cadillacstan
09-03-2003, 08:51 PM
3 months ago I experienced feelings of cold in my toes and feet. This progressed to feelings of cold in the legs as well as numbness and reduced ease in walking. Later I noticed that my fingertips were numb and coordination in the use of my hands was reduced. Feelings of weakness in the arms and legs with numbness from the neck down fill out the picture. I really don't have what I would consider "pain", just weakness, numbness, and feelings of cold/wetness which seems to shift around my body but are more pronounced from the waist down. No injury is noted or problems with pain in the neck are experienced.
I went to a neurologist who ordered an MRI. This showed stenosis of c5-6 with probable encroachment of the nerve roots and disc protrusion with encroachment of the exiting right nerve root at C6-7. He said I need surgery and referred me to a neuro surgeon. I saw the MRI and can see the narrow space.
In August the Neurosurgeon said I need removal of 2 discs and he would either fuse with bone from my hip or donor bone with additional Titanium support but really did not cite a preference......Any comments from those with experience on this issue would be appreciated.
The NS said I would need to wear a brace for 3 months and would not be able to drive for that period of time as well. He didn't think any other treatments would be helpful and even with surgery said I may not walk as well as I used to.
I have decided to seek a Second Opinion from a Dr. with more experience and have about a month to wait for the appt.....
Now that I have adjusted somewhat psychologically to my difficulties, I am searching for more questions and answers and discovered this board today. I have seen some pro and con testimonials to surgery but haven't found the exact symptoms I have experienced. I wonder if my symptoms will get worse or if there is a chance they could get better on their own. I would like to hear what it's like to wear the neck brace for an extended period of time and the possible problems/benefits of using your own bone vs. a donor with titanium support. Also, I am sure there are questions I haven't even thought to ask, so help in this area would be appreciated before my Second Opinion appointment in October.
Thank you all
I went to a neurologist who ordered an MRI. This showed stenosis of c5-6 with probable encroachment of the nerve roots and disc protrusion with encroachment of the exiting right nerve root at C6-7. He said I need surgery and referred me to a neuro surgeon. I saw the MRI and can see the narrow space.
In August the Neurosurgeon said I need removal of 2 discs and he would either fuse with bone from my hip or donor bone with additional Titanium support but really did not cite a preference......Any comments from those with experience on this issue would be appreciated.
The NS said I would need to wear a brace for 3 months and would not be able to drive for that period of time as well. He didn't think any other treatments would be helpful and even with surgery said I may not walk as well as I used to.
I have decided to seek a Second Opinion from a Dr. with more experience and have about a month to wait for the appt.....
Now that I have adjusted somewhat psychologically to my difficulties, I am searching for more questions and answers and discovered this board today. I have seen some pro and con testimonials to surgery but haven't found the exact symptoms I have experienced. I wonder if my symptoms will get worse or if there is a chance they could get better on their own. I would like to hear what it's like to wear the neck brace for an extended period of time and the possible problems/benefits of using your own bone vs. a donor with titanium support. Also, I am sure there are questions I haven't even thought to ask, so help in this area would be appreciated before my Second Opinion appointment in October.
Thank you all
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