Things going very wrong after Dynesys

[LC in UK]

Hi Betsy
Having problems posting a full reply, using quick reply to say I'm pleased your visit went well yesterday, well done!
Yes, I do get restless legs as well, and also got one leg shorter than the other, not as bad as it was before the Dynesys tho'...can't be outdone!
Best wishes, Lynette

[mmglobal]

cervical spine and throacic spine OK on MRI? If there are no obvious problems that can be responsible for your constellation of symptoms, I hope they'll look at the rest of your spine to rule out other potential issues.

Does the 'wear and tear' on the level above show substantial nerve compression in places that are likely to be responsible for your symptoms? I'll be interested to hear how the camera thing works out... please keep us posted.

Mark

[LC in UK]

Had cervical osteophytes diagnosed in 1983, not aware of any problems with thoracic spine.
Heard my consultant tell the registrar on Tuesday that my case was "complex". No doubt of that after 4 ops!
Have noticed the muscle spasms loosening up considerably today, whatever was causing nerve compression over the last few weeks seems to be resolving, although I'm not out of the woods by a long shot.
My knees are not so swollen either, very strange? Grateful for the letup tho'.
Desperately need to get exercising again, especially for my thighs but frightened of upsetting the knees!
What to do?
Will definitely let you know how the spinal probe goes.
Thankyou Mark for writing,
Kind regards, Lynette

[mmglobal]

with weakness in legs and no obvious source on lumbar MRI... when was last cervical / thoracic MRI?

[LC in UK]

Don't think I've ever had a cervical/thoracic MRI, only ordinary X-rays.
Had CT scans on abdominal area for GI problems this year , also sigmoidoscopy, gastroscopy and barium enema....phew!!
I think the sigmoid intussusception (telescoping) problem I had in December is due to part of the sigmoid muscle not working properly anymore. I wonder if this is due to the anterior fusion when they had to move the large intestine out of the way to get to the spine? Have a follow-up appointment with colo-rectal consultant next week.
Do you have a theory ?
Regards
Lynette

[mmglobal]

I wouldn't presume to have a theory. With weakness in legs and no obvious explanation, do they feel the need to rule out a potential cervical or thoracic spine problems?

Mark

[LC in UK]

GP has faxed Ortho Consultant with info about cervical spondylosis which was diagnosed over 20 years ago...(osteophytes). Have had intermittent problems with neck arms upper spine etc. since initial back injury in 1982.
Have advised various medics over the years that my arms and hands are numb when sleeping but nobody has taken any notice so I presumed it wasn't important.
GP is cross that I didn't tell the registrar about this at my appt. on 6th June but this guy wouldn't let me talk. Insisted on taking history and doing basic examination and then said they'd lost the CD with my MRI images on.
(which didn't show cord compression but I'm lined up for a lumbar spine probe in next 3 months)
Can now see that upper spine MRI IS important but getting the medics to do it is an uphill slog!
Meanwhile my legs get weaker and wobblier and the distance I can walk gets shorter and shorter.
Perhaps when I collapse in the street they might do the MRI !!