Eric’s Story
When I read Dr. Morrison’s radiology report, the only thing I could do was cry. I finally got the answers I was so desperately seeking.
In November 2019, I began experiencing spasm-type sensations and movement in my upper ribs and sternum. My lower ribs also started to flare out. Over the next 18 months, I had numerous diagnostic studies. Each doctor I sought care with insisted that nothing was physically wrong with me. They began attributing my symptoms to PTSD and anxiety, even though my rib cage had become deformed.
As time passed, my condition worsened, but I could not find a doctor to take me seriously. It reached the point where I needed to lay on my back for almost the entire day. I knew something was wrong, yet doctors continuously minimized and dismissed my symptoms despite their progression.
At a loss for any answers or medical guidance, I did my own research. I eventually stumbled upon "Slipping Rib Syndrome," a condition where the ribs become detached from the costal cartilage. My symptoms matched a hundred percent. Only a handful of surgeons in the US are familiar with slipping rib syndrome, one of whom officially diagnosed me. In September 2021, I received the necessary surgery. However, post-op, my sternum issues persisted.
In continuing my research, I found DocPanel and decided it was worth the money to have another set of eyes take a look at my medical imaging. Dr. William Morrison, a musculoskeletal radiologist, provided my second opinion. Upon reviewing my chest CT scan, he discovered a pseudoarthrosis (transverse non-union) in my manubriosternal joint, a rather rare injury. Because the joint was unstable, the mechanics of my entire rib cage had become altered.
When I read Dr. Morrison’s radiology report, the only thing I could do was cry. I finally got the answers I was so desperately seeking. Naturally, I had a few follow-up questions. Dr. Morrison answered quickly and comprehensively, providing me with even more guidance. Over the past year and a half, I have sent several other studies to Dr. Morrison for review. I trust his opinions without question!
After my initial second opinion, I emailed Dr. Morrison’s report to my chest trauma surgeon. He immediately made a plan to stabilize the manubriosternal joint with hardware.
My surgeon determined that the original sternum injury occurred upon a deliberate vehicle strike I endured as a police officer. Because the site never healed correctly, what started years ago as occasional, painless clicking and popping in my upper ribs and sternum eventually became a debilitating injury.
If you are reading this, you are likely desperate for answers, as I was. If you feel totally dismissed and abandoned by doctors, I’ve been there. Of course, DocPanel is a business, but it comprises people who genuinely care about you and your future.
It’s so easy to feel helpless and on the verge of giving up when you know something is terribly wrong, but no one will listen. Your instincts are what brought you to DocPanel in the first place. Please do yourself a favor and follow through with matching with a specialist and getting the second opinion you deserve.
DocPanel is committed to making sure every patient receives excellent care. If you would like an expert second opinion on your medical imaging from a fellowship-trained subspecialty radiologists, you can learn more here.
NEXT: Read our blog post on Should I Get A Radiology Second Opinion?