Ok, I posted a question a while back. Since then, I have consulted a neurosurgeon. I am confused now. This is my MRI report.
My MRI says:
Severe degenerative disc disease and spondylolsis is seen at C5-6 and to a greater extent at C6-7. there is some high signal seen in the central cord consistent with myelomalacia.
C3-4= there is a central disc protrusion with minimal impingement on the anterior thecal sac producing mild central canal stenosis.
C4-5= The is broad based disc protrusion with partial effacement of the thecal sac. There is evidence of abnormal increased signal in the central cord.
C5-6= there is broad based disc prtrusion producing moderal central canal stenosis especially to the left of midline. There is evidence of mild left neural foraminal stenosis also reflecting facet arthropathy.
C6-7, moderate to severe central stenosis due to spurring and a large central disc protrusion. there is no definite evidence of neural foraminal stenosis.
There is extensive laminectomy defect seen beginning at the inferiar aspect of C4 and extending through C7.
IMPRESSION:
1. Extensive post surgical changes
2. Severe degenerative changes especially at C5-6 and C6-7, with evidence of spinal stenosis as desribed.
3. Extensive myelomalacia seen within the cervical cord.
My neurosurgeon told me that I have a significant hole in my spinal cord. He told me that he wanted surgery to be our absolute last option. He explained that he would have to insert a tube into my spinal cord and drain it into my lung. He asked what kind of medications I take for pain, (Lortab, Darvocet, Anaprox) He said there are stronger pain meds we can give you. He never mentioned anything else about all the other problems with my MRI. Like they aren't important anymore. This "hole" just took over all of the discussion. He told me to be very careful about jarring my neck, whiplash, etc. He told me what signs to watch for as this progresses I guess. Is paralysis probable. I seem to have lost so much strength in the past year. My headaches have gotton more frequent and severe. I have a serious burning pressure in my neck almost everyday. My arms are tingling and numb feeling most of the time. I have had some bladder control issues. My muscles in my arms, legs and hands are constantly in spasms. Sometimes the spasm takes quite a while to release. These are just a few of my symptoms!!! Any advice would be appreciated. I go back to see the neurosurgeon in a month. I am searching for some guidance.