologize wholeheartedly for not keeping in touch....all I feel I
have now is my faith.  (And, a very strong will.)

If anyone here has an opinion...please tell me.  I am open to anything.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Petry
Tyler, TX

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