And now also the second neuro-surgeon has said the same thing...that I am not a
surgical candidate.  All that can be done is heavy duty pain meds, like Nucynta
and gabapentin and Opama.  Thay took me off of soma, and it did not help anyway.
morphine pills do not help, but morphine injections do help alot.  Why is that?

They have never had me see a lung specialist, even though I had multiple
bilateral pulmonary emboli, and the lungs hurt every day.

I went to a chiropractor who went with me to another chiropractor who does
something I have never seen before.  He said that my C-1 was twisted almost to
the point of tearing the ligaments, and then it was locked there so it could not
move.  He took x-rays on an angle, so it could be seen.  His treatment has
unlocked it, so that sometimes after treatment it feels like my head is not
attached to my neck at all.  That is a strange feeling, and I then hold it so it
does not fall off.  And then my DID kicks in, and things go bad for a while.  I
pass out after treatment, and then come back with no sense of balance and not
speaking English at all.  It then takes a while for me to come back.  The HBS I
have also is hard with this.  But the chiropractor's treatments do not seem to
be able to get it into a stable position at all.  The chiropractor said I was
the worst case he has seen in 25 years.  So I spend most days in bed, and have
seizures every day, and my muscles wither.  (it is very hard being at the
computer this long.)

Unless I was taken by air ambulance, I cannot go far away, such as to Arizona. 
I am in Indiana.

But I keep praying for God to heal me.

Thanks!



--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, "Gregory Nail" <g.nail@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Anna,
>
>
>
> I am so sorry to hear the pain & problems you are experiencing.  I sure hope
> a neurosurgeon can help your neck (& a pulmonary specialist for your lungs).
> If you cannot find a good local doctor to help you, let me know and I can
> suggest my team of neurosurgeons that I see in Phoenix AZ.  I was messed up
> by a local surgeon in Kansas City, MO and had to be fixed.  No one in NY or
> Chicago would take my case due to the difficulty.  This world renowned team
> in AZ gladly accepted me and corrected the botched surgery in a 2-day
> surgery.  I still have ongoing problems as I have DDD and cervical
> Myelopathy but the surgery made me 95% for several years.
>
>
>
> Good luck & God Bless you,
>
> Greg
>
>   _____
>
> From: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anna
> Schverzhjedzova
> Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 1:30 PM
> To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Cervical_Spondylosis] Re: New Here
>
>
>
>
>
> The neurosurgeon said I was not a good candidate for surgery.
> He said it looked like the upper cervical vertebrae were twisted out of
> place, and there was DDD and arthritis, and ordered a special neck brace and
> upper cervical CT to look more closely at it. Also, my PCP prescribed a
> powerful muscle relaxant (soma) for the problem. And I see the pain
> specialist tomorrow. And the neurosurgeon said he saw something on the
> cervical X-rays that prompted him to request chest ways, because something
> may be wrong with my lungs.
> when the PCP doc touched my neck in his office, i fell on the floor crying
> in serious serious pain. Every day i spend 4-6 hours crying in pain,
> wondering if i should call for an ambulance, but knowing that they will
> probably only abuse me in the emergency room. very tough situation.
> thanks for listening.
>

Greg - I'm starting to think that.  The more I read, the more I am convinced
that this is the right diagnosis.  I have ignored the slight pain in my neck
because I had it in my mind that this was some kind of systemic problem.  Also,
I was told I had fibromyalgia, so neck, shoulder, and upper back pain and
tightness were not a concern to me.  I am CONSTANTLY stretching and changing
position because my back is uncomfortable.  Again, I thought it was either
fibromyalgia or spasticity from the possible MS.

Things are finally starting to make sense.  I am still scared about the future
but now I have a face to the enemy and can try to manage the condition.

Cinnamon

--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, Greg Nail <g.nail@...> wrote:
>
> Frank,
>
> I had a friend whose disk problem was difficult to diagnose because the disk
> would slip in and out of position.  Her symptoms would improve when the disk
> slipped into a �better� position but worsen when the disk slipped  into her
> spinal cord.  They FINALLY got an MRI of her when the disk was in a �bad�
> position.
>
> I wonder if a disk slipping in & out of  position, causing different
> sensations, could mistakenly be considered in remission?
>
> Best regards,
> Greg
>
> On 11/15/09 6:59 AM, "Antstig" <antstig@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I would be curious to know why remissions occur. Have you ever thought of
> > keeping a journal that details diet, weight and other things?
> > I know the term spontaneous remissions but my feeling is that they say
> > "spontaneous" simply because they don't know why rather than saying they
don't
> > know the *reason* why.
> >
> > Frank
> >
> > --- On Thu, 12/11/09, verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...> wrote:
> >>
> >> From: verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...>
> >> Subject: [Cervical_Spondylosis] Stenosis or MS-Please help
> >> To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
> >> Date: Thursday, 12 November, 2009, 21:53
> >>
> >>  �     I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was
> >> told I was depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July
> >> 2009, I was told I probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a
c-spine
> >> MRI in October of this year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.
> >> Blood tests showed no vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA,
lupus,
> >> and about 10 other things.
> >>
> >> The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a
mild
> >> herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how
> >> much pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more
> >> motor weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems,
> >> balance and coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like
> >> that.  And my problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then
> >> take the next two months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis
> >> for several months, then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with
a
> >> cane or barely be able to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue
and
> >> cognitive difficulties.
> >>
> >> I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome.
> >> Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but
> >> other than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.
> >>
> >> Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the
> >> spinal cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't
> >> progressed enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable
spinal
> >> cord damage from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person. 
I
> >> hate not having answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.
> >>
> >> Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with
> >> my left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and
> >> hands and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for
a
> >> woman of my age.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

 
 
   

And by the way, thank you everyone who responded.  I'm sure you all know how it feels to have weird problems and not know why.  I have a prescription for physical therapy.  I am supposed to do some traction.  I am going to call tomorrow and get it set up.  I am no longer living with the fear of "MS" hanging over my head.  I am not thrilled about what I am facing, but I am going to do whatever I can to minimize it.

--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Cervical_Spondylosis%40yahoogroups.com> , Antstig <antstig@...> wrote:
>
> I would be curious to know why remissions occur. Have you ever thought of keeping a journal that details diet, weight and other things?
> I know the term spontaneous remissions but my feeling is that they say "spontaneous" simply because they don't know why rather than saying they don't know the *reason* why.
> Frank
>
> --- On Thu, 12/11/09, verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...> wrote:
>
> From: verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...>
> Subject: [Cervical_Spondylosis] Stenosis or MS-Please help
> To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Cervical_Spondylosis%40yahoogroups.com>
> Date: Thursday, 12 November, 2009, 21:53
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  
> �
>
>
>
>   
>
>
>     
>       
>       
>       I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was told I was depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July 2009, I was told I probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in October of this year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.  Blood tests showed no vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and about 10 other things.  
>
>
>
> The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a mild herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how much pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more motor weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems, balance and coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like that.  And my problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then take the next two months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis for several months, then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a cane or barely be able to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and cognitive difficulties.  
>
>
>
> I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but other than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.  
>
>
>
> Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the spinal cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't progressed enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable spinal cord damage from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person.  I hate not having answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.
>
>
>
> Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with my left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and hands and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for a woman of my age.
>

 
   

Greg

Thanks Greg.  At this point, the doctor is saying I don't have MS.  I believe
him.  The MRI's were negative.  I would like to put MS out of my mind forever. 
I think I'm at the point where I'm willing to do that.  Thanks for letting me
know that the symptoms are the same as yours.  I want to know what I am
fighting.  Perhaps we have gotten the answer.  After all this time and all the
things the doctors looked at, this probably could have been answered a long time
ago.

--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, Greg Nail <g.nail@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Verycool2009,
>
> You have all the exact symptoms that I have...pain came later.  Yes, those
> symptoms can be explained by a herniated disk and/or stenosis in the
> cervical area.  Don�t let ANYONE tell you that you MIGHT have MS or any
> disease.  They MUST be sure of it.  If you are close to AZ I can tell you a
> team of 19 excellent neurosurgeons to see to tell you for sure.
>
> Please see a good neurologist or neurosurgeon.  It may tend to �come & go�
> if a disk is slipping back & forth.
>
> God bless you,
> Greg
>
>
> On 11/12/09 3:53 PM, "verycool2009" <cinnamonmiroballi@...>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was told I
was
> > depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July 2009, I was
told
> > I probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in October
of
> > this year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.  Blood tests showed
> > no vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and about 10
other
> > things.
> >
> > The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a
mild
> > herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how
much
> > pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more motor
> > weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems, balance
> > and coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like that.  And
> > my problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then take the next
> > two months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis for several
> > months, then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a cane or
> > barely be able to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and
> > cognitive difficulties.
> >
> > I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome.
> > Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but
other
> > than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.
> >
> > Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the
spinal
> > cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't
> > progressed enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable
spinal
> > cord damage from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person.  I
> > hate not having answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.
> >
> > Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with
my
> > left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and
hands
> > and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for a woman
> > of my age.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

And by the way, thank you everyone who responded.  I'm sure you all know how it
feels to have weird problems and not know why.  I have a prescription for
physical therapy.  I am supposed to do some traction.  I am going to call
tomorrow and get it set up.  I am no longer living with the fear of "MS" hanging
over my head.  I am not thrilled about what I am facing, but I am going to do
whatever I can to minimize it.

--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, Antstig <antstig@...> wrote:
>
> I would be curious to know why remissions occur. Have you ever thought of
keeping a journal that details diet, weight and other things?
> I know the term spontaneous remissions but my feeling is that they say
"spontaneous" simply because they don't know why rather than saying they don't
know the *reason* why.
> Frank
>
> --- On Thu, 12/11/09, verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...> wrote:
>
> From: verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...>
> Subject: [Cervical_Spondylosis] Stenosis or MS-Please help
> To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, 12 November, 2009, 21:53
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>       I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was told
I was depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July 2009, I was
told I probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in October
of this year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.  Blood tests showed
no vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and about 10 other
things.
>
>
>
> The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a mild
herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how much
pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more motor
weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems, balance and
coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like that.  And my
problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then take the next two
months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis for several months,
then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a cane or barely be able
to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
>
>
>
> I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome. 
Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but other
than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.
>
>
>
> Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the spinal
cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't progressed
enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable spinal cord damage
from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person.  I hate not having
answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.
>
>
>
> Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with my
left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and hands
and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for a woman of
my age.
>

I have a journal.  I gave it to the neurologist.  I started it 3 years ago so my
symptoms could be documented.  I figured one day it would help a doctor read the
pattern and help with a diagnosis.

The issues with flare ups and remissions are what was making me think autoimmune
disorder or MS (which they are now saying is not an autoimmune disorder).  But
then, I don't know with spinal issues.  They may come and go like that.  I have
some permanent damage that never goes away but I have some things that get worse
with the "flare ups."  My hands are permanently weak.  I can still type and do
things that don't involve hand strength but lifting a gallon of milk or a bag of
groceries: forget it.  My left foot is permanently stiff and weak.  My neck and
upper back are stiff and achy. Even on my best days, these things are present. 
Other things go away.

No bladder problems right now.  No arm and leg spasticity or weakness to the
point that it that makes me limp.  No wrist braces needed at night for unberable
wrist pain.  No crippling fatigue. No hip pain; no canes.  I am happy to have
peace from most of it right now.  Let's see how the next few months go.



--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, Antstig <antstig@...> wrote:
>
> I would be curious to know why remissions occur. Have you ever thought of
keeping a journal that details diet, weight and other things?
> I know the term spontaneous remissions but my feeling is that they say
"spontaneous" simply because they don't know why rather than saying they don't
know the *reason* why.
> Frank
>
> --- On Thu, 12/11/09, verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...> wrote:
>
> From: verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...>
> Subject: [Cervical_Spondylosis] Stenosis or MS-Please help
> To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, 12 November, 2009, 21:53
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>       I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was told
I was depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July 2009, I was
told I probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in October
of this year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.  Blood tests showed
no vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and about 10 other
things.
>
>
>
> The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a mild
herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how much
pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more motor
weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems, balance and
coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like that.  And my
problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then take the next two
months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis for several months,
then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a cane or barely be able
to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
>
>
>
> I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome. 
Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but other
than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.
>
>
>
> Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the spinal
cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't progressed
enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable spinal cord damage
from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person.  I hate not having
answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.
>
>
>
> Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with my
left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and hands
and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for a woman of
my age.
>

 
 
   

I would be curious to know why remissions occur. Have you ever thought of keeping a journal that details diet, weight and other things?
I know the term spontaneous remissions but my feeling is that they say "spontaneous" simply because they don't know why rather than saying they don't know the *reason* why.

Frank

--- On Thu, 12/11/09, verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...> wrote:

From: verycool2009 <cinnamonmiroballi@...>
Subject: [Cervical_Spondylosis] Stenosis or MS-Please help
To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, 12 November, 2009, 21:53

 �     I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was told I was depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July 2009, I was told I probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in October of this year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.  Blood tests showed no vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and about 10 other things.  

The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a mild herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how much pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more motor weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems, balance and coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like that.  And my problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then take the next two months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis for several months, then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a cane or barely be able to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and cognitive difficulties.  

I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but other than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.  

Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the spinal cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't progressed enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable spinal cord damage from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person.  I hate not having answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.

Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with my left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and hands and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for a woman of my age.

 
  

 
 
   

I don't know.  I do have a weird scalp condition so who knows?  I appreciate the
suggestion and will look into it.  I remember looking into psoriatic arthritis
way back when all this started but I can't remember details about the condition.
I am going to do some reading.  I'm having a hard time believing that a mild
narrowing of the spinal column can cause the kinds of problems I have had.  I'm
not saying it's not possible, just that I am having a hard time believing it.  I
would like to hear it from another patient, rather than a doctor who is not
experiencing it.  But thanks.  I am going to do some study on psoriatic
arthritis again.

--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, ERVettek2000@... wrote:
>
> Have you ever had psorasis? I have Psoriatic Arthritis that sounds  much
> like what you are describing. Looks and feels like RA and Lupus and comes  in
> flares that worsen with every one. The blood tests and MRI's never show
> anything, but spondylosis that isn't bad enough to cause the kind of pain I'm
> in.  Check into it on the Arthritis Foundation site. I was beyond shocked
> when they told me that's what it is. 4 years of specialists couldn't figure
> it  out.
>
>
> Gwynne
>
>
> In a message dated 11/13/2009 6:39:04 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> cinnamonmiroballi@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> I have had neurological issues for three years now. At first I was told I
> was depressed. In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia. In July 2009, I was
> told I probably have MS. A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in
> October  of this year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS. Blood
tests
> showed  no vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and
> about 10 other  things.
>
> The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which  level) and a
> mild herniation. I've been reading posts on this group and I am  sorry for
> how much pain people are in. I'm not in horrible pain. My problems  are more
> motor weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel  problems,
> balance and coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things  like
> that. And my problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then  take
> the next two months to taper off. Then I will have a period of stasis for
> several months, then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a
> cane  or barely be able to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and
>  cognitive difficulties.
>
> I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy  and carpal tunnel syndrome.
> Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that  come out of my neck, but
> other than that, I would never think anything is  wrong with my neck.
>
> Here's my question. Can these things be explained  by compression on the
> spinal cord at one of the c-levels? Is it possible I  have MS but it hasn't
> progressed enough to show on an MRI or should I be  looking at probable spinal
> cord damage from stenosis or the herniation? I am a  need-to-know person. I
> hate not having answers. I am trying to continue to be  patient.
>
> Right now, I am in what I call "remission." I have the usual  problems with
> my left foot being stiff and weaker than the right. I have weak  wrists and
> hands and my hands go numb at night. I am more tired than I should  be for
> a woman of my age.
>

Hi Very Cool
I was reading your post. I am going thru the same sort of symptoms, I have 4
lesions. 3 on the cord, one on the brain ...
But, yes I think your symptoms can be caused by compression to the spinal cord
and damage to the cord.
Stenosis can cause some of the symptoms you are having. maybe all.
just my thought...
M.


--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, "verycool2009"
<cinnamonmiroballi@...> wrote:
>
> I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was told I was
depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July 2009, I was told I
probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in October of this
year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.  Blood tests showed no
vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and about 10 other
things.
>
> The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a mild
herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how much
pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more motor
weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems, balance and
coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like that.  And my
problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then take the next two
months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis for several months,
then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a cane or barely be able
to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
>
> I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome. 
Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but other
than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.
>
> Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the spinal
cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't progressed
enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable spinal cord damage
from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person.  I hate not having
answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.
>
> Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with my
left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and hands
and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for a woman of
my age.
>

 
 
   

I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was told I was depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July 2009, I was told I probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in October of this year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.  Blood tests showed no vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and about 10 other things.  

The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a mild herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how much pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more motor weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems, balance and coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like that.  And my problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then take the next two months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis for several months, then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a cane or barely be able to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and cognitive difficulties.  

I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but other than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.  

Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the spinal cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't progressed enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable spinal cord damage from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person.  I hate not having answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.

Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with my left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and hands and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for a woman of my age.

 
   

I have had neurological issues for three years now.  At first I was told I was
depressed.  In 2007, I was told I have fibromyalgia.  In July 2009, I was told I
probably have MS.  A brain MRI in September and a c-spine MRI in October of this
year failed to show any lesions consistent with MS.  Blood tests showed no
vitamin deficiencies. Doctors have ruled out RA, lupus, and about 10 other
things.

The c-spine MRI did show some stenosis (forgot to ask which level) and a mild
herniation.  I've been reading posts on this group and I am sorry for how much
pain people are in.  I'm not in horrible pain.  My problems are more motor
weakness, burning pain or stabbing pain, bladder and bowel problems, balance and
coordination problems, muscle spasms, spasticity, things like that.  And my
problems will flare up really badly for about a month, then take the next two
months to taper off.  Then I will have a period of stasis for several months,
then it will flare up again. Sometimes I will walk with a cane or barely be able
to use my hands. I will have indescribable fatigue and cognitive difficulties.

I do have symptoms consistent with ulnar palsy and carpal tunnel syndrome. 
Sometimes I have a stiff neck or headaches that come out of my neck, but other
than that, I would never think anything is wrong with my neck.

Here's my question. Can these things be explained by compression on the spinal
cord at one of the c-levels?  Is it possible I have MS but it hasn't progressed
enough to show on an MRI or should I be looking at probable spinal cord damage
from stenosis or the herniation?  I am a need-to-know person.  I hate not having
answers.  I am trying to continue to be patient.

Right now, I am in what I call "remission."  I have the usual problems with my
left foot being stiff and weaker than the right.  I have weak wrists and hands
and my hands go numb at night.  I am more tired than I should be for a woman of
my age.

I have a few more weeks left of PT, although I am still in a lot of pain, it
helps to know that it has helped others. Yes I have only a few amount of
sessions That the Insurance Co will approve. I feel so frustrated and I finaly
have been contacted by the Pain center to go to the first apt November 27. This
will be an evaluation they said. I go to the Neuro doc on November 28. I will
really push for him to give orders to get an MRI for my lower back as that
causes me a great deal of pain along with all the rest.

As far as typing and going to work. It was something I made my self do everyday
and suffered greatly for it  as soon as I got home I was comfined to my chair to
try and lessen the pain. Finaly the Neuro Doc sent paper work in to my Employer
so that I may be off of work during this time. My short term disability for my
time off of work is still pending. I worry I may be fired.

  I just take one day at a time and with the really bad pain one moment at a
time. I keep my faith in God and pray. I hardly get on my computer at home now.
The PT has advised not to and not to do anything that causes pain during this
time of healing. So If followed that I would be in my Lazy boy with my blanket
behind my head and arms propt up all the time. I do listen to her as much as
possible. I have to sleep in my chair as it is too painful to sleep in my bed.

  I just pray that soon the Dr's will find out how to stop my pain and help me
get back to my life. I call this time of my life "Life Interupted". I have faith
that great things will come of this.
God Bless all
Carol Lynn

--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, Antstig <antstig@...> wrote:
>
> I think PT is great and now do my own exercises which strengthen the inner
muscles of my neck and thus keep the spur of bone in my vertebrae from further
damaging the myellin of my nerves.
> I live in the UK so have National Health Insurance and thus no worries about
getting scans as everything is included as it is National Health. I think it
would drive me mad having restrictions imposed by private insurance companies
and my sympathy goes out to all those that have to suffer delay and in some
cases no treatment because it's not offered.
> Frank
>
> --- On Sat, 10/10/09, casey brown <brownbat74@...> wrote:
>
> From: casey brown <brownbat74@...>
> Subject: Re: [Cervical_Spondylosis] I am new to this group and was just
diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis
> To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Saturday, 10 October, 2009, 6:52 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> �
>
>
>
>
>
>                   Wow. Carol Lynn. You have been through a lot. Thanks for the
thorough�explanation. I'm sure others here will relate to your story.�
> �
> �I am impressed that you can type a lot and have, until recently, been able to
hold down a computer desk job. My arm radiculopathy and� hand tremor seem
to�have impacted my keyboarding ability. (Now there are� some other neuro
issues, yet to be diagnosed but probably not related to the spondylosis,� in my
forearms� that make typing very painful.)
> �
> Let us know if the PT helps. I am a big fan of it but my�doctor (an ortho guy)
thought PT was only aggravating my CervSpond.pain so he discontinued it.� I was
nervous about getting an epidural injection but I must say it worked like a
miracle...at least the first one did. The second had no affect on the pain. So
insurance wouldn't pay for more.
> �
> In my case, too, surgery is not advised. I have learned to adapt soas not to
aggravate the pain.
>
> --- On Fri, 10/9/09, naporapeel <naporapeel@yahoo. com> wrote:
>
>
> From: naporapeel <naporapeel@yahoo. com>
> Subject: [Cervical_Spondylos is] I am new to this group and was just diagnosed
with Cervical Spondylosis
> To: Cervical_Spondylosi s@yahoogroups. com
> Date: Friday, October 9, 2009, 9:25 AM
>
>
> �
>
> Hello,
>
> I have had neck and back painsince 2003 but it would not last long and than go
away for a few days. But in July of 2009 the Pain started in my neck, shoulders,
and tingling in right arm and has not gone away at all since then.. It was so
severe I went to ER. The Dr there rubbed my shoulders for less than 30 seconds
and said I had a cervical sprain. I also was given two shots in my rear end.
> I didnt stop there. I made an apt with my family medical Dr. I was given
exrays that showed Degenerative Disc Disease. My Dr couldnt order a MRI yet
because of my insurance. My Dr had to first give me cortazone pills to see if my
pain would be stopped or lessened. He also prescribed me muscle relaxers and
pain meds. None of that stopped the pain.
> From the start of the pain, my pain was so bad I mostly reclined in my Lazy
boy chair with my blanket behind my head and my arms propt up by a pillow and
the blanket.That seemed to lessen the pain and
>  make it not so sever. I continued to go to work which is computer work
sitting at a desk and we had mandatory overtime at that time. When I would get
home from work I would do what ever house hold duties had to be done and than
back to the chair.
> Finally my Dr was able to order me the MRI. The results showed a herniated
disc pressing on a nerve and a bulging disc. My pain was now getting worse and
was also in my lower back beside the neck, shoulders and tingly arm. I was also
getting pain at the base of my skull going to the left side of face and under
the jaw. I would get very bad headaches that would come and go.
> MY Family Dr sent me to The Spine Center in Detroit, to be seen by a
neurosergon. The neuro Dr decided not to do surgery and diagnosed my with
Cervical Spondylosis. He gave orders for me to go to Physical Therapy, and to
recieve injections from The Port Huron Pain center.
> So this brings me to today, so far I have been to Port Huron
>  physical therapy 5 times and I have an apt today also. It will be about 6
weeks of it. I havent received the injections yet. The Spine Center has just
sent the orders to the pain center a few days ago and than they are supposed to
call me to set up an apt.
> I am still in pain, the pyhsical therepist is excellent. She asked what have I
done to myself, did I fall. I replied I didnt fall and I am not sure what I have
done to cause this. Today physical therepy will finaly receive the orders to
work on my lower back as well as the neck. At first the orders were only for the
neck. The MRI was only on the neck.
> I have had to make many phone calls to the Spine Center to get orders sent, to
req my paper work be sent to my job. I have stopped going to work as of 09-08-09
because of the pain. I have requested an MRI for my lower back but so far that
has been denied by the Neurosurgen assistant that I always have to speak with
when I call the Spine Center. So
>  I set up an early follow up apt with the Neuro Dr. It is now the end of
October and it was the end of November.
> My family doc is the one prescribing my pain meds. He no longer prescribes me
muscle relaxers.
> I am still very positive and hopeful the pain will stop. I just feel like
"Life interupted".
> Anyway that is my story so far.
> Carol Lynn
>

Hello,

I have had neck and back painsince 2003 but it would not last long and than go
away for a few days. But in July of 2009 the Pain started in my neck, shoulders,
and tingling in right arm and has not gone away at all since then. It was so
severe I went to ER. The Dr there rubbed my shoulders for less than 30 seconds
and said I had a cervical sprain. I also was given two shots in my rear end.
  I didnt stop there. I made an apt with my family medical Dr. I was given exrays
that showed Degenerative Disc Disease. My Dr couldnt order a MRI yet because of
my insurance. My Dr had to first give me cortazone pills to see if my pain would
be stopped or lessened. He also prescribed me muscle relaxers and pain meds.
None of that stopped the pain.
  From the start of the pain, my pain was so bad I mostly reclined in my Lazy boy
chair with my blanket behind my head and my arms propt up by a pillow and the
blanket.That seemed to lessen the pain and make it not so sever. I continued to
go to work which is computer work sitting at a desk and we had mandatory
overtime at that time. When I would get home from work I would do what ever
house hold duties had to be done and than back to the chair.
Finally my Dr was able to order me the MRI. The results showed a herniated disc
pressing on a nerve and a bulging disc. My pain was now getting worse and was
also in my lower back beside the neck, shoulders and tingly arm. I was also
getting pain at the base of my skull going to the left side of face and under
the jaw. I would get very bad headaches that would come and go.
  MY Family Dr sent me to The Spine Center in Detroit, to be seen by a
neurosergon. The neuro Dr decided not to do surgery and diagnosed my with
Cervical Spondylosis. He gave orders for me to go to Physical Therapy, and to
recieve injections from The Port Huron Pain center.
  So this brings me to today, so far I have been to Port Huron physical therapy 5
times and I have an apt today also. It will be about 6 weeks of it. I havent
received the injections yet. The Spine Center has just sent the orders to the
pain center a few days ago and than they are supposed to call me to set up an
apt.
  I am still in pain, the pyhsical therepist is excellent. She asked what have I
done to myself, did I fall. I replied I didnt fall and I am not sure what I have
done to cause this. Today physical therepy will finaly receive the orders to
work on my lower back as well as the neck. At first the orders were only for the
neck. The MRI was only on the neck.
I have had to make many phone calls to the Spine Center to get orders sent, to
req my paper work be sent to my job. I have stopped going to work as of 09-08-09
because of the pain. I have requested an MRI for my lower back but so far that
has been denied by the Neurosurgen assistant that I always have to speak with
when I call the Spine Center. So I set up an early follow up apt with the Neuro
Dr. It is now the end of October and it was the end of November.
  My family doc is the one prescribing my pain meds. He no longer prescribes me
muscle relaxers.
  I am still very positive and hopeful the pain will stop. I just feel like "Life
interupted".
Anyway that is my story so far.
Carol Lynn

The neurosurgeon said I was not a good candidate for surgery.
He said it looked like the upper cervical vertebrae were twisted out of place,
and there was DDD and arthritis, and ordered a special neck brace and upper
cervical CT to look more closely at it.  Also, my PCP prescribed a powerful
muscle relaxant (soma) for the problem.  And I see the pain specialist tomorrow.
And the neurosurgeon said he saw something on the cervical X-rays that prompted
him to request chest ways, because something may be wrong with my lungs.
when the PCP doc touched my neck in his office, i fell on the floor crying in
serious serious pain.  Every day i spend 4-6 hours crying in pain, wondering if
i should call for an ambulance, but knowing that they will probably only abuse
me in the emergency room.   very tough situation.
thanks for listening.


--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, Zeagler606@... wrote:
>
> I'm so sorry to hear of your problems associated with the stenosis and hope
>  the neurosurgeon can help. Let us hear what you learn after your
> appointment.  You'll be in our thoughts and prayers!
>

Thank you Andrea.  Are your compressed nerves due to some kind of stuctural
instability?  Weakened discs or anything like that?  I think I mentioned it
before, but prolotherapy is often a good option if weak tendons or ligaments or
muscles have something to do with the compression.  My dad also has noticed that
his symptoms relate to how he physically orients himself.  Certain chairs
aggravate him.  Rubbing his thigh helps.  When I see that, I can't help but
wonder if there is a muskuloskeletal component that is allowing nerves to be
irritated.  That's the reason I think prolo may be helpful in people who notice
a mechanical component to their problem.

FYI, I heard somewhere that DMSO may help with nerve inflammation.

My dad tried Neurontin and gave it up.  The problem is he is so stubborn to do
anything to help himself.  That would be find with me, if he didn't make social
relations miserable around the house do to his sleep deprivation, and
understandably irritated mood.  For him, and for my family, I am collecting
ideas, and waiting for the right time to suggest one thing or another to him.

~David

--- In Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com, Andrea Lemire <rdulvr@...> wrote:
>
> David,
>
> First off, I commend you for wanting to do whatever you can for your dad ie.
helping him alleviate his nerve pain.� You are a good son, that is evident.� My
mom had trigeminal neuralgia and I used to comb the internet, make calls, talk
to�people�and read books and do whatever I could to try to help her.� The bottom
line though is, we all can only do so much.� Sometimes it takes a skilled
surgeon to make things better.
>
> My problem is cervical but I do have compressed nerves at two levels and the
pain and electrical sensations, as you described them, are indescribable.�I have
them in my arms and now starting in one leg.�I have found ice to be helpful at
times with the idea being it helps with inflammation and hence the nerve not
being as inflamed won't have the pain and tingling.� Sometimes it is of no help,
especially when I have a flare-up that gets too far gone and it doesn't take
much.� I also have tried Zostrix in the past which has capsaicin in it.� That is
a topical cream and has limited help.� There are also meds like Neurontin and
Lyrica, both used for neuropathy.� I couldn't take the Neurontin due to
dizziness but do take the Lyrica. Unfortunately there are side effects as with
most meds but there is some relief with the Lyrica.� I take a low dose at
bedtime which could be the answer for your dad when he sleeps.� Lastly, I have
tried just about
>  everything to alleviate my pain and tingling and sometimes, admittedly
rarely, I can actually find a position using pillows to pull the nerves back
away from the area where they are being squeezed or compressed.� (I know this
sounds bizarre.)� With the low back there are all sorts of positions you can get
yourself into using pillows so this may be worth a shot if he hasn't already
tried it.� Also, laying down is not always good even though the body just wants
to do that because any pressure on those nerves is what perpetuates�this
problem.� I have literally stood many a night because even sitting is sometimes
unbearable.�
>
> I feel for your dad as I do anyone who has this.� There is just no way anyone
can understand unless they have been there.� It��truly is miserable.� With the
cervical problem I have, I get horrible headaches that would bring a person to
their knees.�� Please tell your dad to hang in there.� He isn't alone.� As you
can see, there is a whole community of fellow sufferers out there.� Hope my info
was of some help to you.
>
> Andrea
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: davidraubu <davidraubu@...>
> To: Cervical_Spondylosis@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 8:44:21 PM
> Subject: [Cervical_Spondylosis] My First Post
>
> �
> My dad has nerve damage from a ruptured lumbar disc. He gets shooting
electrical sensations in his foot, and has lost partial use of his legs. The
electrical sensations keep him from sleeping. I want to hear any ideas people
may have (no matter how whacked out crazy! =P) about nerve degeneration. I am
currently interested in topical DMSO, as it has had cases of repairing nerve
damage.
>
> Any ideas?
>