c/2c/3c/4 myelopathy - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

daisyduke · 01-17-2003, 03:22 PM

hey all/just wondering if any of u have ruptured disc at c2c3c4? i have no clue how i even did this..i have quite severe spinal cord compression from this!all kinds of symptoms..weak legs,cant lift,weak arms,spasticity,hyperflexia,dizzyness,ho t flushing in face and ears,heart pounding,burning,fatigue...etc..was wanting to know about surgery in this area,sucess rate,pain? hospital stay....etc.....thanks in advance {{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}Michelle

melanie dawn · 01-17-2003, 06:40 PM

hi Michelle,
I have compression from C4-7, I have many of the same symptoms. THe one i dont have is sweating and flushing, because that comes from the C2-3 area. Its known as autonomic disfunction . My best advice to you and anyone looking at a surgical procedure is to research and really check out the credentials and experience of the surgeon. This is no time to cut any corners. YOu need to find the best,experienced surgeon possible.You have one advantage in that you live in the US. you can find and check out doctors online. I live in Canada, and we cant do that. There are large treatment centres that specialise in neuro and nothing else.
A few centres that come to mind from my research are Johns Hopkins, The Mayo Clinic, Chicago institute for Neurosurgery and Neuroscience CINN.
I know how scary this all is. But learn as much as you can about your injury, and about treatment options, and Doctors. Knowledge will help to give you some power and control during this stressful period.
Who is managing your care at present, and do they communicate well with you? Communication is key from both sides.Are you having pain and spasms as well and are these being managed at present.
Good luck to you, and take care of yourself.
Mel
ps, I am going to CINN on Feb.18

[This message has been edited by melanie dawn (edited 01-17-2003).]

[This message has been edited by melanie dawn (edited 01-17-2003).]

daisyduke · 01-18-2003, 10:15 AM

hi melanie,thanks alot for all the advice...i sure wish i could use it....my problem is i have no health insurance so i go thru a clinic .i have been going to a neuroligist there because they think i also have ms,anyway the neck problem just started..i went to docs last monday they told me about the disc,said i have quite severe compression(at the time i couldn't lift my rt. arm at all,pain,burning,alot of probs walking.......so they tell me i need to see the neuro surgeon urgent......that they will send referral and will call me with the appt. ..they send me away ,after doing nothing to help me and so far i still haven't heard from anyone,cept for i called the neuros to ask them why i feel like i'm gonna pass out and the burning face,ears,rapid heartbeat,shallow breathing,etc.......she tells me if it continues or gets worse go to er and take my spinal mri picture....well i wish u luck and thanks for responding{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}Michelle

Niki47 · 01-18-2003, 11:59 AM

Dear Daisy,

You may not be able to choose your doctor, but you can certainly find out alot of information online. Go to keyword "cervical myelopathy" or try "Cervical Spondylosis with myelopathy". You will find that the spinal cord dysfunction is rated by "grades", and the worse you are BEFORE repair, the worse your prognosis,
so that makes it very important to be seen to quickly!

Melanie was absolutely correct about your symptoms. I also have myelopathy. If you degrade further, your recovery will be longer and more unpredictable.

The surgery most often performed to decompress the spinal cord is an ACDF, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. Read all about the procedure and become comfortable with it. Write out a list of questions for the doctor. And if you have specific questions, alot of us here on the boards can help.

Please understand that myelopathy is not to played around with, and you can end up in severe condition. I would actually take my MRI and run to the ER at the first sign of any further problem. They will have a nuero on call, and if it is determined you need meds for pain, or steroids to reduce swelling... they can do it. Are you currently in a cervical collar?? You might need one.

I hate that I am recommending the ER, but in some systems, you can not afford to wait on all the referrals to get appropriate help. You don't have the sniffles! You have a spinal cord disorder that is verifiable with film!!!!

I am only being this emphatic because I was slow to recieve treatment, and I am kind of messed up. I would hate this to happen to you.

So, please, for your own good... read and learn, and get help. PRONTO!

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Niki47

daisyduke · 01-19-2003, 07:23 AM

thank you so very much for responding to my message niki and for your concern,i really appreciate your kindness and info.i will keep you posted and if i feel any worse i will go to the er{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}Michelle