Help, is this permanant? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Nennie · 08-29-2006, 04:12 PM

Hi All, I posted a while back. I am 7 weeks post-op for laminectomy on C-5, C-6. I had alot of numbness and weakness at first. The weakness is about gone but I still have numbness, especially in my right hand, ring finger and pinkie. I also have some numbness in my torso and legs, especially right side. And whats with the muscle cramps? They seem to take over my entire right side. I didn't have ANY of these symptoms before surgery. They all came on immediately after.

The NS did an MRI the day after my surgery and said everything looked great. He said these symptoms will go away, but when?? Anyone else with any of these problems after surgery and how long till they went away?? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I go back to NS on 8-31 for another check up, you can be sure there will be lots of questions asked! Thanks, Nennie

NYD · 08-29-2006, 09:02 PM

Wow. I can 't really help..... except let you know that I also get some numbing (only after laying down sleeping) in my left hand, pinky and ring finger. I had these prior as well. I would ask about these issues with your NS, and ask if these are root nerve issues, or cord compression issues.

Just letting you know that you are not alone.

Cameron
ACDF C5-C6, Aug 14th 2006.

Kissa · 08-30-2006, 11:17 AM

I am sorry to hear things have gotten worse instead of better. The one thing that really sticks out in my mind as a concern is that you had an MRI the day after a fusion. I am assuming you had hardware installed, yes? If so I can't imagine a doctor doing an MRI so soon.

I've had a few dozen MRI's over many years for various health reasons. Every time I have one they always ask me "have you had recent surgery and was any hardware used". The closest anyone was willing to do an MRI was 6 weeks post op and even then they were nervous about doing it. I am wondering if having an MRI so soon didn't in fact cause an issue. I am sure if you ask your doctor he'll swear up and down it's fine. Personally I'd talk to an MRI tech and ask them how safe is it to have an MRI post op with hardware.

Generally cervical problems do not impact your torso or thighs (especially according to the Dermatone map), they impact your arms and hands. Thoracic and lumbar issues would affect your torso and thighs respectively. I'm not quite sure why you're having problems with them because medically speaking they are not related to the c-spine. I am wondering if you weren't placed in a position during surgery that perhaps triggered something, it's been known to happen.

I would definately speak with your doctor, if he doesn't have the answers and it doesn't improve over time I would get a second opinion. I'd give it a bit of time first, especially with the hand issues before jumping into seeing a new doctor.

best of luck, I hope it gets better
Barb

Nennie · 08-30-2006, 07:48 PM

Thanks for the concerns. It's nice to know you're not alone in this. Luckily I didn't need a fusion, just some bone removed that was compressing my cord and causing stenosis and myleomalatia (spelling?) I go back for a check-up tomorrow and I will be asking some questions. I was told by a friend who had a similar surgery (hers was anterior, mine posterior) that it can take several months for the nerves to heal from the inflammation and swelling. She had some numbness, but it only lasted about 4 weeks. I could understand some problems with my right arm and hand, but the torso stuff and numb toes on my right foot are just weird. I'll let ya'll know what I find out tomorrow. Thanks and you are all in my prayers. Have a pain free day! Nennie

sunshine221 · 08-30-2006, 08:11 PM

Nennie - I'm approaching my one year anniversary of a c4-C7 laminectomy. After surgery my right ring finger developed a "twitch" and not so much numbness as a "buzz" - it has finally calmed down at about the 9-10 month mark and is now about 80-90% gone. Most of my other pre-surgery problems - weakness, balance, tremors have improved greatly. I still have what they call spacticity in my right leg - not so much weakness as a slow response and a slowing down as I work the leg - for example I can tap my toe about ten times and then i can't keep the rhythm. Frankly I don't know if that was there pre surgery or not because I was mostly concerned about walking (gait). My gait is improved but far from perfect.

This all takes lots of time for the cord to settle and nerves "regrow"

Hang in there.
-Gloria