First definitive feedback on November 24, 2003
February 20—Ruth’s Carolinas Medical Center emergency room visit in Pineville
with onset of leg spasms.
February 21—Our Charlotte Medical Clinic primary Doctor Gregory Underwood was
unavailable; his colleague Dr. Coggins referred me to neurologist Scott Story.
March 26—Dr. Story of Carolina Neurology Clinic gave me a narcotics prescription refill, said he had no idea of a cause or what to do about the leg spasms, didn’t schedule a follow-up appointment, or order any testing.
June 2—On-going leg spasms; new severe tingling and pain in both feet makes walking painful; unsteady gait.
July 4—Symptoms continue, new hypersensitivity, and start seeing black spots and blurred vision in right eye.
July - September—Symptoms increase; new stumbling and falling.
October 6—Primary Dr. Underwood ordered blood work, referred me to excellent neurologist Dr. Thor Erik Borresen.
October 16—Dr. Borresen initial examination; numbness now up to my waist: map of action begins with MRI.
October 21—1st MRI scan, for the brain and neck.
October 27—Visual test (VEP) and follow-up appointment with Dr. Borresen: schedule more tests.
November 19—Dr. Borresen tests with electrode needle; feet stiff, other new symptoms; schedule MRI ASAP.
November 20—2nd MRI scan, for the spine.
November 24—Dr. Borresen: ruptured disc at thoracic vertebrae 11 and 12 is closing off my spinal cord in the middle of the back—more than 99% of people don't get a ruptured disc here (or, "You're the only one.")—schedule neurosurgeon visit ASAP.
November 25—Initial appointment with excellent neurosurgeon Stephen W. Hipp, M.D., P.A.
December 4—Dr. Hipp: Ruth’s ruptured disc spinal surgery with vertebrae T11 and T12; two-day Presbyterian Hospital stay.
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