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Monday, December 7, 2009

Background Knowledge

As most of you know, I've been having some serious back pain. Unusual for me. At any rate, after my MRI last week the doctor called me into his office to show me what was wrong. I have a cyst INSIDE my spinal chord called a syrinx that's been causing the problem. Forgive me for not posting or commenting much lately. I certainly plan for things to improve!

At any rate, when the doctor gave me his diagnosis, I was dumbfounded. I had never heard of this condition before. I had no background knowledge to draw from and for that reason I came home and read and read. After I read I had plenty of questions...most of which still haven't been answered.

The thing that struck me the most, though, was how powerful even a little bit of background knowledge is (whether we're writing or trying to understand something). Anything is easier to digest when we have prior experiences to draw from.

So rather than a writing exercise today I just wanted to share. Easy writing needs to come from the heart, the soul, the mind and....basic background knowledge gleaned from our life experiences!

With that in mind, have any of you EVER heard of a cyst inside the spinal chord before?

11 comments:

Lillian Robinson said...

No, but maybe a future character in your books will have one. Knowledge is power. I truly believe that.

I do hope the prognosis is good. Hopefully, there is a simple procedure to relieve your pain. Let us know what's happening there. I'll say a prayer for you.

Lily

Kat said...

I have not ever heard of that before. Did he say how it got there? Now I will have to do some research. I hope you can mend and be yourself again. I know what it is like to deal with pain.

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Well forevermore! This is a first for me, too~ How in the world did you get something so unknown? Bless your soul, I hope that it isn't too serious, and will be easily taken care of. Take care now~

DJan said...

Thanks for sharing this. I have also never heard of it, and I guess we should all be grateful to find out whatever we need to know these days via the internet. Anyway, I'm also hoping you will share what the outcome is of all this. And some relief for your pain. Thinking of you with all positive thoughts...

Tweedles -- that's me said...

It means its a BAD BAD owie on your back.
Pug kisses help.
xoxox

Miss Janet said...

Oh cute, PP, "bad bad owie"!

Jan,
Here is a Scripture for you: James 5:14

Love and hugs,
Janet

CATachresis said...

That is not good news Jan! Never heard of it either, but did some googling. Is it syringomyelia? If it is, it seems there could be a variety of symptoms including back pain. Also several options with regard to treatment.

I do hope your consultant is able to provide the correct procedure for you. I pray for that your pain will lessen and that the cyst will miraculously disappear.

Al said...

I have heard of cyst but in spinal chord, sounds new to me. But Jan I hope everything will end up well with you.

AL

Sandy said...

Background information is always helpful. One of things that always happens when someone is diagnosed with x y z is new knowledge is obtained. Things we never needed to know, we now need to know; we want to know and to try and understand. Like all others, hoping you feel better super soon and am glad you have such good docs to get to the bottom of this.

Hugs
sandy

Marjie said...

I have not heard of it. However, I was diagnosed in October with 3 herniated discs, one of which is leaning on the nerve that runs down my right leg. I've been waiting for 2 months to see a neurosurgeon (I'll finally get to see him in early January), and I'm hoping to not be crippled with pain any longer after he gets done with me. So, you have my sympathy.

Faith said...

Hi Jan,

I am not familiar with this terminology or diagnosis either. I did a little reading up on it, cysts can occur anywhere in the body..and can be caused by any number of things..

I hope the Rx he has given you will relieve your pain, and that there will be non invasive way to deal with the cyst.

Followers