New type of specialist for me

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GraceB
GraceB Non-active member Posts: 1,595
edited 30. May 2016, 04:45 in Living with Arthritis archive
My physio told me today he now believes my neck issues are OA in the C4/C5 area, with the disc between compressed, trapping the nerve and thereby giving me all the symptoms I've been having - and continue to get - down my right arm. (Numbness, electric shocks, pins & needles, dropping things from my right hand, no grip at times and inability to sleep on my left side). My left fingers are now starting to go numb, the numbness in my right fingers was originally limited to the pads of my fingertips but is now up to just over the first knuckles from the fingertip ends - if that makes sense.

My physio said he thought I'd be referred to a neurologist and this is inoperable due to the risks involved. :!: He said that steroid injections may well be offered, but as they've not worked for me before neither of us have much faith they'll work on my neck.

So yet another "curve ball" that life has thrown my way.

GraceB
Turn a negative into a positive!

Comments

  • bubbles
    bubbles Non-active member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Oh Graceb it makes complete sense. I can totally sympathise with you on this one. I have the same damage and pretty much the same symptoms. I haven't been offered injections and was told, in a kind of roundabout way, by the otho consultant that this is what it is and there is not a lot we can do, surgery is not an option.
    It is frustrating, annoying, upsetting, a whole wave of emotions. Most days I send things flying, I just don't feel them.
    I don't have any real answers, just to keep going and keep moving, as we have to. Not to be down hearted, difficult as it is.
    Take care XX Aidan
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • Slosh
    Slosh Non-active member Posts: 3,194
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I had this and similar symptoms. I was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon and had surgery to remove the two damaged discs and fuse the vertebrae. It is a complex op but is offered when there is severe pain and symptoms such as pins and needles. I would ask your GP about a referral to orths.
    He did not say you will not be storm tossed, you will not be sore distressed, you will not be work weary. He said you will not be overcome.
    Julian of Norwich
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Grace, you must be so frustrated.. its one thing to be told what is causing it and another that they cant help..I see that slosh has had a similar op, so its worth getting a second opinion..hope you can find someone to help..x
    Love
    Barbara
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Non-active member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Oh Grace that's such bad news, it must be horrible, I know getting pins & Needles in my hands & feet is bad enough!! I hope something can be suggested to help you. Sending you (())'s.

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