My mom - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

cathy1912 · 09-30-2007, 04:58 PM

Approximately, one year ago my mother began to have back pain and four weeks ago she was getting out of bed and had a pain in her back that dropped her to her knees. She immediately went to the local ER (for profit) and the MDs reported that she had arthritis and offered her a walker. My mother is 75 years old but was very active until four weeks ago. We all knew that this was simply not arthritis. One general practioner knew what was going on and aided us in getting into a spinal doctor who reported that after seeing the MRI, that my mother had nothing wrong with her. We then took her to a neurosurgeon and this gentleman along with the others before him suggested that this may heal itself and ordered pain medication and steriods. In the past two weeks my mother has not seen improvement and is now losing control of her urine and has drop foot. I am seriously concerned about her mental health as well due to her increasingly feelings of loss and depression. The doctors do not seem to want to help and continue to put off the surgery which she feels she can endure and would aid her. Does anyone know how to get immediate and appropriate care for her? She resides in a small town in Roanoke, Virginia.

PNo · 10-04-2007, 11:57 PM

Virginia,
These new symptoms you list are serious and won't be taken lightly, you need to take her back to the dr. . It is common practice for them to go conservative at first. What did the MRI say? THere are many processes that can cause problems, you didn't list what it says so it would be difficult to offer any advice.

Fiona_Jo_324 · 10-05-2007, 06:37 PM

Did they take an MRI of her brain? It sounds like there could be something neurologic occurring that is impacting her leg and bladder function.

I can understand why your mother is depressed; to from so active to something this scary has to be very difficult.

~ Fiona

Janatee · 10-06-2007, 12:21 PM

Hi Cathy1912, I had drop foot, not to mention my leg was going numb and heavy. I could hardly walk. After back operation, things were better, but in time it got worse. I saw my Neuro and was told to have MRI and what was found was the problem was in my NECK. I had many disc pressing on my spinal cord. Doc said, if I start to lose my bladder and bowel control to get back to docs asap. So from there I ended up having a 4 level ACDF with a Cor pectomy, I'm now 5 weeks post-op and getting better every day. I would have your doc take MRI of your MO M's cervical spine. This could indeed make problems for the legs. Normally, it would effect your upper body, like arms, hands, and even headaches. But in my case, one in eight, have the leg symptoms. Keep going till you get the right answer. I did. I hope this helped a bit. Keep us posted, and good luck.

Janatee