06/28/2024
Hello, friends, family, and clients!
Over the past few years, if you've spent any time with me, you may have noticed that I often have to find somewhere to lean or sit due to lower back pain. Whenever I mentioned this to my primary care physician, I was always told to "lose weight and be more active." Frustrated with this response, I switched to a new doctor who took my concerns seriously. The new doctor referred me to an orthopedic specialist who suspected I had a condition called Spinal Stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal column that constricts the nerves running through it. An MRI was needed to confirm this diagnosis and assess the severity of the stenosis.
However, my health insurance provider denied the prior authorization for the MRI, deeming it medically unnecessary. I was told I could appeal their decision by documenting every appointment, chiropractor visit, pain relief medication, massage, and more over a ten-year period. Instead, since I was on the cusp of being eligible to sign up for Medicare, the doctors advised me to wait until that was in place, which started in April this year. With Medicare, I was able to get the MRI without any issues, and the results showed Moderate to Severe Spinal Stenosis at the L3, L4, and L5 vertebrae.
Following a surgical consultation, a plan was made to address the issue. I will be undergoing a spinal laminectomy tomorrow morning, where the surgeon will remove part of the three affected vertebrae to relieve pressure on the nerves. This procedure may require an overnight stay due to the involvement of three vertebrae. My husband, Steven, will provide updates on Facebook once I'm out of surgery. I'll try my best to respond to messages, but I may be on pain medication and not very coherent.
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, but not treating it would significantly diminish my quality of life. Please keep me in your thoughts and send lots of love my way. If you have any real estate needs or questions, feel free to contact my friend and designated broker, Eric Flynn, at 207-329-4466.
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