Cervical Laminectomy followed by loss of biceps

[KL Aguilar]

Difficult for me 2 type so please excuse brevity. C3-7 laminectomy at Cedars-Sinai on 8-8-08, mainly due to severe spinal cord compression, esp. @ 5-6. Next morning incredible pain and arms didn't work. All sensation normal. Hands worked and wrists and triceps improved rather quickly. Could push out and down (triceps), but not up (biceps, C 5-6). Initial diagnosis either stroke or blood clot. Tests and MRi ruled both out and showed cord inflammation. Several neurosurgeons, neurologists, and rehab doctors were consulted in hospital. Spent 28 days in hospital w/ 14 days of occupational and physical therapy with some improvement in functionality, but cannot lift arms, rendering me very helpless.

Prognosis unclear; everyone one is vague but supposedly optimistic esp. due to normal sensation, normal use of everything else, and reasonable coordination. Window of improvement said to be up to 18 months. Have been prescribed home caregiver, and home occupational and physical therapy to start Monday.

Insights? Advice? Similar story?