Appointment with the neurosurgeon

[Bummer Knees]

I saw the neurosurgeon Wednesday for the 4 month follow up appointment on the ACDF.

He went over the EMG/NCT of the right arm, I have mild carpal tunnel. and ulmer nerve entrapment of the elbow.

I continue to have nerve pain accross the right shoulder and down the right arm, the doctor said this is normal following surgery and may improve. I do have moderate to severe abnormalities according to the needle test related to the C-6.

The doctor talked about doing another MRI to investigate the C-6 but I want to wait 3 months and see if there is any change.

A question:

I am having sharp pain, of the top of the hand and going up towards the elbow.

The pain is bad enough it is limiting the use of the hand as activity increases the pain greatly.

Could that be related to the cervical spine?

[jayne]

could.....anything is possiable but like you I would wait and give your self time to heal

[Bummer Knees]

Thanks Jayne and I do think you are right about this.

THe physical therapist told me yesterday I have two different things going on with the neck.

I have bone spurs at 3 levels of the cervical spine. The spur at C5-6 was worked on freeing the nerve at the time of the ACDF. PT pointed out the doctor's records relate the compression of the nerve to the arm weakness and hand problems.

[jayne]

Bummer as I told you the ACDF as cured nothing for me if anything it cleared the way for more problems as far as more discs going down...right now I have very little control over my hands...I type and go back over my posts and some times its a lot of gibberish because I have hit all the wrong keys...I have to tack quilts I cant quilt anymore its just to painful...the migrains and the burning between my shoulder blades is unbarable.On top of that both legs are going so I have to give in and get a scooter or sit in a recliner for the rest of my life...but it all hurts....all just because I went to work.....welfare moms are looking smarter to me everyday

[Bummer Knees]

Jayne what levels are involved with your cervical spine?

What you write about your hands describe me to a t.

I badly want to take a college class this fall but I simple can not write more then a few words due the the pain and weakness in the hand. The neurosurgeon told me to give this some time to see if any of the strength returns.

[jayne]

I started with c4-5 and c5-6 got them fused with hardware the fusion didnt take c 3-4 went before my 6 month check up now they are saying c6-7 is gone also...my PCP said my cervical area feels like bubble wrap I gave him the evil eye..it sounds like rice crispies when you add milk when I turn my neck...when I called a neuro this week he wants all my surg notes and a current MRI..then they will decide if they want to take me on as they only take so many medicare patients per year(la te da)( thank you Obama)....Also my lower back is crumbling....I cant use a cane to help support me because of my neck issues....bah humbug....should have been a welfare Mom

[Bummer Knees]

Jayne do you have DDD, just curious?

I've been haveing lot of problems with nerve pain down the right leg and into the foot lately, the lumbar, leg weakness and knees are the reason I use the cane. Sometimes it gets very difficult to use the cane due the the arm weakenss, I do understand what you are saying.

[Sithie]

Quick question what really is the difference between a ruptured and a herniated disc, I looked it up and sites say the are the same, but way doc talked, they are very different.

[jayne]

I believe a ruptured disc is gone a herniated disc is still there just bad....I think...but I am not sure..My pcp calls mine ruptured...I got news for them pain is pain.....and I am bloody glad to have you at my back girly...

[Bummer Knees]

Sithie that is also my understanding, what Jayne said.

It really is good to see you here on the foum again!