| Re: c3 c4 Problem causing lower body symptoms?
If you've had a spinal stroke then whatever is pressing on your spinal cord has stopped the blood flow or created a clot in part of you spinal cord so you may be paralyzed for good in areas now affected. What the doc seems to be saying is that if you have those 2 vertebrae fused immediately, you can avoid it getting worse. And since it's at C3-4, you could be looking at total body paralysis including breathing.
But there is good news. If you can get whatever is causing the problem out of there, you might be able to regain use and feeling in those areas with lots of PT. Depends on how extensive the damage is and if the brain can rewire the areas affected through the cord. I was paralyzed on my left side after surgery and although it took a lot of work, I got most of it back. Permanent problems with my left arm but otherwise I'm pretty good. Just took a lot of work for over 2 1/2 years but it was worth it.
Whatever you do, don't wait to make this decision. If you've had one stroke from compression, you will have more if it isn't corrected. My bother-in-law had an extensive lower cord stroke and was instantly paralyzed from the waist down. Never got anything back but still lived a good life for many, many years and died of something else all together. So even if you don't get it back, you'll be fine. Just one more challenge in life.
sorry for your situation............Jenny
| 
