diybob

Thanks Dr. Coreman

My primary doctor thinks it’s too risky and has the same opinion and advice you gave me. But he’s not the one who spends many sleepless nights in pain along with this crazy sound in my head. I can’t go to sleep without my transistor radio in-between stations. I need to hear the static sound because it brings comfort. I need sound all the time. My quality of life is at an all time low. It’s difficult to plan family activities or vacations because I don’t know how I’m going to feel. I think if it was just the pain I could deal with it, but the tinnitus and nausea sometimes are overwhelming. What’s frustrating is how complicated my condition is and doctors don’t have solutions nor know how to treat me, it’s like a mystery novel that has no end. Sorry to complain.

I see my orthopedic surgeon next week and will explain your concerns, advice and consult with him about the debridement procedure. I guess from there I’ll make a decision.

I live in Orange County, CA could you recommend a RF doctor who has a great track record? In the meantime I’ll search. Any tips on searching for a good RF doctor?

Thanks again for your time and replies.

Best regards,
Robert Pone

PS Dr. Coreman you are very unique and I applaud you for giving time in helping people. You’re a good guy.

Dear Dr. Corenman

First of all I want to thank you again for taking the time to talk to me and answering my questions, it much appreciated.

The blocks at C2-C3 had significantly reduced my pains along with my tinnitus, but the Rhizotomy (RF) that was performed on Jan 14th did not help, it actually made some of my symptoms worse and has created new pain symptoms.

Even though the RF did not help and was not effective as the blocks, I firmly believe my problems are coming from the facet joints (I’ll send you my facet block diary via E-mail). I’ve read that Rhizotomy’s are not 100% effective nor are they a permanent solution.

I feel very confident that the causes of my problems are coming from the C2-C3 facet joints. Unfortunately most data recommends a fusion. After 3 fusion surgeries this scenario is not appealing.

I have a few questions:

• Ruling out fusion surgery as an option, what can be done to fix the C2-C3 Facet Joints?

• Is there a minimal evasive way to fix the C2-C3 facet joint and foraminal narrowing as described in my 10-09-2012 MRI?

• I’ve heard of “Endoscopic Facet Debridement”, do you perform this type of surgery?

Best regards,
Bob Pone

Dear Dr. Donald Corenman thanks for the reply and taking the time from your schedule, it’s much appreciated. There are not many doctors who would give this type of service, again thank you. By the way my son has nothing but great admiration for the clinic and Dr. Hawkins who performed surgery on his shoulder, no problems playing baseball since 1997.

Yes, I had good 2-3 hour window relief that lasted for several days and my tinnitus became tolerable, but not completely, this is why I feel there might still be a problem at C1-2.

I’m an engineer type and always seeking a solution and feel necessary to have a plan B. This is my way of coping and living with these crazy pain symptoms.

I’ve read there are only a handful of practitioners having the skills needed to inject at C1-2. If my symptoms are coming from C1-2 is it possible to do a Rhizotomy at this joint to get long term relief?

I have been told there are no nerves at C1-2 facet joint to burn. If this is true and from your experience what can be done at the C1-2 facet joint to get relief?

Thanks again,
Robert

PS I’ll also send you by email information regarding the connection sensory input from the facet joints at C1-C2, and C2-T2 intraspinal pathway from the Tinnitus Research Centre, Wantirna, Australia. This is possible proof of my facet joint injury relation to my tinnitus and vision problems. Please let me know what you think.