CT Angiogram or MRI Angiogram (MRA?): Critical diagnostic differences.
Peter, I am uterine cancer survivor who has received multiple CTs, pelvic radiation and am now dealing with potential Aplastic Anemia as result. I'm also APOE 3/4 with highly problematic lipid numbers (Boston Heart Lab panel). My new cardiologist wants me to get a CT Angiogram for diagnostic purposes. I asked if I can have an MRA instead and he says they are not the same and that he cannot see blood vessel disease with Cardiac MRIs etc. All of my research is showing that the CT Angiogram and MRI Angiogram serve the same diagnostic function. I don't want more radiation if I can avoid it. Is he right? Are these tests really that different? I don't know whether to wait or find a new doctor who can read such a test. I hope you can answer this one. I am at my wit's end.
Two Lumbar Discectomies - Trying to Avoid Fusion At All Costs
I'm a 38 year old male and, aside from ongoing L4/L5, L5/S1 disc issues, I'm otherwise healthy. I am four and a half months removed from my second discectomy. I continue to experience inflammation in the incision area in addition to numbing in my right big toe nerves and a feeling of pressure in my right lower calf. I've had these issues since October 2021 (my first discectomy was in December of 2021). I've seen a host of practitioners over the past three years: PT, chiropractors, Eldoa decompression therapists, neurosurgeons and orthos but still continue to have symptoms. I have not been able to sit comfortably in a chair for more than five minutes since October 2021. I think I am doing absolutely everything I can to avoid the dreaded spinal fusion. With my latest MRI, I will be getting 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinions. The alternatives to a fusion appear to be stem cell and disc replacement although disc replacement is relative new and lumbar disc replacements seem to be much more complex than cervical replacements. Other than stretching, walking and light ab workouts, I have had to put all physical activity on hold for the last few years which has eroded my quality of life and overall happiness. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for avoiding the dreaded fusion. Thank you!
Flouride and other concerns with drinking tap water
How concerned should one be about drink fluoridated water from the tap (at the levels found in most well off American cities Ex. San Diego, Bay Area, NYC, etc)? I have read some studies about flouride interfering with regular thyroid function and even being negatively correlated with IQ. Are there other things I should be concerned about with drinking tap water?