Coffee? Tea? Serenity?

This is a recount of the doctors and diagnosis that was given by each.

In Nov. 2007, I saw Dr. Faulk to discuss the symptoms.

• He could not duplicate (or touch) the pain.
• He ruled out hernia and appendix
• urinalysis = clear
• He suggested that I lighten up on my activities and return in a couple of weeks if it didn't go away.

The didn't go away.  I returned. 

• He recommended seeing my OB/GYN to rule out anything there.  
• He recommended taking ibuprofen for one week to help any inflammation
• He recommended ceasing all strenuous activity

In early Dec. 2008, I saw the OB/GYN

• A urinalysis showed infection.
• He prescribed antibiotics.
• He wanted to schedule a hysterectomy for the following Tuesday because my uterus was "tilted".

I returned to Dr. Faulk asking for a referral to a new OB/GYN.

During the Christmas and New Year's Holiday, as I sat at my desk, the symptoms were present.  I was annoyed.  They were not constant, but would not go away.  I had the urge to stretch, so I did.  When I did, I heard a slight crack in my spine.  When I returned to the sitting position at my desk, the symptoms were no longer present.  I scheduled an appointment to see a chiropractor.

Jan. 4, 2008, the Chiropractor suspected:

• pulled sciatic nerve
• sacroiliac joint dysfunction

X-rays showed:

• possible area of arthritis in the neck
• curvature of the spine - the most severe curve being just above my tail bone.  My tail bone was tilted way off to the right.
• fusion at the left sacroiliac joint
• over sized sacroiliac joint opening at the right side

A thorough exam by a new OB/GYN in mid Jan. 2008 resulted in:

• tilted uterus not the cause
• small lump on my left breast was found during exam - mammo a few weeks later = clear and return in 6 months
• ultrasound of ovaries = all looks normal

MRI on Feb. 11, 2008:

• Moderately sized left paracentral disc herniation is seen at the C5-6 level with effacement of the cord and slightly downward extrusion below the level of the disc.  No free fragments of the disc material are seen.  The disc extends slightly into the left neural foramen at C5-6.
• Minimal left paracentral disc bulge is seen at L4-5, with slight extension of disc material into the left neural foramen, not appearing to compromise the exiting left L4 nerve root.  The thecal sac is slightly deformed.