Mustang Club of Maryland

To all MCOM Members,

This has been a very difficult year for me due to some health care issues. My daughter finally persuaded me to see an Orthopedic Specialist for my back in June. After a very thorough exam I was diagnosed with Scoliosis and Degenerative Disc Disease in my back. I was also diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and referred to an Arthritis Specialist.

Obviously this has impacted my daily activities and forced me to miss a lot of club activities.
Early is October my condition worsened as I developed a severe case of Sciatica. The pain was so intense in my left hip that I thought I needed a hip replacement! The doctor told me that it was Sciatica and prescribed Prednisone. I recently had a series of MRI's done and tomorrow I see the doctor again to discuss further treatment which probably means an Epidural into my spine to reduce the inflammation.

Today I received a beautiful fruit basket from The Mustang Club of Maryland and a Get Well card. That was really thoughtful and I appreciate it very much.

Thank you all again for your friendship and thoughtfulness.

Midnight Blue
Steve Tapper

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The Red Baron

Folks,

As a follow up to this post I had my appointment to review the findings of the MRI with a Ortho Nurse Practitioner. The results showed that my Scoliosis has created a rotational twisting of the spine which has caused the Sciatic Nerve to be pinched at L-3 & L-4 vertebrae.

I have been given another regimen of Prednisone and will see the Orthopedic Back Surgeon in a couple of weeks to discuss treatment options. The first option is an Epidural Injection into the spine. We will also discuss possible surgical options in the future.

Midnight Blue
MCOM Historian

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The Red Baron

Hello Steve. been there done that with the back problems, tried pain meds also. mine seemed to lessen with meds tried avoiding surgery and nevered need it. whos your Dr. mine was with Orthopedics Associates and had a great Dr there. but never need the surgery. i told him that it seem back problems with older people was like commond colds with people and he aggreed with me. good luck with everything. we all will pray for you.

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"I think people are so passionate about Mustang because it gives you a sense of freedom. especially in a red convertible.

Thanks Dan. I'm seeing the doctors at Advanced Orthopedics but mostly dealing with a Nurse Practitioner who is the gate keeper for back surgeon Dr. Myles Brager.

I also have seen Dr. David Silber who is the Hip Specialist. When I first came there in June I was diagnosed with Scoliosis and age related Degenerative Disc Disease. I was put on an anti inflammatory medicine which really helped a lot but the combination of my Scoliosis and a herniated disc have caused the nerve pinch. Hopefully, an Epidural will reduce the inflammation.

I plan to discuss surgical options with Dr. Brager as I don't want to just treat symptoms but am looking for a cure.

Midnight Blue
MCOM Historian

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The Red Baron

Steve,
Several years (1998) ago I had issues with my back too. I initially was seen by Dr. Amiel Bethel, a neurosurgeon at U of MD. He was very conservative and surgery was to be a last resort. As of today I haven't needed surgery. The last time I contacted him he was with a group of doctors practicing at GBMC and his office was on Charles Street, 443-849-4270.
Good Luck
Jim

Thanks for the information Jim. I'm trying to be as conservative as I can about treatment for my back condition because there are no guarantees with surgery and once it is done your stuck with the results.

After my appointment with Dr. Brager I'll have a better idea of my treatment options but I am also considering the Spinal Institute at Sinai Hospital where they specialize in minimally invasive surgery.

The Scoliosis is permanent so I just need to be able to resolve the issues with Sciatica caused by the pinched nerve.

Midnight Blue
MCOM Historian

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The Red Baron