New type of specialist for me

GraceB

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

bubbles

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

Slosh

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.

barbara12

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

bubbadog

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.