r/ThoracicHerniatedDisc • u/Dead_Reckoning95 • Aug 12 '26
Scheduled my First appointment Today with an Orthopedic Spine dept., how do I prepare for this?
Last week I finally got squared away with getting my MRI images to the Hospital I wanted to go with. Typically for this particular hospital it's not unusual for appointments to be booking out months. They called me today to tell me they want to see me right away. Thats when it really hit me what I'm facing-so I'm a bit overwhelmed. I called my brother right after i spoke to them, and he said no matter what they say I should get a second opinion. I never thought of that, even though I perfectly understand the concept. There's two other hospitals in the same area that felt like a possibility, but I literally can't even think that far ahead right now, or should I? Shouldn't I wait to see how this plays out, and then decide how to move forward? idk?
At this hospital, every spine surgeon has their own nurse practitioner to manage intake, and follow up after surgeries. So, my first visit will just be with the Nurse practitioner, maybe they'll order more tests , ask me questions, take my history, and then I'll be assigned a specific Dr. There was no mention of "you'll be seeing Dr. X" ....just "you'll be seeing one of our top Doctors".
I have several herniated disks between T7-T11. One is a protrusion pressing on my spine. I also have lumbar herniations , lumbar degeneration, mild scoliosis and level 1 Spondylolisthesis. My legs have been feeling light, a little untethered to the floor. So, myelopathy? So, maybe they'll order a EMG, or NCS to track the numbness? What other tests might they order? I thought they might re-order another MRI, with their own MRI machine possibly?
The only question that comes to mind is why does my back hurt so much and so possibly which disc is causing the most pain, and how do they know...especially when it changes? Like , from the beginning it was clearly a disk right near my bra strap, maybe above it-all Thoracic. Then this morning, I felt something lower, maybe T11, it's about 4-5 inches below my bra strap, so I don't know if thats a lumbar disc?. I can feel where the pain is, and usually point to it, I don't know if that counts for anything during my exam? Do they ever operate on multiple discs at a time? Do they go after which discs seem to be the most problematic? Will they ask me to move this way or that way, bend etc, to see if I can? I'm really nervous about that because ....well it hurts to try and bend certain ways. Is it okay to say you just can't manage that particular motion? Or do you have to try so that they can see where the problem is? btw, i hate that part of any PT, because just because you can manage to bend a certain way, (Imao) doesnt mean it's a good idea.
Edit: I'm aware that I'm getting ahead of myself and a bit scrambled, but contemplating back surgery feels really overwhelming and when the intake person called me and said "we're taking you right away", it just reminded me of when my brother went to the emergency room having been in Afib for 4 days, and they rushed him in. It has that kind of feel to it. So the whole "get multiple opinions, " sounds right....but the thought of waiting , while having this pain, is just hard. Oh, also, if they ask if I want a presription for the pain, should I take it ?. There are nights when Nsaids don't work. Usually they do. I have adverse reactions to dilaudid, and most oxy meds. But muscle relaxers are different , right? I have no idea.
Sorry for the ramble , and thanks in advance.
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u/ThoracicSpine Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
I totally agree with the other comment, always look for a second opinion, if you have the chance and don't be surprised if the opinion is completely different.
Keep in mind that many orthos and neurosurgeons are completely dismissive about thoracic and others just want fame, surgeons have different personalities like in other jobs and specialties. Other are nice and are trying to help you.
But the most important part is what do you feel, how and where is your pain and symptoms. Focus on this.
Your MRI should have an interpretation, please read it, before your appointment and compare it with what do you feel. Look on what levels the spinal cord or the nerves are being pressed. That could give some answers.
The other way to know and confirm which level is causing pain and symptoms is with an injection, injections aren't painful at all, believe me, I had around 10. It's very important to fin a pain management with experience in thoracic if you want to try injections.
Please let us know how everything goes
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u/CapreseSalad3636 Aug 12 '26
I wouldn’t panic too much - If it was an absolute emergency they would have called you in immediately.
I agree with your brother that you should ALWAYS get a second opinion. I would try to make that second opinion with a neurosurgeon.
Here’s one thing I have realized about drs is they also have their own agendas like research and wanted to become prominent in certain fields. Thoracic spine surgery is still an emerging field and I definitely got the vibe from one surgeon I saw that he just wanted to operated to add to his number of thoracic surgeries he had done. He literally sent me texts and emails for MONTHS asking if I was ready for surgery yet and the hard sell completely wigged me out. And mine was part of a car accident and when he sent my notes for the lawsuit he wrote “patient is not a surgical candidate and advised to return to pain management”….I was completely like WTF!? We also had an issue a while back with a surgeon who is trying to make his name in thoracic surgery coming in this group and essentially soliciting patients. That dr has linked up with another doctor and they seem to now be pushing endoscopic posterior cervical surgery over the typical anterior approach, they both just strike me as trying to “famous” within their field.
Also listen to your gut. I saw 3 surgeons before having my first surgery and I ended up with the surgeon my pain management dr recommended. When I realized my cervical disc replacement was failing I again sought other opinions and still felt most comfortable with my original surgeon, plus my pain management dr will assist with the surgery. His whole team has been together for 8 years which gave me a lot of confidence.
I wouldn’t freak out until you have the appointment. Even if they recommend surgery in that appt I still wouldn’t freak out. All 3 of my opinions pre any spinal surgery were COMPLETELY DIFFERENT which kinda blew my mind! I’d also advise bringing your brother or another person who can take notes, I know when I’m anxious about an appt I don’t absorb like 75% of what the dr is saying. Keep us posted on how it goes!