history

[t]

on 11/18 I posted my first question "how does huge mass" and received a response, thank you.....later I made additional postings at that same question wondering if my history ties tgether somehow,, could someone please review and respond?
This is a tremendous service, and sincerely appreciated by all of us,
thank you!
t

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear T:

No, 45 is not too old for osteoarthritis.  We see it in teenagers.

CCF Neuro MD

[t]

NS is well respected, but I did feel rushed- I was rushed.  HMO is difficult to get 2nd from, but that's what I'll pursue.  Hadn't heard osteo with regard to me-aren't I too young? Egads.  Again, thanks so very much.
T

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear T:

Since I cannot actually see the vertebral lesion, I cannot tell you if it is huge, etc.  Usually, surgery only help those patients who are mechanically compromised.  That is, pain with motion or the herniation is so bad that the spinal cord itself is compromised.  There might be an indication if the degeneration of the vertebrae is progressing so fast (osteoporosis, osteoarthritis) that without surgery your spinal would decompensate.  Other, than these conditions surgery outcome is variable (in fact, even with these variables) and most of the outcome efficacy is the result of the quality of the surgeon, rehab, and the patient willingness to perservere through pain.  Sounds like you were not given a good consultation from the surgeon.  Maybe a second opinion from someone who you connect with might be a good thought.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[t]

follow up-
I thought I did mention I'm 45.  wt @135 lbs, general health has always been good. 2 healthy daughters, hystorectomy 2 years ago. HRT.   Own auto repair shops with my husband- my work is "Office" .  I've always been active, athletic,  proud of my physical independence- this has ofcourse limited my physical activities considerably, which can be very depressing.  I have NO IDEA how this "injury" occured-there was no seminal moment when I KNEW I had injured myself.  Just woke up one morning and couldn't do things I could before.  I have NOT had surgery to correct it, because it frightens me.  I, like other health care recipients this day and age feel very rushed by the providers.  I know they're busy, and see these types of things regularly; but it is highly irregular to me, and I do NOT understand it well enough to consent to the surgery yet, even if I am in pain a lot of the time.  I guess it's not bad enough yet.  Still, I'm trying to find the information I need to make an informed decision, and have not gotten this from either my internist or the neurosurgeon.  His consult was all of 15 minutes, with me assuming dozens of positions and perfoming dozens of little excercises that presumably tell him things- it was downright dizzying to me.  Then after I'm dressed her returns, flips though the films and slaps them up on a light box, points to a frame and says, "here it it, it's huge"......we'll have to remove the vertebra because it's the only way to access this.  Tell the girl out front when you want to do it.  Nice to meet you..............bye.  So, here I search..  Thanks again, I truly appreciate the time you take to listen to me, and to all of us who are searching.  Sorry I was so long winded.
t

[CCF MD GS]

I'm not sure why you have posted this question in this space? An EMG is an electromyography test. It is a test to examine primarily peripheral nerves and muscles. It can also be used to evaluate spinal motor roots. MS is thought to be primarily a central disorder affecting axons in the brain, although the spinal cord can also be involved. In general EMG tests are not very helpful in the diagnosis of MS unless they have developed a secondary problem. We do not do EMGs as a diagnostic tool for a MS workup.

[Joe]

What is the value of an EMG? What is it's use in MS?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear T:

It is extremely difficult to give information concerning symptoms and spinal cord problems.  We don't have the advantage to examine you and see the symptoms ourselves nor do we get to see the films.  Most of what you asked is better answered by the physicians who performed the operation and your following neurologist.  Since the abnormality is a forward protrusion of your vertebrae of T1/T2, some of the eye problems might be due to effects on the sympathetic system, but I don't thing this is that likely because your problem was anterior and not posterior.  LIkewise the right sided symptoms.  But, since I have no knowledge of the foramenal changes, I can't say for sure.  Unfortunately, at your young age, many physically active pursuits will have to be altered.  Depending on the etiology of the disorder (you never mentioned how the problem originated, nor your weight, lifestyle or profession, systemic illnesses etc) and your pursuit and constant rehab new lifestyle, these will dictate what you can and cannot pursue.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD