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Sometimes it is structural

Discussion in 'Support Subforum' started by Meu-retired, Nov 30, 2025 at 11:06 AM.

  1. Meu-retired

    Meu-retired Peer Supporter

    Here is my dilema: my partner is beginning to turn into TMS and Dr Sarno, but after having horrific back pain for 4 months the doctors want to operate, this is the MIR she had:
    Imaging Tests:
    Patient: A 65-year-old patient who consults for acute, limiting, and invalidating intense lumboradicular pain.

    Medical History (A.P.):

    No known drug allergies (No RAMC). No relevant medical-surgical history for the current process.

    Physical Examination (E.F.):

    Presents with mechanical lower back pain, contracture, and antalgic position.

    Presents neurogenic claudication of a few hundred meters.

    Intense sciatica of a few weeks of evolution.

    No clear objective deficit (perhaps 4+/5 for dorsiflexion).

    No reported alterations of perineal sensitivity or sphincter control.

    Imaging Tests:

    • Discopathies with listhesis and instability at the L3 to L5 levels.

    • Spinal canal, lateral recess, and foraminal stenosis in the three most affected levels in varying degrees of severity.

    • Discrete right posterolateral-foraminal hernia at L5-S1.

    Commentary and Plan:

    In view of the imaging findings and the clinical presentation, the diagnosis of MULTILEVEL SPINAL CANAL STENOSIS AND INSTABILITY is established.

    The surgical indication is established as STABILIZATION AND DECOMPRESSION L3-L5.

    apparently it is urgent that she gets surgery or the nerve damage can be greater.
    There is my dilema: There are cases where surgery is the only option!? Apparently this is such a case and i could be hurting her by delaying the operation and trying to work with her on TMS? I feel guilty, what if I am wrong and surgery IS THE only way out? Sometimes it is so right?

    should i close my mouth and let her proceed with the surgery?

    I am lost here..

    thanks
     
  2. JanAtheCPA

    JanAtheCPA Beloved Grand Eagle

    I know this is frustrating,@Meu-retired, but we really can't comment on medical findings here, and you'll never find someone with exactly the same diagnosis. However, you CAN encourage your partner to consult a TMS doctor, most of whom will consult at a distance after receiving and reviewing complete medical transcripts. It's not cheap if insurance doesn't cover it.

    I don't know the consultation status of David Hanscom MD these days, but as a former back surgeon for many years for Swedish Medical in Seattle, he can either do the consult or make a recommendation. Dr Howard Schubiner MD definitely consults remotely but I think is more of a generalist. You can find them or perhaps someone locally in the practitioner directory at
    https://www.symptomatic.me/practitioner-directory#!directory/map/ord=rnd

    Good luck!
     

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