ACM and Syringomyelia

[Cathy1964]

I was diagnosed with ACM and syringomyelia in 1992.  They removed as many of the syrinxes as possible (although a few were left in) and put a shunt in.  I had another operation in 1995.  I had no problems for several years.  I recently had a MRI done on the cervical and thorasic spine and they found 2 more syrinxes from C2 to C5 and C6 to T7.  Based on my prior experience, I know that it is best to have the syrinxes removed, or at least a shunt put in to help with the flow of the fluid.  This worked the first time for many years.  However, when I seen a neurosurgeon earlier this week, he told me that an operation was not necessary.  This contradicts everything that I have always been told.  At one point I was told by three different neurosurgeons that paralysis was possible without having the syrinxes removed.  I need to find out if having the syrinxes continue to grow and not be removed will cause many more problems down the line.  I am making arrangements to see a neurosurgeon who does specialize in ACM for a second opinion.  

My recent symptroms have include severe headaches (taking 2500 to 3000 mg of Extra strength Tylenol did not touch the pain), pain the face and pressure behind the eyes.  Pain the arms, and upper back, weakness in the left leg (more prominent) as well as pain the left arm, starting from the shoulder area.

I would like information as to whether the syrinxes need to come out, as I don't want to end up in a wheelchair for the rest of my life