My Latest Doctors Appointment

Here is an explanation to what a Physiatrist is, Dr Brzusek of Spine Universe, defines Physiatry as: "A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine. These spine specialists focus on the body's musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Physiatrists treat patients of all ages with diverse problems ranging from simple low back sprains to complex disorders, such as spinal cord injury. Their comprehensive approach includes treating the entire patient, not just symptoms.

My Physiatrist is Dr Donna Moore who practices out of the Silverdale Group Health. As as I said in an earlier post, she is the best doctor I have ever had.

As I went into this appointment, I had increased symptoms since I saw her last month. My spasms have been increasing on a uphill climb and my pain level has also increased. We were concerned because there was talk of possible cysts that could have formed - this would explain the enlarged spinal cord. I learned that cysts form in 30% of all spinal cord injuries. My Neurosurgeon, Dr Gala, classified the enlarged spinal cord as, "Delayed Rapid Infusion Injury". Which made no sense to me, or him. I do not think he actually believed it when he said it. Normally when blood rushes through after decompression of the spinal cord, there is a possibility of a Rapid Infusion Injury, which would happen right after surgery. However in my case it did not appear until 5 months after surgery. So cysts would make sense.

However after examining me and asking some questions, Dr Moore is convinced that it is not a cyst or a tumor because I am not losing motor function. She said it would be very evident as I would wake up with complete loss of function in one of my limbs or any other muscle - depending on where the cyst would form. She said that the increased spasms are a normal situation as scar tissue begins to harden over time. I also learned that I will be dealing with spasms of some level for the rest of my natural life.

As for the constant pain and increased pain, both Dr Moore and Dr Gala are completely perplexed to why this is happening. So for right now we are just treating the symptoms. So that means more pain pills than before. My walking with my left leg has become quite difficult. I am told that it is because of the increased spasms, which have increased my muscle tone to the point of not being able to bend my left knee very well when walking. So to combat this I will be fitted for a leg brace that will keep my foot pointing upward while walking, which will allow my knee to bend better.

So the good news is that as far as the spinal cord injury goes, I am not getting any worse. For that I am very thankful.

Only through Christ who strengthens me am I am able to live through all this. My church has been my tower of refuge in this crazy storm. Also of course, my wonderful bride, Jana, who has given her all to take care of me. She truly is a gift from God.

So now in a matter of weeks, not only will I have eyeglasses, I will also have a leg brace. All to add to my cane. That will be a picture... Maybe I will share that with you. :)

Thank You for reading.

Eric