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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Surgery now or later?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Surgery now or later?
by Valerie K, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
I have a bulging disk,T7-8,cord compression,possible syrinx;I'm a 28 yr F. Began about a year ago.6 weeks ago,my legs froze up,were stiff, toes tinged,had what felt like groving pains in my calfs and random shooting pains.Neurosurgeon scheduled 2nd MRI,findings were similar to the 1st.By this time,sypmtoms improved a bit,and I've never had complete numbness or loss of strength.She told me that I should plan to have surgery in 2-3 weeks-and I didn't hear anything for 2 weeks. Changed doctors.Saw other neurosurgeon & followed up with him 1 mo. later.Had my visit last week.By this point,gait problems seem to be restricted to walking/limping as if I'm leading with my right heel,tightness in my hips,leg pains that change daily,and the constant tingling in my back.Some back/chest pains in thoracic area like vice. He consulted with another surgeon in his group.They feel that I should have the surgery sooner rather than later("why wait"),while the disk is soft,I am young and to prevent more degeneration. Everyone has opinions on back surgery-one person said to wait until I cannot walk, but the surgeons said by that point, damage may be irreversible.Been told lumbar & cervical,which everyone seems to have,are different
Questions: Not yet in debilitating pain,but is something I could live with if unable to be reversed-but is it too soon? If my leg problems were due to my back, would they have cleared up so much in a month? Also, I have no feeling at all in the front wall of my vagina. Could this be related, or do I have more drama to look forward to? Psyched to finally post
Questions: Not yet in debilitating pain,but is something I could live with if unable to be reversed-but is it too soon? If my leg problems were due to my back, would they have cleared up so much in a month? Also, I have no feeling at all in the front wall of my vagina. Could this be related, or do I have more drama to look forward to? Psyched to finally post
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Sep 25, 2004 12:00AM
Without examining you and reviewing your tests I cannot say if surgery is indicated or not. However the leg problems could have been due to a problem in your thoracic spine. The improvement most likely indicates that some of the initial swelling has decreased. The loss of feeling in your vagina is more difficult to blame on the problem in your spine. Regarding the timing of surgery, if you do have a sudden change in your function, such as not walking, you need to immediately go to an emergency room for treatment. Once damage occurs is may not be reversible. If you are still questioning the decision for surgery, I would recommend having an opinion at an academic spine center. Good luck
Member Comments (2)
by Valerie K, Sep 22, 2004 12:00AM
Forgot to mention -- wore a CASH brace for three months to try to fix mild kyphosis and did three months of physical therapy (strengthening back & abs). It didn't hurt, but it didn't help. Vioxx seems to help when my back gets bad. A heating pad seems to help, but the underlying discomfort and (sometimes) pain won't go away.
