Cervical and Lumbar problems

[chiari]

I have had cervical (C5-C7) and lumbar (L5-S1) fusions since 1999. My spine has taken a turn for the worse. These are the most recent MRI findings: C2-C3 has a large left subarticular disk protrusion with compression of C3 nerve roots and left aspect of the cord, with moderate spinal canal stenosis.C3-C7 moderate neural foraminal stenosis and mild to moderate central canal stenosis. C4-C5 mild flattening of the ventral cord L2-L3 lateral forminal and far left lateral annular tear. L3-L5 mild to moderate bilateral neural foraminal stenosis and. Mild disc bulge and bilateral facet arthropathy. L5-S1 moderate right and severe left rostrocaudal narrowing of the neural foramina. Probable compression of the L5 nerve root. EMG indicates possible nerve root compression at L5 level. The left side of my body has been affected the most as if I have had a stroke. I have been to physical therapy with nerve block injections. I'm taking Percocet, Flexiril, and Neurontin. This is the short version of what is going on. Does this mean more surgery?

[selmaS]

No worries...please keep us posted : )

Merry Christmas : )

"selma"

[chiari]

Thanks for the info. That is something that I haven't heard before. It would explain a lot of things or at least provide some answers. Thanks again.

I hope to get the ball rolling on my next appt (Jan.12)

chiari

[selmaS]

Hi...well it is very possible u may have what is called brain slump or a technical term is cerebral ptosis...if too much bone is cut away more than just the tonsils herniate onto the brain stem and cause even more issues after surgery.

Some will have issues with the patch....

I would push for more info on going outside the VA...there r lawyers to help in these matters.....

"selma"

[chiari]

In the early 90's, the headaches, blurry vision, and light-headedness started getting worse. Around 1995, I found out that I had cervical neck issues and Chiari type I. I was already being checked out for a fractured L5 vertebrae. It was one of those "while you are there, let's look at your neck" discovery. In October 1999, I had the first lumbar fusion and 8 months later, I had a Sub-Occipital Cranectomy(with a bovine patch). Two days after the head surgery, I had a TIA that affected my left side. It has been quite a roller-coaster ride ever since. Several other Neurologist and Neuro-surgeons have hinted at the possibility that it wasn't done right but they won't come right out and say that.

I get my care through the VA hospitals. There aren't enough specialist who really know how to handle a case like mine. They don't walk the walk, when they talk the talk. It very hard to get approval to see an outside service doctor.

Thank you very much for your response. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!