"Restless" feeling-anyone else have this? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Bryansmom · 11-28-2008, 09:18 PM

Hi everyone. Below is a brief synopsis of what's going on:

significant DDD from C4-C6-7
C5-6: spinal canal stenosis from broad based posterior disc osteophyte complex
C6-C7: spinal canal stenosis present secondary to broad based posterior disc bulge. left neural foramen stenosis is seen.

Impression:
spinal canal stenosis at c5-c6 and c6-c7 levls with kyphotic angulation of the cervical spine, resulting in ventral compression of the spinal canal and spinal cord.

I am experiencing 2 things that are quite disturbing: 1) mild urinary incontinence (I'm 38 years old....arrghhhhh!) and 2) a very uncomfortable feeling of "restlessness", kind of like my skin is crawling, like I HAVE to get up and move or I'm going to go nuts. That feeling seems to come on when i'm trying to relax, like right before bed or when I'm still enough to notice. I'm on my feet all day teaching. It's really an unpleasant feeling.

Anyone else know what this might be? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

Michelle in CA

feelbad · 11-29-2008, 08:58 AM

one quick test i would like you to try just to see how your reflexes are? take the heavy end of a butter knife and tap just below your kneecap on both knees. see how brisk your reflex is. if it appears to be somewhat "hyper" or very quick "kick like" ,strong movements,your cord IS probably being impacted by the compression. it should 'move" somewhat but it should not be very 'quick' let me know how this goes,K? marcia

Bryansmom · 11-29-2008, 09:31 AM

Hi, feelbad

I recently saw the pain dr in prep for a radio frequency ablation procedure. I mentioned my new symptoms to her and she checked my reflexes and found that they are somewhat exaggerated. She was concerned enough to send me back to the ortho for a recheck. I have a follow up appointment with the ortho surgeon on Tuesday (now a month later!) and hopefully I'll get some answers.

Thanks for the response! I appreciate the information.

Michelle

sunshine221 · 11-30-2008, 09:02 AM

I agree with Marcia - don't be surprised if the NS recommends surgery. I was close to incontinence before my surgery and when the stenosis that wasn't fully resolved acts up the doc asks me about this.
Gloria

Bryansmom · 11-30-2008, 06:35 PM

Gloria-
What surgery did you have? Prior to these symptoms showing up, the ortho said I wasn't a candidate for surgery because I'm 38 (is that relatively young?) and I have sytemic lupus. It sounds like you only had partial relief from your surgery. How are you doing?