myelopathy after ACDF - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

2MnyHats · 03-31-2003, 02:59 PM

I'm wondering if anyone can offer me any personal experiences with persistent cervical myelopathy following an Anterior Cervical discectomy/fusion. I made a quick climb to walking with a walker a week after surgery but now, almost 3 months out, I still require my wheelchair at least half the time.

My symptoms are weakness in the lower extremeties, some spasticity, some muscle rigidness in my ankles which makes walking difficult. I have some symptoms in my upper extremities as well (finger drift, clumsiness, shaking) but these I can handle. I'm just wondering if this is the best it gets!

joprud · 03-31-2003, 03:31 PM

Hi 2MnyHats,

I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I'm afraid I can't offer any help but please be assured the experts will be along soon. They are truly a wonderful group of people and are always very helpful and knowledgeable. (not to mention very funny.

)

I did want to Welcome you aboard and wish you all the best in finding some relief from your symptoms.

Take Care,

Joanne

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Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,accupuncture all to no avail.

Debbie2 · 04-01-2003, 08:22 AM

Hi too many hats... I have a old (she's not old) from the board who no longer can post. But I do remember her saying so much about this, because it was exactly what she had.

I know she said myelopathy takes 6 months to a year to recover from. Not everyone recovers... Physical therapy will help, and you have to try HARD at it. Also, there are tricks to re-learning balance that will help, and PT will help that as well. Please, do NOT to give up hope. She has so many complication and is so strong willed, I know it will produce positive results for her.
Know that it is a long hard recovery... much worse than the regular acdf. Myelopathy is a serious thing. Also..... after 5 months, she still has problems that are directly related to the amount of activity she does. Too much, and you will definitely suffer for it, so EASY does it!! Heat helps... long hot baths, heating pads and massage. That was what she always said... and she knew so much

Debbie

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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.

winged phantom · 04-01-2003, 08:30 AM

2MnyHats,
Just wanted to stop in and say "Hi"

. Debbie seems to have a pretty good answer- much better than any I can offer. I hope you have good therapists who can help you with these problems. Have a good day.
wr

2MnyHats · 04-01-2003, 08:43 AM

Thanks Debbie and to all for the encouragement. I have resigned myself to this being a long process. I doing an exercise routine 2X a day but I like your friend, find that my too much activity results in setbacks. I like long hot baths so needless to say our water/gas bill is also screaming! Debbie- do you know if your friend is still using a wheelchair or is she able to walk ok?
Thanks again