Syrinx, T3 - T6

[jonlyn]

waiting for MRI w/ gadolin (sp) to be scheduled.  I was curious if this is the same as the mentioned cine MRI? I really am a newbie.  I have had C5,6,7 and L5-S1 fusions.  I have been told I have mild scoliosis. The MRI that showed the syrinx ... well the email from the dr said there were other abnormalities.. not sure what that is about.  Probably DDD... I have a history of this...
I know that the techs do not tell you much ... and I really don't know what this MRI is going to cover... I would assume brain and spine?  I just feel my VA Dr. is leaving me in the dark or she thinks this is really no big deal?  My MRI was done on May 8th and I am now one month later finding out that I need more...

Any suggestions.
Asheville, NC

[selmaS]

  Thanks for the update, but feel free to vent here as often as u need to....that is y this forum is here....

I have not been on as much as I generally am, my DD moved back to the area and I am helping her settle in, unpacking etc....but I will always be around if u need nething : )

[jonlyn]

Hi Selma... I thought I would give you a break ... with my anxiety attack lol... So, update:  MRI w/ and w/o contrast of brain and cervical was completed on August 6.  I still have no results but, I do have a copy of the CD (pics) of course I am clueless... I can see that I have a couple places that may indicate bulges.. w/ some arthritis.. the cerebellum may be blocking csf but, does not look like chiari.. but, just my opinion from google pics comparisons.

Emg July 12th.. C6,7,8 nerve pinch... L5-S1 nerve pinched (again) 2010 I had L5-S1 fusion..!! uggh.. so, I have had a caudel epidural steroid Wednesday.. which this was the least of my pain issues.. but, some relief is better than none.  

I am still waiting to get Lumbar and Thoracic MRI..

[selmaS]

  That is good to hear...I hope it provides ur Drs with answers....andnot more questions.

That is the way they always do things, hurry and wait....but I think it helps prepare us to be patient as we need to be post op, and in doing things going forward after surgery.....

[jonlyn]

wanted to let you know that I have an appt for EMG on July 12,  I had one on my legs 2008:  then, surgery 2010.. Hurry up and wait I guess..
there is a neurologist at the VA and I hope they send me back to my ns at the duke va..

[selmaS]

  It is a good idea to take things slow so u find the right Dr, but if u have both Chiari and a syrinx u should be seeing a NS not a NL as a NL gives the DX and the NS decides on treatment.

Use the list of Drs we have while u wait to research Drs to see which one u may want to go to , and do see a few and compare.

[jonlyn]

I have an appt for MRI w/ contrast all of the spinal cord on August 20th.  I guess my PC and the radiologist were not too concerned w/ the syrinx and other abnormalities shown on the original MRI. Maybe after the MRI I will get referred on to a neurologist. Until then, It seems I will hurry up and wait. UGGHH,,,

[selmaS]

  Hi...did u have a contrast dye with ur last MRI?...if not this may be a redo to have the contrast included,

The testing u should have is a Brain and cervical spine MRI W/Wo contrast, a MRI of the thoracic and lumbar spine, a CINE MRI w/co and BP clip to monitor BP.....

If the RX does not indicate CINE MRI then it is a reg MRI with contrast.

Does it state what area is being done? Brain etc?

Many Drs have the mindset that Chiari is no big deal, if they had it they would know it can be....