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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Compressive Cervical Myleopathy - Help
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Compressive Cervical Myleopathy - Help
by Goodkarma5, Nov 05, 2005 12:00AM
I am 40 years old. Was misdiagnosed with Fibromylagia. Have suffered for years. Recently found out tha my Rheum. missed an MRI from 2 years ago. I have Cervical Compressive Myleopathy of c5-c6 and have seen a Nuerologist and Othopedic surgeon who agree I have a degenerative spine disease. I will need surgery and several more as they "become ripe". I have been on short term disability for the first time in my life. Still I couldn't go on with all the symptoms - pain, numbness, tingling, headaches, clumsiness, and very weak. I am a very positive person so it shocked people who didn't know my suffering. I have been told that my problems most likely will not reverse especially with the disease already spready ( on MRI). I also have been told I'll lose mobility ( anterior disketomy w/fusion). I lost 20 lbs and weigh 93 lbs. Even being on a computer for more than a few min. at a time is painful. First question...my primary care found a neurologist specializing in degenerative conditions. Is it ok to cancel my surgery on Dec 1st with the ortho sugeon to see her first? I have a feeling I'll need her for a long time. Also, I have gotten over being ashamed of having disability payments, but if I end up on long term disability, can I still donate a few hours here and there to the community without getting into trouble ( I need a life too)? The nature of this disease is never knowing when you can be whole. Thank you so much and any advice is helpful. Bless you...Lori
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Nov 09, 2005 12:00AM
A neurologist specializing in degenerative conditions may not be the type of specialist you need - they usually are experts in progressive diseases of the brain such as dementias etc rather than degenerative spine disease, a completely different medical problem
Degenerative spine disease is usually from wear and tear over time on the bones and ligaments, so although can cause pain and disability, is not a progressive neurological disease resulting in death such as the above.
You need to be careful about what symptoms you attribute directly to nerve compression from a disc and what is from porr posture, soft tissue etc, as surgery will only prevent progressive neurological disability ie muscle strength etc, but will not necessarily treat pain, although intractable pain can be anindication to do surgery.
I would still advise to see a neurologist who may be able to tease out which problems are form the disc and which can be solved by physio/rehab and which are from another cause altogether. In the hands of a good conservative neurological and neurosurgical team, you should be able to give many more hours to your community.
Degenerative spine disease is usually from wear and tear over time on the bones and ligaments, so although can cause pain and disability, is not a progressive neurological disease resulting in death such as the above.
You need to be careful about what symptoms you attribute directly to nerve compression from a disc and what is from porr posture, soft tissue etc, as surgery will only prevent progressive neurological disability ie muscle strength etc, but will not necessarily treat pain, although intractable pain can be anindication to do surgery.
I would still advise to see a neurologist who may be able to tease out which problems are form the disc and which can be solved by physio/rehab and which are from another cause altogether. In the hands of a good conservative neurological and neurosurgical team, you should be able to give many more hours to your community.
So GoodKarma, don't worry. The doctors are there to help you the very best they can. Work with the one you feel most comfortabe with, and trust his proceedures.
God Bless you, Kikko
Personally, I would not let anyone touch my spine but a neurosurgeon. A neurologist can only treat medically and that wasn't an option for me. I am able to work part-time but at one point I did not think I would be able to.
Also, I waited 3 months to have the surgery and they said that maybe I waited too long.
I wish the very best for you and hope you will improve.
Patti