Surgery/treatment dilemma

[PN_down_under]

He explained it as injecting crystals (the steriod is suspended in liquid) into the scar fibre which will break or soften it up over time. I said, "so wont the scar just grow back even denser then??". He had no answer to that.
I am sceptical, because I thought it was purely just for inflammation, and his dismissal of the risks of doing an unguided injection into the area makes me nervous. Even if it did soften up scar tissue, it would have to do it right to the aggravating layer that comes into contact with the nerve. Impossible to do by 'stabbing in the dark'.

The problem is, if I turn around and say "no thanks", the doctor has no other options, and my wife thinks I am taking the word of random strangers on the internet against a Professor. She has not come to an realisation, like I and most here have, that most doctors are not geniuses, and that their knowledge is not absolute.

I don't know what to do!

[ezer]

Both Dr.Weiss and Dr.Jordan told me that the steroid after it stops acting crystallizes and can in fact irritate the nerve some more long term. In fact Dr.Weiss had replaced the steroid by heparin for people that wanted multiple injections.
Sure we are total strangers and are not doctors but we also have no vested interest and we share valuable experience. Each case is unique of course but as it stands I would be better off today if I had not done any medical treatment apart from PT.

[Karyn]

I don't know what to do!

I would listen to your gut on this one.

Both Dr.Weiss and Dr.Jordan told me that the steroid after it stops acting crystallizes and can in fact irritate the nerve some more long term

This is correct. I can kind of understand why your MD wants to try the cortisone ... it does indeed eat away at soft tissues. Personally, I would feel uncomfortable with this procedure because of the injections being unguided, and in close proximity to the nerves.

his dismissal of the risks of doing an unguided injection into the area makes me nervous. Even if it did soften up scar tissue, it would have to do it right to the aggravating layer that comes into contact with the nerve. Impossible to do by 'stabbing in the dark'.

Has he informed you of how many procedures he's done of this nature and what the results were?
I understand your concerns about telling the doc "no thanks", when this is all he has to offer you. It's been my experience that some medical professionals will offer you a treatment, appropriate or not, just so they can say they've done something.
I'm really sorry you're feeling so poorly and wish you the best with your decision.
Kind regards,
Karyn

[flyer28]

To Pn_down_under:
Did your pain meanwhile diminished? or still as bas as you wrote?
I heard from all sides that it is typical to have huge ups and downs after dorsal nerve decompression, even one year after operation. The nerve is still sensitive and even the slightest irritation might impose heavy flare-up.
How is your current MRI compared to that pre-operation one? Of course that it is not the final prove of succes/failure, but might help to see the difference.
Would you say that your operation made by dr.Aszmann is complete failure?
I am suffering with very similar pain more than 3 years, and although now I had lets say 4 months of improved condition, my status remain questionable. Pain is manageable but not cured.
Waiting to the new physiotherapy, then will decide, but probably no operation.
all the best

[merrie]

Dr Jordan uses Decadron instead of cortisone since its water soluable and does not crystalize. This could be an option.

Merrie