My MRI

[LisaJF]

Well, I had a MRI of the Cspine on Sept 16 because I was having that left arm issue with the tight band around the bicep/tricep area, tingling/pins/needles, burning, hypersensitivity to touch..blah blah blah and I was told that from the C7-T3 is "atrophic"

Is that good news?

[SarahL2491]

congrats, when are you due?  

[LisaJF]

Hey congratulations Jen!  

I pray for a uncomplicated delivery and a healthy baby! (And of course, a healthy you afterward!)

I have a script for physical therapy, but I have not gone yet.  I keep waiting to feel good enough to do whatever task they may want me to do -- no matter how little it is.  I've yet to go -- but I want to in hopes I can boost up my energy levels in the right way.

What's the due date?

Lisa

[jensequitur]

Hey, I'm doing great! Preggers right now, and estrogen is the best medicine for MS. After the kid is out, we'll see.

I've had a physical therapist tell me that all I have to do is exercise those muscles, but I've heard from other sources that there's no point in exercising a weak muscle. The problem isn't lack of strength in the muscle, it's nerve conductivity! However, plenty of rest and staying cool helps for me.

[LisaJF]

Hey Jen!  Nice to hear from you. How have you been?

To my untrained eye...I think I see two...one at C6 and C7.  But what would I know.  :D

You have atrophy of the spinal cord?  And your radiologist failed to see that?  Can we say...omg?  This is pretty darn scarey to think these guys are paid to look at the images without mouse wheeling through them at 100 mph and give a detailed report...

But that's my thought on it. LOL

My left arm/hand is good today. (thank god).  It's an on and off thing.  Sometimes I can go through 2 to 3 days without experiencing it.

Go me.

Soooooooooo glad to hear from you Jen!  Thank you for your response!

Lisa

[jensequitur]

To my untrained eye, it looks like you have some enhancement at C6. I saw this on my own MRIs, but the radiologist failed to report it until I got a 3T. Atrophy of the spinal cord is also seen.

With neurological problems in the arm, they'll look for involvement of the spinal cord above the shoulder, so that's a likely culprit.

[LisaJF]

I'm sure he reads everything under the sun save for MRIs :D

[Poppy7402]

I took your comment as you meant it Lisa  :-))

[kwarendorf]

"My Neurologist is not that good with reading MRIs."

How is he with maps, recipes, the sports page... :-)  

[LisaJF]

My Neurologist is not that good with reading MRIs.  

[LisaJF]

Stated, "C7 to T3 atrophic, this is more definitive to MS"  I asked if it could possibly be degenerative changes or age-related and he said "no".

[kwarendorf]

I agree that given the choice of atrophic or non-atrophic, I'd go with non-atrophic. The report gives a descripton of the c-spine. Does it provide any possible causes? Have you discussed the findings with your doc?

Kyle

[LisaJF]

Should I get a second opinion?  What if he's wrong?

[LisaJF]

My end sarcasm meant the joyous news...not to your reply :)

Thanks so much Poppy - really

[LisaJF]

Doesn't appear like its the greatest of news. LOL

Thank you poppy for replying!  I just had to share! Spread the joyous news! /ends sarcasm

[Poppy7402]

Unfortunately I wouldn't say it is good news Lisa as this means there's a decrease in the size of the spinal cord in this region.  If you count the vertebra from the top you can see where C7 is and that the spinal cord is thinner in this region.   I have no medical training though !!