Finally we have some news from Birmingham. Graham Flint had to request Marks most recent MRI images that Pinderfields omitted to send prior to our appointment and having looked at them and decided that there has been no change since the scans in December. Therefore with no further information his recommendation is thus:
Looking at the internal fixation apparatus I did wonder whether some of the spinal pain might be mechanical in origin but, then again as the pains are widespread I suggest it is neurogenic (posh word for caused or affected by the nerves).
It is difficult to know what to do. Unfortunately there are no investigations which would substantiate or otherwise my suggestion that his pains might be related to cord tethering. I would be prepared to re-explore Mr Wycherley's spine, remove the internal fixation apparatus and carry out a judicious exploration intradurally (that means look at the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord to see if there are any visible problems). End of consultants letter.
So at least someone has an idea of a way forward. That's really positive. There are dangers with such an operation, the most dangerous is that if the spinal cord suffers any further damage due to the operation Mark would loose more sensation / motor function in his hands. By rights with spinal damage at Marks level he shouldn't have any hand functions so he is really lucky with the dexterity that he does have. His dilemma is he may have to make a trade off, a very difficult decision. Having said that his quality of life is severely hampered by the constant pain he's in, and the only way to control it is with morphine, which is nasty stuff and he doesn't want to get hooked on that long term. The next step is probably to get hold of all the original surgeons notes and get them translated so Graham Flint has a fighting chance of finding out what is actually in his back ...... not sure how easy that's going to be.
Some further good news, after much discussion between the council and us and the company doing the wetroom they're finally starting it this week, wonder of wonders. Mark can't wait, to be able to sit under a shower in the mornings will be heaven.
Some more good news, I'm having a holiday, hopefully going out to Greece to see friends and have some total relaxation........ soooooo needed after 18 months of non stop stress and very hard work getting this house sorted.
Looking at the internal fixation apparatus I did wonder whether some of the spinal pain might be mechanical in origin but, then again as the pains are widespread I suggest it is neurogenic (posh word for caused or affected by the nerves).
It is difficult to know what to do. Unfortunately there are no investigations which would substantiate or otherwise my suggestion that his pains might be related to cord tethering. I would be prepared to re-explore Mr Wycherley's spine, remove the internal fixation apparatus and carry out a judicious exploration intradurally (that means look at the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord to see if there are any visible problems). End of consultants letter.
So at least someone has an idea of a way forward. That's really positive. There are dangers with such an operation, the most dangerous is that if the spinal cord suffers any further damage due to the operation Mark would loose more sensation / motor function in his hands. By rights with spinal damage at Marks level he shouldn't have any hand functions so he is really lucky with the dexterity that he does have. His dilemma is he may have to make a trade off, a very difficult decision. Having said that his quality of life is severely hampered by the constant pain he's in, and the only way to control it is with morphine, which is nasty stuff and he doesn't want to get hooked on that long term. The next step is probably to get hold of all the original surgeons notes and get them translated so Graham Flint has a fighting chance of finding out what is actually in his back ...... not sure how easy that's going to be.
Some further good news, after much discussion between the council and us and the company doing the wetroom they're finally starting it this week, wonder of wonders. Mark can't wait, to be able to sit under a shower in the mornings will be heaven.
Some more good news, I'm having a holiday, hopefully going out to Greece to see friends and have some total relaxation........ soooooo needed after 18 months of non stop stress and very hard work getting this house sorted.
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