Anticipating Spinal Surgery - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

chalkj · 06-03-2003, 01:53 PM

I am new to this board. I have cervical spinal stenosis, with cord compression. The most severe compression has the cord down to 5mm. I have seen
4 NS and had 2 different opinions. Two have recommended anterior discectomy and 2 have recommended
laminectomy because I have involvement with 4 levels.
I have had the typical symptoms - pain, weakness, tingling in my arm and hands, but those have pretty much gone away. I am left with severe burning and tingling in both my feet. Neurologist thinks it is unrelated, but I'm not sure. Has anyone out there had
similar condition? I would appreciate any help.
Chalkj

joprud · 06-03-2003, 07:11 PM

Hi Chalkj,

I've not had any surgeries so I'm afraid I can't answer your question but I wanted to welcome you to our Spiney Family...I look forward to getting to know you...Again, Welcome Aboard...I'm sure someone will be along soon with some answers.

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,acupuncture all to no avail.

magtize · 06-03-2003, 08:56 PM

Hi Chalkj
Can't help you with answers but wanted to welcome
you a board. You will be getting some answers soon as this is a great bunch. Have only been here a few weeks and already feels like I have an extended family. Ones who truely understand.Ones that answer your fears,
listen to you vent and are still here for you.
Again a warm welcome
Elaine

------------------
car accident 72 S2 fused 76 Surgery 96 c5-6 fused
aug pains in neck started with pain meds. had X-rays MRI Mylagram
c2-3 c3-4 broadbase buldge c6-7 buldge.pinched nerve,arthritis,spinal stenosis.Meds.Celebrex200mg 1 a day Lexapro 10mg 1 day apap/codeine 300mg as needed oxycod/apap 500 mg as needed neurontin 300mg 2 xs a day Massages,PT,PM SO FAR NO RELIEFLost job as have been off work since Sept 02 3 good days since then

chalkj · 06-04-2003, 08:51 AM

Joprud and Magtize,

Thanks for your response. I'm sorry that both of you
have had a lot of pain and changes in your life style.
Hopefully we can share some things that seem to help.
I have found that working out in the gym gives me
relief of pain and stiffness. Seems like it would make it worse, but actually makes the neck, arms and
legs feel better. I only take neurontin and over-the-
counter pain relievers. Let me know if there is any
question I may be able to answer for you. I live in
the Kansas City area.

Chalkj

chalkj · 06-04-2003, 08:54 AM

Joprud and Magtize,

Thanks for your response. I'm sorry that both of you
have had a lot of pain and changes in your life style.
Hopefully we can share some things that seem to help.
I have found that working out in the gym gives me
relief of pain and stiffness. Seems like it would make it worse, but actually makes the neck, arms and
legs feel better. I only take neurontin and over-the-
counter pain relievers. Let me know if there is any
question I may be able to answer for you. I live in
the Kansas City area.

Chalkj