myelopathy - what are some next steps?

I'm a 40 year old mother with three active children.  I had an accident five years ago that resulted in L3 fracture.  I  pretty much recovered from the accident when I had another one about a year ago.  In this accident, the airbag went off.  I was diagnosed with whiplash and a few other things.  Anyway, I was having issues with balance and gait.  It was difficult to walk up/down the stairs.  I definitely could no longer run with the kids.  Walking becomes difficult for long spells.  My orthopedic doctor sent me to a neurologist because she felt there was a problem with the nerves because "you definitely don't walk right."  After a couple of scans, my doctor diagnosed me with myelopathy, but he told me that he didn't see anything on the scans but was basing his diagnosis on my symptoms.  He stated the symptoms were "organic", but he just didn't see anything.  It has been several months now, and I am growing very frustrated.  For now, I am taking baclofen.  I have been having neck pains, numbness/pins and needle tingling on my right side (down to my fingers at night).  Does this sound like myelopathy?  Without a conclusive scan, what can be done if anything?  Am I stuck on baclofen for the rest of my life?  What else do you suggest I get done?

[kay290]

I went through this whole thing myself, but my symptoms were intermittant. I was middiagnosed by 3 specialists. In other words,they have to see enough spinal cord compression on the MRI to be producing your symptoms. Not all specialists are trained enough with this to diagnose you properly. You need other opinions. The MRI has to show DDD and/or herniations and/or spinal canal stenosis to create spinal cord compression. YOu need a copy of the MRI CD to take for other opinions and a copy of your report. IF you do have CERVICAL MYELOPATHY it has to be treated surgically and the sooner the better or you may have permanent damage. Myelopathy is a progressive condition that can lead to walker, wheelchair or cane. I developed a multitude of neuro symptoms after an Epidural injection and it caused alot of grief and controversy over how and when to treat. I did treat it surgically.Good luck.

[myelolady604]

I am 54 & just diagnosed with myelopathy. I too had "hit from behind" car wrecks at age 27, then age 40. I blame it on that. I haven't been diagnosed for very long; 3 weeks. No insurance! Scraped together some $$ for MRI's. So far, a soft 3" cervical collar helps at times. Also Lyrica 50 - 100 mg at night keep my legs from jumping. I have an awful time with curbs, steps, etc. My neurologist says I'm totally disabled. I hope my 2 little hints help you. Plan on starting everything about an hour before you usually would. I have a rule that I only go up & down my steps once when coming & going! Takes some planning. Good luck!

[APE861]

JUST READ WHATS GOING ON AND I KNOW ITS HARD NOT TO BEABLE TO DO LOTS WITH YOUR CHILDREN. AS MY HUSBAND SAYS IF IT;S NOT GOING TO KILL YOU DONT WORRY ABOUT IT. JUST TRY TO DO A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME I HVE TROUBLES ON MY RIGHT SIDE AND I CANT DO ALOT OF THINGS . ITS SO HARD FOR ME I GOT SO STRESS OUT WHERE I THINK I HAVE MS OR SOME THING AWFUL WRONG WITH ME MY HUSBAND BEEN THROUGH CANCER AND MY DYING OF CANCER AND DAD TOO . WE HAVE TO QUICK WORRYING AND YOUR HUSBAND WILL CARE FOR YOU WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND TAKE IT EASY AND YOU WILL GET STRONGER AND BETTER EVERY DAY EVEN IF IT TAKES YEARS GOD BLESS APRIL

[Bethie69]

I'm so sorry.  I didn't realize that I had posted previously and gotten responses.  I am so sorry.   Please forgive me.  I posted another note because since all of this I have been through the ringer - tests, questionable diagnosis, and I still don't know what to say except I feel so depressed.  Like I posted earlier, the worst part is having three active children and not being able to do too much with them.  Anyway, thank you all for your responses.