Newbie in dire need of advice from the old heads. - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Backinthesaddle · 11-20-2004, 08:28 PM

Hi I have started to lurk this site recently as I sit at home hoping to get my neck to cooperate with me. I had a decompression surgery on C6-7 last year and at the same time they found that C4-5 were herniated but not causing any issue (as I know is usual). I was 39 and in great shape at the time of injury. I had some spasms in my right forearm and shoulder blade but no pain since then. In July I was rear ended at work and started having left shoulder pain. I went back to the doctor and started physical therapy. Which I believe made it worse not better as the symptoms got worse with each PT visit. About 4 weeks ago I noticed my left arm felt like an icy hot was on it and my the palm of my hand hurt as did the web of the thumb and the finger joints to my middle finger. My left shoulder started hurting as did my armpit chest area. Another MRI was ordered. Let me add one was done in Feb and it did not show anything other then the decompression and C4-5 hernation. This MRI shows multi-level cervical spondylosis mostly at C4-5 with moderal canal stenosis. I have no idea what most of this means so maybe someone can interpret it for me. Central and Right eccentric disk osteophyte complex. Increased T2 signal within the posteriar aspect of the disk osteophyte complex suggesting possible superimposed soft disk. There is effacement of the ventral subarachnoid space along with cord flattening and indention along the ventral aspect. Moderate canal stenosis with residual ap canal dia of 6.5mm. Right unconvertebral joint hypertrophy resulting in right mild neural foraminal stenosis. C7 shows bilateral unconverebral join hypertrophy resulting in moderate right and mild left neural foraminal stenosis.

Now with that said, and I hope that you all do not mind reading my novel can someone tell me what all this means. My neurosurgeon was going to do surgery this week and now can't as he is moving in Dec and his ins won't let him so he is turning me over to someone else who cannot even see me for 3-4 weeks. Here is my problem. Can something like this get better without surgery, or at least without immediate surgery? My husband and I have been doing fertility and are geared up and paid up for a donor egg cycle that will be Dec 14th. I need to know if I need to cancel and kiss 10K good bye or will I be ok if I got pg for the next 9+ months.

I am not feeling any real pain besides some intermitten spasms and headaches.

Can I walk or do some light weights? I wonder if something, anything will help. As meds do nothing for me.

Thank you so much,

TK

nero · 11-21-2004, 04:56 AM

I cannot interpret your back for you other than to say we all have readings with these technical words and the only key words like disc herniation, bulging on cord, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) have I ever attempted to understand for myself.

As far as getting pregnant you realize that the spine adjusts especially pelvis and back pain is a common chief complaint of some pregnancies.

I wouldn't hesitate with pregnancy if your current pain is minimal. Clearly you have neck problems giving you explainable pain. Question is can you handle that or more of it and be pregnant and take care of a new baby. Determining your pain threshold and not taking any toxic meds during your pregnancy is another consideration.

I wish you luck...oh to have a new little one again is so exciting..I was 24, 26 and 32 with mine and you are embarking on an incredible journey so try to have fun and be happy and not stress too much... try some homeopathic remedies that don't impinge on pregnancy and hope for the best..
Sincerely Nearly New....Eventually.. Nero

Backinthesaddle · 11-23-2004, 10:07 AM

Thanks Nero. It seems since I have not been on my feet 18 hours a day since Doc has put me off of work I feel much better. I still get arm and hand pain and headaches but to a much lesser degree then I did. Hopefully the new doc will find a conservative therapy for me if I do get preg. It has been such a long hard road for us to have a live birth and this is our last hope. I don't want to miss it. I just feared my neck getting worse and forcing me into surgery before hand. My back issues I can deal with. I have bulges and narrowing there also but not enough to make me think of surgery. Not at least until I am 60.

What is up with some of us with so many dang spine problems? I thought that was the reason I have stayed in shape all these years was to be on good shape and now I find out I am falling apart. Stinks....

dennisgb · 11-24-2004, 08:17 AM

TK,

You and your husband must really want a baby, to go through all of this! From reading your post I get that you are 40 years old. I suspect you have been trying to have a baby for some time. I would think, since you have come this far, that you have already made the decision to have this baby. Congratulations!

How can you deal with the pain, is the real question. From your description of your pain, I would think this is reasonable. First, I would go back to your doctor and explain that the PT doesn't seem to work and ask if you can look at alternatives.

Originally I was going to post some suggestions here, but decided that might not be a good idea. Let your doc help you with this. Given your age, you should be able to go for a few more years with non-invasive treatment.

Good luck. Let us know how things go...even the baby

tintx · 11-24-2004, 06:13 PM

TK,
I cannot interpret your medical data, however that canal diameter (ap is anterior posterior, i.e., front to back) sounds pretty narrowed, though I don't know what's meant by "residual" in this context. Can you get a second opinion soon? If two doctors feel you ought to have surgery sooner than later, maybe you could do it before 12-14? I chose a physician in my community who does a lot of this type of surgery, and who was recommended by my "first opinion." I got an appointment in only 1 week, last Monday, and had the surgery yesterday. I just got home!
Of course, I had the "revealing" myelogram and ct scan 10-08, so have had lots of time to research, join this board! etc., and come to my own understanding and decision about surgery. Something none of us takes lightly. So, think about the second opinion. My first guy wanted to do 3 levels, and my second opinion said one would suffice.

I wanted to act quickly because I teach and this way I can take advantage of the long paid holiday break to recuperate. Right now, I'm doing pretty good. Surgery has had no complications, and I've been walking around, eating, etc. I'm expecting to heal and feel better, and am relieved the surgery is over. I smoke, and had to have autograft to ensure good fusion, so my hip is the bigger pain, but it's not that bad.
I'm especially glad my throat's not very sore so I can enjoy Thanksgiving to the fullest I'm referring to the food, of course, but I really do have a lot to be thankful for.

I'm sure you'll make the best decision for yourself. And Good Luck with the baby!

Tintx