When need for surgery for cervical stenosis - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Spimo · 01-10-2003, 11:24 AM

Hi,
I was so glad to find this board because I am new to spinal problems. Had great pain in arm and shoulder but it resolved (2 mos)then a month later I could not move my right foot off the floor. This lasted 3 weeks. Had MRI and DX'ed with cervical stenosis so referred to a surgon. Now, it too has gotten better and my appointment is'nt til Feb. Would they still consider surgery if your symptoms are much better? So confusing. Would appreciate some throughts from some patient's who know from experience.
Thanks, Spimo

mothmin · 01-10-2003, 11:33 AM

Sorry to say, pain isn't the bottom line with spinal problems. I was in horrible pain for 6 months ( left ring finger) I did pt and the pain went away, however my mri showed severe pinch of spial cord, so much so that fluid couldn't pass through, I'm 4 weeks post-op today (wearing my soft collar). the thing with spinal disorders is, you can't tell which pain is caused by it, and which pain is just every day pains. good luck

Niki47 · 01-10-2003, 03:43 PM

Dear Spimo,

I have to agree with Mothmin... the worst problems are often painless. Once there is sufficient pressure on your spinal cord, the dysfunction can effect everything below the bad level. So, if your trouble spot is cervical, both arms, legs and all vital organs are at risk.

I am 9 weeks post op, and I was crippled up before surgery. It happened overnight. Not to scare you, but to demonstrate the importance of treatment. Do not be fooled by the "on again- off again" symptoms.

What procedure are you facing? Read all you can, and there are many on the boards here who can and will help.

Good luck to you!!

Niki47

empi · 01-15-2003, 03:20 PM

Hi Spimo.

Mothmin and Nikki are right. I have stenosis. My actual diagnosis is cervical myelopathy with stenosis. I had an anterior discetomy at C-4-C-5 on 11-19 and I am doing great. The difference is amazing. I had some of your symptoms, only mine was the left leg. It would "stick" to the ground when I walked. I also had severe numbness and tingling in the left hand and fingers. Most of my symptoms have imoproved. I still have some numbness and tinglign in the left hand but I would say the improvement is 90%. My left lef is strong again. The surgery was a lifesaver.I am sceduled to have a cervical laminectomy in about 4 months to resolve the stenosis problem which is the spinal chord narrowing.

Hopen this helps

Maria

P. S. To Nikki and Mothmin. How are you both doing??

------------------

Spimo · 01-15-2003, 09:56 PM

Thanks Mothmin, Niki and Empi for the info.
My spine diagnosis is complicated by the fact that I have had MS for many years, although I had only mild to moderate walking problems before my new symptoms.

I have no idea how the surgeon is going to tell the difference between the stenosis and MS as the cause of my very weak and spastc legs. To say nothing of needing to have surgery. The upside is I might be able to get better if they can fix my neck, but at my stage of MS it's pretty permanent. No fixes!
Thanks for listening,
Spimo