I am sorry to hear of your conditions, but glad you found the forum...
I believe that Tarlov cysts are sometimes caused by connective tissue disorder (but like is said this is just my theory). Dural ectasia is somewhat similar to Tarlov and is linked to Marfan Syndrome, and connective tissue disorders. And of course, many of the people with Chiari also have these connective tissue disorders. I dont think these conditions always go togather, but I would say that in your case, they are from one common cause. Most likely, this was caused by a genetic problem with those connective tissues, so you were born with these conditions.
Does Chiari and Tarlov also go together. I have both .
Jen is the girl in my profile pic wearing the orange convict costume. Just realized that, I have had that pic up forever...weird.
Sending prayers to ur God Parents Family...and to you for your loss.
"selma"
Wow so this is kinda of crazy. I haven't been on here lately, just been trying to deal with life. RacingAngel sent me that message on a day that changed my life. I just noticed that message she sent, and I am taken back.
On June 13th it was my god sister Jen's 25th birthday. I grew up around Jen and her family, her parents are my god parents, my parents are her godparents. Chuck her father passed away on her birthday. Pronounced brain dead from a ruptured brain aneurysm at the age of 53. He was kept on life support for the next few days to get that process taken care of. Jen and I spent her birthday in the hospital, a month ago today. Please send out your prayers to Jen and the rest of the Stevens family as im sure today will be a hard day thanks Stacey
Hi and welcome to the Chiari/Syringomyelia forum.
May I ask do u have a specialist, not just a NS that has seen u?...I do know most times a syrinx will just be monitored bcuz they r too small for a shunt or a stent.
Do u know if u have chiari as well?...tethered cord?...or other related conditions?
I too have a herniated disk in an area of stinosis....
And I also used all my FMLA and short term medical leave and applied for my LTD and was denied 2 x's...my drs did fill out the forms....chiari and syringomyelia r not always recognized and u have to go in fighting...take a lawyer...I wish I had.Here in the states a new law was enacted to "protect" us causing this to now become a federal case...there r not too many that have the experience with it as such, so much more diff to find a lawyer after the denials.I think the abbrev for the law is ERISA....something like that.
Good luck to u and I hope u continue to post ur concerns and questions here.We r always happy to welcome a new person, but not happy for the reason u r joining us.
"selma"
I have Syringomyelia. I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago. The regular doctors said it was not my problem. The Neurologists say do not let anyone do surgery on it because it is so low. Mine is 1.5 mm runs from T-10 to L-2. I also have Tarvlov Cysts on the outside puching on the nerves from L-5 to S-3 on left side and S-5 on the right side. I suffer from a sore tailbone after sitting a while, my hips freeze up if I stand more than5 to 10 minutes in one place and have lower chronic oain from my waist down. Sometimes my feet get servere cramping that last for hours if I do not take medicine to stop it. I also have L-1 degenrative disk, L-2 & 3 herniated disk, scoliosis, arthritis and stenosis all in the same area. My pain level does not go under a 6 at any time but can hit 10 at any time also. I am allergic to most narcotic pain medication and they have tried epidural and facet shots that do not work. In the last three years I have done 9 months of therapy, and still no relief. So I have exhausted my FMLA at work, my short term disability and am trying to get on long term disability now.
If you are working make sure you get doctors that will help you to disability some do not like doing the paperwork so they will not help you. Good luck and God bless.
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/search/257?query=tarlov+cysts
here is a link when I did a search of this forum for tarlov cysts...not sure they all deal with it, but it is a place to start to find someone else with this issue...good luck
My issue was the result of whiplash, but the radiologist did put on the report it could be positional ....as they can see some appear that way when lying down.....I did have PT to help correct some of it, but it never went back the way it should be.
Well, u know u can talk all u need to here : )
No worries and I would say everyone here will understand.
"selma"
When my neck curve issue was first found, it was on full back x-rays that were taken standing up. You might want to make sure that yours isn't always that way as well. A lot of the neck x-rays that I have had have been standing, maybe you have one they could compare to your MRI findings. So far the only problems I have really had with my irregular neck curve is the DJD its causing. I wish I could say its just positional, I would be way easier that way. Thank you for listening to my long post you are right I really needed to get it out. They dont always understand and I dont want to bring down the people around me with my medical issues.
Hi Stacey,
I also have the lordosis comment on my MRI and was told many times it is positional...bcuz we r lying down...it can be the result of muscles pulling the wrong way and PT can correct this sometimes....mine was a result of whiplash.....so ur's could be from ur scoliosis pulling ur muscles??......It can also be called soldier's neck.....those in the military when at attention the way the hold their head and pull it back can cause this to happen as well.....
I am not sure if I know someone with the Tarlov cyst......I am sure someone else will post a comment concerning it if they do : )
No worries on the long post.....we need to get these things out and to someone that will listen...so vent all u need to and get everything out so u can better understand when u do see the dr......
"selma"
Stacey! I'm so glad you finally posted! I've already told you i think you need the brain mri but i also understand not having insurance. Just glad you posted and others here can get to know you. ((HUGS)) Shannon :)
I have been in two small rear ender's but no serious car accidents. My pain did start getting way worse after the bad yoga move and long car ride though. I think the reversal of my neck curve is just a different type of scoliosis, the doc I saw at Shriner's Children's hospital when I was younger mentioned it back then so I'm pretty sure Its always that way. I am not sure what it significance it has though either. I have done some research on the Tarlov cyst and it also involves CSF flows, so that is why I'm wondering If anyone else maybe has this or if it even has any relevance. I appreciate your time Selma in responding to my very long post
HI Stacey,
Well, I am not too informed on syringomyelia as I do not have it, but a syrinx can be congential just like chiari or it can be acquired. A chiari specialist that also deals with all related conditions would be the best dr for u to see...getting insurance would be best even if it is state aid.......
The straightening of the cervical lordosis many times can be positional...so not sure that is nething to worry about.
So, were u in a MVA in the last several yrs, have a fall? ...or get hit in the back with something?
Always get a second opinion when u have doubts.
Not too sure on the tarlov cyst either...but will see what I can find for u......
Try and relax and know that there r way too many drs that do not understand many of the issues of chiari and syringomyelia...it is just a matter of finding that right dr for u.
"selma:"