Got Half a Diagnosis

PollySid

I went to the Orthopedic specialist for the results of my MRI last week.
I have half an answer now as it showed Stenosis in L4 and L5 areas, which is what I was expecting. That is the area I had my disc prolapse in 1993. I wonder if they had operated then instead of leaving me at home stuck in bed, if I wouldn't have so much trouble now?

The specialist was concerned about the incoordination in my legs and inability to walk heel to toe along a line, walk on my heels or toes, and the slow, jerky walking.

I heard him mention myelopathy to the other doctor and he wants me to have a MRI on my cervical spine 'before he operates on my lumbar spine'.
That bit worried me a bit, I wasn't expecting that. It had never crossed my mind that my leg problems could be due to my neck. After reading about Cervical Myelopathy it is a strong possibility. Fingers crossed it isn't though, as I would be terrified of having to have an operation on my neck - too close to my head.

He did mention injections, but I said that I wasn't keen of an injection in my spine. I've heard that you can only have so many of them, and even though they work well for some people, you would end up with an operations possibly anyway.

I'm still on ESA awaiting an appeal, with just 5 months to go to my state pension. I wonder what happens if I retire before the appeal. Do I still go to it? I suppose the back pay if I won would be handy. Still I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

hileena111

Hi Pollysid
I was at the back specialist last Wed....previously I had an MRI [another one!!} but when I went for the result the ortho couldnt diagnosis whether I had spinal stenosis or not because of the kypho scoliosis so said wait for the back specialist.
He says yes.....Like you L4 and L5. I am unsteady when walking....cant walk on my toes or heels very well either.
I agreed to the injections....so in about 2 weeks time I'm getting them.
Watch this space
He wasnt happy about an operation...neither was I
We'll see

Love
Hileena

dreamdaisy

Hello PollySid, I guess half a diagnosis is better than none - but not too much. I can understand your reluctance over a possible neck operation so let's hope it doesn't come to that. A|t least they will be doing further investigations and that is a good thing, they need to be really sure what's what before they dive in with their screwdrivers and superglue. Keep us informed about this, yes? Take care. DD

stickywicket

Yes, I think that, in your place, I'd be thinking on exactly the same lines. You got rather more of an answer than you were expecting. However, it is always better to know what's what and it's certainly better for a surgeon to know the lie of the land before leaping in. I hope the neck turns out to be OK. Although I agree with your assessment of it being 'too near the head ) there are those on here who have had neck ops - and lived to tell the tale. Don't worry alone, PollySid. We're always here.

julie47

Hi Polysid

I just wanted to wish you well and hope that the results of your next Mri on your neck come back ok.

I have had my C4/C5 discs fused and I am now being monitored for my C1/C2 (you may have read my posts)

My op went well

Take care
love Juliepf x

PollySid

Thank you for the kind words.
I am pleased your op went well Julie. It is comforting to speak to people who know what the worries are when possibly faced with an operation.

I am still mulling over in my head about the injections Hileena. One of the ladies that works for my daughter had one and said it worked well for a short while. It would be nice to have a few weeks without this blasted nerve pain in my leg.
Let us know how you get on and how much it helps.

One of my main concerns is how quick this has seemed to progress.
Up until July 2011 I was working 8 hour shifts on my feet all the time, stacking shelves, serving customers and going up and down 2 flights of stairs to fetch stock. It was a struggle most days, but I was able to do it without having to resort to too much medication.
I started using a stick every time I go out about 6 months ago and now there is no way I could walk in town without it. Any small dip or uneven surface and I would be down. I lose count of the times my trusty stick saves me. I still manage indoors without using it unless I am really bad. There is always furniture and worktops to hold onto there.
At the moment it feels as if it is getting worse by the week, so I hope the hospital are not too long before they arrange the MRI so that I can get this sorted.
Hileena, when you walk does your knees sort of give way a bit so you dip slightly. Mine were terrible today and at one point both did it one after the other. I don't think it is knee arthritis that is causing this, but feel it is from somewhere in my spine

hileena111

Hi
I cant say my knees dip...but I cant really walk in a straight line outside.
I feel as if I'm staggering {drunk???? I dont drink }
It is hard to explain things isnt it

Love
Hileena