lumbar and thoracic spine MRI?

[pdxmomof3boys]

When I did my MRI for my spine, the NS only ordered a scan of my cervical spine. I am having trouble with tingling in my middle - low back now that increases day after day. It's really odd that it is connected to my breathing. When I feel my chest tightening and my back starts to hurt where my lungs are, the tingling in my back increases a hundredfold. I called and left a msg for my NS about maybe looking into my lumbar spine and lower for any other abnormalities that might cause this. Strangely, the only time I get any relief is when I am on prednisone for my asthma...which I guess they also use to treat spinal injuries. I hate to sound like a hypochondriac (which I feel like these days!) but I am worried that we missed something. I know I've asked a lot about asthma and breathing problems with Chiari, but as my breathing becomes more difficult to manage I feel like there is something more.None of my asthma meds are working! I am sick and weak all the time and can't focus. Ugh!

We'll see what he says when he calls me back...let me know what you all think! Anyone with lumbar/thoracic spinal problems (syrinx) let me know about your breathing :)

[Alex265]

I know exactly how you are feeling, when I called last week and had them schedule the surgery I almost called back so many times, but you're right, can't live like this. Not fair to us and I also feel not fair to my little ones, when a headache hits I have to keep telling them to play more quietly, or I just can't even enjoy them because it's to much of an effort. I also feel confortable with my decision and hope to God all goes well.
Alex

[selmaS]

Rosemarie...sending u prayers and know we r with u in spirit.
Congratulations on making a decision and finding a dr u r comfortable with.


Godspeed
"selma"

[pdxmomof3boys]

I believe that everything happens for a reason -- you all are giving me the courage to move forward and have the surgery before this condition takes over more of my life. If we wait for medical confirmation of all of our symptoms in relation to Chiari, we may NEVER get it. I am trusting my gut on this one...with a little help from my friends :) On Jan. 8th when I see my NS I am scheduling the surgery. I will take a 6 week leave of absence from school (just like a maternity leave, I tell myself, only no diapers to buy :)) and go from there. I will not wait until I get worse, to allow myself to get better.

God bless you all! I did google circle of willis and I found just the information I was looking for all of these months. I truly believe that we all suffer from the symptoms of severe overcrowding and how that affects our MAJOR vessels! Take care all :) I now have the courage to do it!!!

Rosemarie

[selmaS]

Hi...there r studies going on now to pinpoint more data, but it does look like that is a very big possibility.

There r some families that the mom and several of the children have this condition.......it is more likely to be on the mom's side of the family tree, but, my father has more of the symptoms than my mom, and of course in his 70's and would never consider being tested bcuz he can not stand the thought he passed this on...regardless if it might help him.

I have a cousin on my dad's side with spina bifida....so I do think it can be either side....not being a dr eh...who knows.....but deff have ur DD checked.

"selma"

[Alex265]

Besides two little ones I also have two older children. I keep forgettting to ask, could this be genetic? My oldest daughter has a 25 degree curve scoliosis, she has awful headaches (not all the time), and constant back pain, she also recently told me when she gets a massage her toes tingle or go numb. She has seen so many doctors and no one finds anything wrong with her, she has never had a brain mri and now I'm begging her to go for one.
Any suggestions?
Alex

[Alex265]

Thanks for sharing all this Elizabeth, I've been second guessing my decision to have the surgery, but after what you just wrote I feel better about it and am going to look at the positive and not what could go wrong.
I also have overcrowding and a slight obstruction, am always tired dizzy in pain no energy etc. I know this surgery does not perform miracles, but I am so hoping for a much better quality of life.
Alex