Do my symptoms sound familiar to anyone? - Neuropathy Message Board

tara2 · 07-05-2007, 11:21 AM

Hi - I have been having the following symptoms and wonder if it is neuropathy or something with the brachial plexus or what? I am 8 weeks status-post anterior neck disection C5-C6 for a cord compression. I am now having bilateral intense arm pain. When I reach for something or put my arms behind me (to put on a shirt), I get this stabbing pain that shoots down my arm. I literally cannot breath when it happens it hurts so much, it eventually goes away. I went to my neurosurgeon, had repeat MRI and everything looks ok from his standpont. He is stumped and is sending me back to the neurologist for EMG testing. Has anyone else experienced anything like this. Thanks for your input.

ICC · 07-06-2007, 04:26 AM

Hi tara....I don't know if I can shed any light on this for you but can tell you my experience. I suffered a neck injury and left shoulder injury more than a year ago. Neck has 3 bulges along with a large bone spur indenting the cord. Possible pinched nerve at the C7 and stenosis. Had PT for 2-3 months and it was doing great. Had shoulder surgery 10 weeks ago today and have been suffering ever since. Had 10 bone spurs, the tip of the acromium bone removed and a 2 inch rotator cuff repair. Was doing great UNTIL I started PT on my shoulder. They yanked, pulled, pushed and compressed my shoulder and chest so hard I am now in constant pain 24/7. Surgeon after 4 weeks told me my shoulder was moving smoothly and he was pleased. Saw the Spine Specialist as my neck was acting up do to PT on the shoulder and ordered an MRI of the Brachial Plexus as he feels I have a problem in that area. Also saw the shoulder surgeon the next day who told me I now have frozen shoulder. I experience the same pain you speak of when moving my arm in certain directions. Putting it behind my back or out to the side are the worst positions for me. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. I'm waiting for the MRI to be done to see if all is OK in the Brachial Plexus. Good lluck.

ICC

tara2 · 07-06-2007, 02:04 PM

Hi ICC - Thanks for your input. Boy..sounds like you have had a rough time of it. I called my GP today and had labs drawn testing for rheumatoid arthritis thinking maybe that could be my problem. Wanted this done before I see the neurologist so we can rule it out and continue with EMG testing. Would be interested in how your MRI of your brachial plexus comes out. Please keep me posted. Tara

John PhD. · 08-28-2007, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tara2

Hi - I have been having the following symptoms and wonder if it is neuropathy or something with the brachial plexus or what? I am 8 weeks status-post anterior neck disection C5-C6 for a cord compression. I am now having bilateral intense arm pain. When I reach for something or put my arms behind me (to put on a shirt), I get this stabbing pain that shoots down my arm. I literally cannot breath when it happens it hurts so much, it eventually goes away. I went to my neurosurgeon, had repeat MRI and everything looks ok from his standpont. He is stumped and is sending me back to the neurologist for EMG testing. Has anyone else experienced anything like this. Thanks for your input.

John PhD. · 08-28-2007, 08:06 PM

I suggest you ask your physician to order another MRI but of your crevical region, mainily keep a good eye on your "Plexus injury Nerves" . If you are experiencing pain on either your Left sided Shoulder Arm or Elbow (Shooting) to your fingers or thumb, it could be a plexus injury. Sometimes it is difficult with an MRI to See the plexus Nerves clearly enough.
There are other tests your physician can run that can show the Plexus Anterior much more clearly. If your pain is on both (L) & (R) , it is much more likely to be a Cervical issue or Thorcic issue than Plexus Injury
but not impossible.