More Complex as Time Goes On

[Kathi49]

Okay,

I just got back from a follow up appointments with my OS. I explained all that had happened in the last two weeks or so and why I hadn't taken the Celebrex just yet. I also told him what my PM had done in regards to the right shoulder. He was fine with all of it.

But he said if the injection did not work out, he would want to do a shoulder MRI. Then I said, "But wouldn't these tremors in my arms and in one index finger (from time to time) be more neurological?" And he said, "Yes." But I told him my Neurologist was out of town this week and he wanted to know who it was. So, I told him. I had to laugh because he said, "Go back to see Dr. ________, she is a good one!."

Then he said something again about a shoulder MRI and I said, "Okay, and maybe Dr. _______ (the Neurologist) might find where a nerve might be impinged (neck, shoulder, what??!!). Maybe she would want to do an EMG or some other kinds of tests, brain MRI; I just don't know.

But then he said, "It doesn't even have to be an impingement, it could be CENTRAL in the brain!" Then he laughed and said, "I don't mean wacky, I mean CENTRAL PAIN!"

Oh boy, so here we go!!! This is now the second time I have heard this and the other time was from my Urogynecologist. Makes sense to me since EVERYTHING hurts! Next thing I know I could be having all kinds of tests again. Plus, knowing her, she might even say Neurontin again. But I sure hope there is something else. Otherwise, and I am serious, I will have to hang it up totally. I just cannot take it or Lyrica and I mean I can't drive at all on that stuff. At this point I am just assuming alot...I will just have to wait until I see her to see what she wants to do.

Anyway, the bottom line was if the shot worked...great! If not, to call him anyway and to get with the Neurologist...again! And he wants to know all of this by May 1st LOL!

So, I am sitting here laughing about it (unbelievable) and drinking iced tea of all things...at least it is decaf! What else can I do? I think after dinner and based on the fact that he said to go ahead and take Celebrex, I will just pop one and see what happens. UGH! LOL

Okay, now where is an IVIG or Lidocaine Infusion...just kidding!

[jena1225]

Kathi - I can understand your frustration! Did he say what it could be nuerologically? Have you ever had a brain MRI? If you do get one, be sure to get it with and without contrast. It might save you a trip for another one down the road.

[Kathi49]

Jena,

No, he did not say specifically but knows I have had two fusions and have lumbar problems. I did have a brain MRI with/without contrast about 6-7 years ago and it was fine then.

[slipnslide]

Still no answers?....ugh! Keep at it until you get a definite answer...this way I might know what direction to be looking also:D !

Don't ya just love the "well, it could be this, this, this, or this"??? Don't ya just wanna say "Don't tell me what it could be, simply tell me what it is so I can get it treated properly!

[BrokenBladder]

Kathi at least you still have your sense of humor!! Go ahead indulge in some decaf iced tea and have a smoke with it!! LOL!! I know you must be frustrated right now.....if it were me I'd go for the mountain dew, some chocolate and top it off with a smoke!!

[Quahog]

I think I can relate to what your going through Kathi.

I'm sorry If I haven't posted much lately. I am just not feeling all that up to posting much.

But I Just want you to know that you have my support.

[ms texas]

Question...i have a visit with my PM Dr tomorrow. Last visit i had a urine test. I am a little freaked out because the day before the urine test i took 1/2 pill of a very old prescription of valium. This Dr has not prescribed that medication and like i said the script is over a year old. I am not an abuser but worry that I have to start over again. I had a great PM dr in Texas (7 years) and just recently moved to TN ( 6 months) and the Dr here is just really different. They dont seem to be as caring. I dont know if state laws here are different or maybe i have to wrong Dr.

Anyways, just wondering if i should be worried?

[Bobbi]

Kathi, you've sure been through a lot :(.

Something, maybe, your doc(s) can do is ask the imaging center that has done MRIs of your C-spine to have the radiologist go back and review the films - to see if your shoulder was already included.

My doctors have done that with MRIs and CTs - so that some radiographic imaging would not have to be repeated over and over again. (When my doctors put me through huge bone and female stuff cancer scares, they asked the centers to pull the films and read them in light of what info. it was they sought.)

Just an idea.



Ms Texas, I'd level with the PM doc about the Valium before it may become a potential problem.

Though I've a contract with my PM doc, he's never Rx'd medications for me; instead, he consults with and defers to my PCP - as does my rheumatologist. My medications are, therefore, from my PCP for pain and allergies and from my cardiologist for my ticker.

When my cardio. doc prescribed Valium - for a lengthy train trip, I told my PCP and she, then, Rx'd a bit for another trip.

I'd just be honest if you think it may affect your treatment.

Because my docs do anticipate full patient disclosure, they are also aware of any/all OTC stuff I take; the things I do take (NewPhase, Mucinex DM and aspirin at times) were suggested by my doctors. If I do not disclose, though, and something comes up in testing, I do have the understanding I'm kicked to the curb.

I don't know that I'd worry myself silly when being honest can help :).

((( Hugs )))

[Kathi49]

Thanks Everyone!

Well, I didn't take the Celebrex 200mg last night but instead took the Voltaren 75mg. I just could NOT bring myself to take the Celebrex. I know how it affected me many years ago. UGH, eventually, I will bring myself to take it. But the Voltaren helped considerably as far as the aches and pains go. The neuropathic pain was still there; kind of went down to a dull pain I guess. And, as usual, just taking the Voltaren made me sleepy as all get out!

Glenn,

Thank you. I don't expect you to post too much considering how you feel! :eek: I KNOW what you are experiencing with the dizziness. Hang in there buddy and thank you for the support.

Lisa,

I am laughing! I did smoke but I don't do Mountain Dew. And, well, sometimes a Dove Bar LOL! What you said reminded me of this one thing my sister talks about all the time. Her husband does "Chew and Dew" LOL! She says he is not content if he doesn't have his Mountain Dew and Chew. And then she says and he wonders why his stomach is ripped up! But what he says to that is, "Excuse me while I enjoy my life!" I know, I know some of the things we do are causing some of the problems!!!

As for the sense of humor. Thank you! I am telling you I was just laughing to myself all the way home. It sounds insane I know. But it was just so unbelievable. I was VERY tempted to just stop and get a good ole regular ice tea. But I knew if I did, the caffeine would get to me. So, it was water until I got home and said to heck with it and made a glass of decaf. Which, oh by the way, isn't real great for you stomach either! Actually, if you read up on GERD it can be worse. :eek:

Kim,

You hit the nail on the head! The frustration comes in of course from not knowing. But I REALLY get tired of going here and there and everywhere! That will wear me out faster than anything. Wouldn't it be nice to have a doctor that was just a "one stop" shopping place? LOL But that doesn't exist anymore they are all very specialized. At least the majority of them are very close to home. The spine docs are about 45 minutes away.

So, now it is back to the Neurologist and I bet she will run more tests which is fine. But treating neuropathy, as an example, or even FINDING the cause is a BEAR!!! And to be honest, most times a cause is NEVER found. This is why all we PN people get frustrated and compare notes...because it is always something! I am going to ask her about the Central Pain deal. But I think you have to meet a strict criterion for that. And I mean very specific. You can't just go in and say I have Central Pain. They have to really get down to the real nitty gritty. All I can say is that I had NONE of this until after the fusions...so they need to take it from there!

Bobbie,

I just recently had a new cervical MRI done and according to the NS and PM both; it looks fine. I know the shoulders were not included. The ONLY thing that is fuzzy is the artifact from the C5/C6 fusion. But from what I can see or tell it is not encroaching on anything. The C4/C5 is laying or nudging right up against the thecal sac but doing nothing do the spinal cord that I can tell. And the C6/C7 looks okay. The whole report says no exiting nerve impingement. And the darn thing looks better than it ever did! BUT, per the NS's PA I STILL have a lot of spurring. And my left leg was just hurting and buzzing all day yesterday along with my ankles just firing up. The Voltaren helped a lot with that.

Anyway, next step will be to see if this injection works; need to give it a couple of weeks. And also to make an appointement with my Neurologist and just take it from there. :)

[oh_snap]

Kathi,
We have fairly "similar" issues/backgrounds (with spinal stuff, urogyn, pfd, bladder, etc) and I can share that I have heard "that" central pain or CNS sensitization line thrown out [at me] more times than I care to admit.

That said, it is still possible to have something that is functionally, or mechanically wrong with a body part [that generates symptoms] despite the possibility of a diagnosis of [central pain] that they would like everything to fit into.

Again, my experience with having multiple problems is that my gut tells me that the spinal stuff did have a "cascade" affect on my health. The bladder (IC) started about the same time as the spinal/brachial plexus/rsd-like stuff became constant/chronic problems, so I "lump" those problems together [whether or not I should].

But, looking at it from another angle, if I didn't have the spinal stuff (started from a head on collision when I was five years old), I would [only] be dealing with the "normal" things 40-something year olds deal with, ummm, plus a few certifiable sports lingering issues (the brachial plexus injury). If it were just the "lady" stuff you get from birthing a couple of "big" boys, that wouldn't sound so bad, and I wouldn't be so "complex" either.

I do think that the spinal issues contributed to weakness in core abdominal muscles (from ongoing muscle spasm/nerve irritation), that probably sped up/magnified the "prolapse" issues, as well as the inguinal hernia. Even though I am pretty active for a person with a couple of screws poking into my "ventral canal", it is still not what I had been used to (sports training). I think that deconditioning plays a big role in the negative "cascade" from chronic illness/pain.

Back to the point: I suppose it is the "eye of the beholder" thing. We can't let anyone discourage us from trying to feel better, or accept a lump diagnosis that tries to cover everything that is wrong, especially if there may be real mechanical issues at play. I think you already know that.:D

While there may be some element of truth to the "central pain" or perhaps more appropriately, CNS sensitization, I would continue to problem solve those issues that concern you, and rule out "the more usual suspects" before accepting that your shoulder/neurological symptoms are some form of "bad wiring" in the brain.

On a personal note: The IC stuff has caused constant problems since it appeared, and made worse after the hysto/bladder repair/tuck, anterior/posterior repairs last year.

Because of those constant/chronic bladder symptoms, I managed to ignore a fairly advanced bladder infection. I did not seek treatment for fear of being looked upon as a nut from having so many much "wrong" with me. I waited until it was absolutely impossible to urinate, and I was quite sick. Even then, I went out and bought one of those store dip stick tests, to make sure I was not insane, or being a baby.

I was also so uncomfortable to have to give my "history" to a new doc (my own passed away last year) that I tried to ignore the increased bladder symptoms for a couple of weeks.

What an idiot, but, hey, being "complex" (at least in someone else's eyes) sucks.

I have to admit, the doc I ended up seeing was actually kind and compassionate, even when I admitted having IC and spinal issues.

I thought I was lucky to not get a referral to a shrink.:eek:

[oh_snap]

Sorry, not stalking you [Kathi] but, if you still feel that the cspine is [still] at play, there are other diagnostics that would be appropriate (MRI not good due to artifact/distortion at the hardware/screw levels).

I had both emg/ncv and myelogram, post myelo ct, after the first failed fusion/graft collapse; and the same thing repeated after the spinal reconstruction. The myelogram/ct showed what the MRI did not due to artifact/distortion and the nerve study backed up those findings.

[Kathi49]

Oh Snap,

I completely agree! I think I said in my other post that I was "assuming a lot" right at the moment LOL! No, it could very well be all the stuff from descent into spiney land. And, funny, the prolapse deal did NOT happen until I was doing core, lumbar and kegel exercises. :eek: If I had the beginnings of prolapses, I sure didn't know it until I began the PT. And after about 4 sessions it was...STOP! Even the PT gal said that that kind of pain should not be happening and said, "Girl, get thyself to your ob/gyn!" That was quite an adventure too as you probably well know!

Oh, just saw your other post. A good point; the artifact. They may have to do the myelogram in conjunction with some other tests. But I will see the Neurologist first and take it from there. I was just saying on the MRI films including the axial views it looks alright. And please tell me that myelogram is NOT painful. I have no clue what those are like. :eek:

No, I don't think my brain is completely unwired...not yet anyway LOL! But with the neuropathy and everything factoring in I really think a trip to the Neurologist is in order FIRST to see what she says. Now, she has already said, "Face it, you have had two surgeries and your muscles are weak!" But that doesn't explain the new symptom of these tremors. I didn't have them until just recently. And, yep, she said to come back if things worsened.

Now, so far, the injection in the shoulder has helped. At least it doesn't "catch" anymore. But the index fingers tremble from time to time. But again, that could be muscular in nature too. The OS thinks not. So, as soon as my Neurologist gets back into town...off I go! :) And, oops, my PM already said something about the C5 nerve root!

[slipnslide]

Sorry, not stalking you [Kathi] but, if you still feel that the cspine is [still] at play, there are other diagnostics that would be appropriate (MRI not good due to artifact/distortion at the hardware/screw levels).

I had both emg/ncv and myelogram, post myelo ct, after the first failed fusion/graft collapse; and the same thing repeated after the spinal reconstruction. The myelogram/ct showed what the MRI did not due to artifact/distortion and the nerve study backed up those findings.

Kathi,

I agree with oh_snap. Maybe push for the CT Myelogram. As you know, that was supposed to be my next step too, until the issue of using contrast with me and my shell fish allergy:( . From everything I've read about the Myelograms, they show so much more detail of the spinal canal and nerves.

[Kathi49]

True Kim,

But I want to know more about the procedure itself!

Sounds to me like it might be one of those where Versed would definitely be warranted. :eek:

[Cervie Barb]

Your PM and I agree! The C5 nerve root. I know your docs are saying the cervie MRI "looks fine", but I disagree. Laying flat with no pressure on the vertebre, there is pressure on the thecal sac at C4-5. Now stand up and move around. You have a fusion above and below that level giving it a hell of a workout.

I'll say it again (lol, I'm not trying to be an obnoxious know-it-all!), you should have a flexion/extension xray and see if there is a bonespur/herniation process that further constricts the spinal cord with movement.

That would account for your symptoms. Good luck and take care.

[slipnslide]

Your PM and I agree! The C5 nerve root. I know your docs are saying the cervie MRI "looks fine", but I disagree. Laying flat with no pressure on the vertebre, there is pressure on the thecal sac at C4-5. Now stand up and move around. You have a fusion above and below that level giving it a hell of a workout.

I'll say it again (lol, I'm not trying to be an obnoxious know-it-all!), you should have a flexion/extension xray and see if there is a bonespur/herniation process that further constricts the spinal cord with movement.

That would account for your symptoms. Good luck and take care.

Cervie Barb,

It's amazing how my PM said C5/6 too and that Kathi and I are going through similar issues. The only discepancy between Kathi's situation and mine would be that she already has issues at the level above her fusion, whereas the rest of my c-spine looks great, with the exception of my C3/4. Do you think, in my case, it could still be the C4/5 overcompensating even though disc height and all looks great at that level on an MRI?:confused:

[Kathi49]

Cervie and Kim,

Let me find my report LOL!

Okay here goes:

C4/C5 "Mild to moderate disc dehydration without disc collapse. Minimal spondylitic ridging results in minimal effacement of the ventral subarachnoid space, similar to the previous study. NO significant canal stenosis or cord compression. Uncovertebral spurring contributes to mild foraminal narrowing WITHOUT exiting impingement."

At the very last..."No evidence to suggest exiting nerve impingement."

Okay, now I know this is just the report. I would THINK that because there is a fusion above and below that there would be little movement. But I could be wrong.

Now, the C6/C7 would be the one I would THINK would take on more of the torque. But it basically says the same thing in regards to no impingement.

I suppose anything is possible. Oh, and Cervie, my PM is the spinal pain management doctor. So, he and the NS are in the same group. But he did say the C5 nerve root could be the culprit. We just haven't gotten that far yet. Anyway, the pain I am having is NOT the same as before. Which might not mean anything either. When I stand up and walk around, I am fine. I really don't have neck pain per se. It is just the shoulder/arm thing. And sometimes some occipital headaches but that is more from the C2/C3 I think since there is some facet arthritis there.

This is what I mean; it could be a number of things including just having surgeries that messed with all the muscles! I will ask about flexion/extension xrays though. I know they will be doing another one in a few weeks.

[Cervie Barb]

Hey Slip!

I had to search some of your old posts, but didn't run across your MRI. I read about your bilatertal tingling down backs of both thighs into feet and that peaked my interest! I have that, too. Some days, it feels I'm walking on glass. IMHO, this is from the spinal cord being compressed. I've never had a doc confirm though. They always check reflexes and they are mostly fine at the time. A little hyper in lower extremities. How do yours check out?

They say if they are diminished in the arms and hyper in the legs, that's a sign of cervical myelopathy. With your bilateral symptoms, it makes me think of that, too. Your C3-4 showed slight effacement of the cord. Like Kathi, with motion it could be worse. I'm big on the motion element! Especially when you think about how many ways the vertebre in the neck move, and all the small movements they make in the course of a day.

The fact that your EMG didn't show much (except how the docs love to jump on the CTS stuff!) doesn't concern me. "They don't show everything" my OSS said. Yours said no ACUTE cervical radiculopathy. Sometimes the test doesn't show what has been there a while.

I also think when you have this irritation to the cord with movement that some days the symptoms are worse than others (and some hours in the course of a day). I think some inflammation factor comes into play. I wish for once I'd have a spinal evaluation at the time when all this is at it's worst. That's never happened. But, I think it's significant to go on for years irritating the cord as we do. Even if sporadically.

Oh well! Good luck and take care.

[Kathi49]

Ditto that Cervie Barb!

My feet and ankles kill me but I have lumbar issues too.

Here's some more of that report:

"The craniocervical junction and cervical cord are NORMAL in appearance, with NO evidence of cord mass lesion or signal abnormality. No suspicious enhancing mass lesion or abnormality is identified following intravenous administration of contrast."

So, I guess this means my "signals" are okay and there are no lesions.

Oops, I just saw something about the C6/C7. "Mild flattening of the ventral thecal sac, similar to the prior study." I just don't know what that would mean in terms of any pain.

And the C7-T1 - Normal, normal, normal...my words...nothing going on there!

[oh_snap]

Kathi,
It IS possible to have (2) things occuring at the same time. I did have a shoulder problem due to years of competitive softball wear and tear (that did require surgery); and I also had neck problems (already covered) that were still there even though the shoulder was "fixed".

As to myelograms, well, I was supposed to have another to see how much "impact" the screws extending beyond the vertebra were, but, I am already getting "spinal headaches" with motion/lifting, and I couldn't entertain another week of post myelogram spinal headaches (happened with each myelogram procedure). When one has one of those, the idea of getting into a car and driving to a hospital for a blood patch is the absolutely last thing someone wants to do.

Anyways, I am not a fan of them from a procedural standpoint as you are widely aware of everything going on, just a bit of local where they insert the needle (assuming it's a catheter). They draw some spinal fluid out (for testing, I assume) and then inject dye. Depending on what is being imaged, let's assume cspine, the table will then be tipped downwards to get the dye up to the levels that are going to be examined. Many people don't have issues or pain with this, but each time that table tipped, I had an instant spinal headache.

Was the information worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it if I had mild symptoms, nope. I would have to be willing to take that information and act upon it, even if surgery were indicated.

As to the infamous domino effect...well, lemme see, before my first (2) level fusion (that collapsed) C45 was not normal but not in need of "intervention".

After the top of the plate carved into it (from bending under the weight of the collapse) it (C45) blew, and had to be included in the reconstruction (am plated from C45-C67).

The level below (c8t1) has been a source of controversy and emotion (if you can believe that), as most spinal docs feel that a problem at that level is rare (which must mean, "non-existant" in their textbooks). The last myelogram did show that the left C8 nerve root was compressed (I also have ulnar clawing).

The ulnar nerve is fine over the elbow, the compression is either at the spine or lower trunk (brachial plexus). Even with plenty of "evidence" no one wants to make the call, as they don't feel there is much "upside" to surgical intervention as the contractures/muscle wasting/hand intrinsic atrophy are longstanding and according to them, not reversible. Whatever. Hard to get worked up about it now. The tspine herniations are akin to the C8/T1 issue, as I have been told that "they don't usually cause symptoms", which translates to: "I don't make money off of treating tspine problems, go somewhere else". Really heroic. Weenies. :eek:

What is my point? These diagnostics actually are as good as the doctor is willing to be open-minded, and truly "accept" where the evidence takes them.

It is better to know and understand what is at play, than bury one's head in the sand, and hope that nothing gets worse, or progesses. It is good to be optimistic that time will take care of this stuff, but it is also better to be realistic, and aggressive when that time runs out.

I know you already know that. :D

Google myelograms, and you will find a lot of information out there.

[slipnslide]

Barb,

Amazingly, after having pulled out what paperwork I can find, the last time my lower extremities were tested was 12/09/05! Since that time all my docs have focused on the upper extremity issues. After my surgery, my OSS started to bring up my lumbar issues, but I detoured him back to the shoulder, neck and arm pain since it was more intense pain. Since that time we've been focused on finding out why I still have the cervical type pain.

Anyhow, back in Dec. 2005 it said....

She has 1+/2 sensation over the right lateral legs and plantar surface of the toes bilaterally. She has 1+/2 sensation bilaterally over the legs below the knees other than already noted. The pulses are 2/2 in the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries bilaterally. The deep tendon reflexes are +2/+4 in the patella and achilles bilaterally. Babinski is absent and there is no clonus.

Okay, I admit, that is all foreign to me! I don't know what those numbers mean, whether that is normal or not:o . And, from nobody seeming to pay much attention to the Neuro saying that my bicep and brachioradialis reflexes are diminished, apparently it has no significance:confused: . I still keep thinking, if reduced reflexes have no significance, then why do they test the reflexes????:confused: :rolleyes:

Barb, do you also have that deep pain in your buttocks and backs of thighs where it feels as though someone has beaten you with a baseball bat and bruised you to the bone???

[oh_snap]

Kathi,
I just read your "report" info, and it "inspired" me to go back to look at the myelogram, ct reports...interesting.

On top of the C8 nerve root compression noted on myelgram, a pre-myelo xray shows "mild anterolisthesis of C7 on T1, which appears slightly unstable". Which must translate to, "doesn't cause symptoms" because no one seems to care.

Too funny.

And, a recent cspine MRI, that although there is artifact/distortion, some observations were made:

1. The screw(s) at C5 do extend beyond the posterior margin of the vertebral body into the ventral canal. (assume these could be a problem). The xray does a better job of showing how far they extend.

2. Mild stenosis through this segment (fused levels) due to residual end plate ridging. (I see that there isn't much spinal fluid in front or behind the spinal cord). I think I need some drain cleaner for that. :D

No notation of the level beyond C7. (we appear to want to ignore that one). The "slippage" of C7 over T1 had been noted (different types of studies) before the first fusion, but, again, is always qualified with of "unknown" clinical significance.

This is a game, no doubt. I am sure that 80% of a population somewhere are walking around with no symptoms and have the same "issues" noted above.

The spine is an inexact science. IMHO.

I am off to actually "accomplish" something (today), rather than deep end on whether or not my ongoing symptoms are real, imagined, or a sign of moral weakness. ;)

[Kathi49]

Oh Snap,

Wow! You have been through it! It is just as I thought about the myelograms. Whew! I would much rather them do injections first such as Kim has scheduled. I would hope my spinal PM would hold off on all the other until it was a last resort. But, then again, I just don't know what he has in mind at the moment other than to wait and see if this injection in the shoulder works first. I think he may just be working his way on up. Truly, the worst of the pain was in the shoulder when he manipulated it.

And believe me, I am realistic or rather pro-active while trying to determine what this all is. That's why I spend time going from doctor to doctor! :eek: Actually, yesterday was just a follow up with the OS and that is when he mentioned going back to the Neurologist and that sort of thing. I really do need to talk with her about some other things. So, I will call next week.

In any case, by the time I see the PM again, I should have some more information. But maybe not.

Kim,

My Babinkski's are fine. BUT...my back still feels like a ball bat hit it! At least in one area. The ankles and feet though just kill me!!! Probably PN again.

[oh_snap]

Hey Slip!

I had to search some of your old posts, but didn't run across your MRI. I read about your bilatertal tingling down backs of both thighs into feet and that peaked my interest! I have that, too. Some days, it feels I'm walking on glass. IMHO, this is from the spinal cord being compressed. I've never had a doc confirm though. They always check reflexes and they are mostly fine at the time. A little hyper in lower extremities. How do yours check out?

They say if they are diminished in the arms and hyper in the legs, that's a sign of cervical myelopathy. With your bilateral symptoms, it makes me think of that, too. Your C3-4 showed slight effacement of the cord. Like Kathi, with motion it could be worse. I'm big on the motion element! Especially when you think about how many ways the vertebre in the neck move, and all the small movements they make in the course of a day.

The fact that your EMG didn't show much (except how the docs love to jump on the CTS stuff!) doesn't concern me. "They don't show everything" my OSS said. Yours said no ACUTE cervical radiculopathy. Sometimes the test doesn't show what has been there a while.

I also think when you have this irritation to the cord with movement that some days the symptoms are worse than others (and some hours in the course of a day). I think some inflammation factor comes into play. I wish for once I'd have a spinal evaluation at the time when all this is at it's worst. That's never happened. But, I think it's significant to go on for years irritating the cord as we do. Even if sporadically.

Oh well! Good luck and take care.

Nice summary.

I think these "reports" are "playful" in the "semantics" department. Saying "no Acute cervical radiculopathy" is almost funny. I have emg/ncv certifiable, chronic radiculopathy, dennervation in a couple of nerves (including C8). What does that mean? Nothing really. They are just words at this point.

I think the wording of many of these studies/reports results in a "CYA" type of reporting that doesn't necessarily put the reviewing radiologist out on any kind of limb.

If there were fractures, or severe spinal cord compromise, they might risk stating the obvious. :rolleyes:

It is possible that those of us with more understated "compromise" that are affected by movement, gravity, etc, are just going to have to accept that we are not going to know for sure what accounts for what, if at all. How inexact.

Have a great day, everyone! :eek: