Dr. Jonathon Roper -- orthopedic surgeon

(not sure on the time. need to check notes)

I managed to get a referral to an orthopedic surgeon who I saw on Tuesday evening (10/2/07). The surgeon -- Dr. Jonathon G. Roper, MD -- was able to show my MRI scans on the computer in much better detail than more advanced all the time.

I mentioned the discogram and IDET procedure which Dr. Bajaj was recommending, and Dr. Roper did not think that was going to be the answer for my problem. He did want me to continue to stay active in low impact activities (e.g., swimming). He thought even walking might be too high impact for me. I'm also to increase my ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) dosage to 1800mg/day, continue to take (non-narcotic) pain medication, keep stretching every morning, and resume traction therapy.

I am still undecided what to do with my health insurance. I have until October 12th to figure out if I want to change to a new provider, which would take effect on January 1. Obviously my current HMO -- Kaiser Permanente -- has not been the best, however I am finally getting to meet with actual MDs and surgeons. So, I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to start over with new health insurance and new doctors. The other big HMO is Blue Cross which I think is not quite as bureaucratic as Kaiser. The other option is a PPO (e.g., PERSCare) which has more expensive premiums, plus I would be on the hook for 20% of any doctor bills -- which, if I opted for surgery, could be significant. So, it is a difficult decision.

Well, now you are all up to date. I am scheduled to meet with Dr. Daniel Green on the 22nd. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers and encouragement as I deal with this back problem. It has turned out to be a much longer and more frustratingly difficult struggle than I could have imagined. Please take care of your own backs. I would not wish this chronic pain on my worst enemy, let alone my family and friends. Take care and God bless!