First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg
This is my first post and were just curious if others had the same issues I am dealing with.
I had an ACDF on 4/5-5/6 ,my spinal cord had flattened to 5mm. But when neurosurgeon did surgery they said was actually worse than 5mm. So I had spinal cord compression that ended up with myelomalacia , which the neurosurgeon tells me actually is a bleed in my cord and some of my signals not making it through to the rest of my body ,a spinal cord injury, even though I was not in an accident .
So now my right arm aches at night and in the mornings,and my right arm and leg are weak. When I get tired or I have a headache I walk like I am off balance and if I stand still I looses my balance and need to hold on to something. Also if I do the slightest bit too much ,the next day I wake with a terrible headache and neck ache . Which also make not walk right... I weave.
So tomorrow I go back to work... I have been off for 6 weeks ... But honestly I still don't feel like I have the energy to go back yet . I still feel weak and sore.
So I am curious if this is what other people experience after a ACDF ?Your comments are welcomed and appreciated ! Thank you ...
Re: First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg
I believe that the myelomalacia will be permanent. That's not to say, however, that your symptoms are all due to the myelomalacia. You really just need to give it time - as in a number of months - and see how things settle out.
Re: First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg
Quote:
Originally Posted by 0055
This is my first post and were just curious if others had the same issues I am dealing with.
I had an ACDF on 4/5-5/6 ,my spinal cord had flattened to 5mm. But when neurosurgeon did surgery they said was actually worse than 5mm. So I had spinal cord compression that ended up with myelomalacia , which the neurosurgeon tells me actually is a bleed in my cord and some of my signals not making it through to the rest of my body ,a spinal cord injury, even though I was not in an accident .
So now my right arm aches at night and in the mornings,and my right arm and leg are weak. When I get tired or I have a headache I walk like I am off balance and if I stand still I looses my balance and need to hold on to something. Also if I do the slightest bit too much ,the next day I wake with a terrible headache and neck ache . Which also make not walk right... I weave.
So tomorrow I go back to work... I have been off for 6 weeks ... But honestly I still don't feel like I have the energy to go back yet . I still feel weak and sore.
So I am curious if this is what other people experience after a ACDF ?Your comments are welcomed and appreciated ! Thank you ...
Have you been doing physical therapy at all? I had my 2 level ACDF in early December and am just starting my 5th week of PT. Like you I have legs/arms/hand weakness as well as my propreioception isssue's which is what is causing my balance issue's. I just had my 4 week assesment last Friday at PT and my propreioception is still very much an issue however I've heard it can take a good 4-8 weeks before it improves and maybe even longer. My arm ache is getting better but I also am still taking gabapentin per surgeons request.
Pam
The Following User Says Thank You to rockenmama For This Useful Post: 0055 (02-11-2013)
Re: First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg
Quote:
Originally Posted by WebDozer
I believe that the myelomalacia will be permanent. That's not to say, however, that your symptoms are all due to the myelomalacia. You really just need to give it time - as in a number of months - and see how things settle out.
Thank you for your help.Yes i hope to get better with time . Now that i am back to work I am extremely tired and seems it to give me neck aches and headaches. But i may just have to get used to it because of the myelomalacia .
But i am glad not to be paralyzed , just a spinal cord injury.
Thanks again
Re: First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg
Thank you for you help... i am not going to physical therapy ... they have just told me
to walk and ride a stationary bike.....I also take gabapenton,which definitely helps me ,when I forget to take it I have alot of nerve pain in my arm and leg.And my walking is worse.....But thankfully I do feel a little better each day.... i do hope it continues...
I have to say i wish I wasnt working yet though because it is really hard on me...thanks again for your answer!!
Re: First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg
Not to try & be real nosy. But how much "Gabapentin" are you taking?
Reason why I ask is I am on quite a large dose myself...2400mg a night.
it does help with the facial,head,leg & such. But I have asked a couple of people I know & their dose is 1/2 or less than mine.
Re: First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg
I take 600 mg of gabapentin three times a day... It really does help with my nerve pain... I have tried not to take as much ,but my pain gets worse.... So for now I will continue with it....
Re: First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg
Thanks for letting me know... I take 2400mg at bed time right now. I was wondering because I just didn't know if that was alot or or not.
I really know what you mean by if you miss a dose or don't take as much too. I also get more pain & tingling,ect. Hope you feel better & get your issues fixed.
__________________ C & L:Fusion of spine of cervicothoracic region C4-C7 Anteriorly and C4-T1 Posteriorly Brain:Large #of white matter.
First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg 
Re: First post-ACDF 4-5 /5-6 weakness right arm and leg 
