Things going very wrong after Dynesys

LC in UK · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 12:31 AM

C/Spine MRI shows "mild cord compression" but neurologist says it doesn't explain the extent of my problems so I'm lined up for brain scan, thoracic spine scan and possible lumbar puncture (hopefully not - nasty things).
Nothing to do with Dynesys at all it turns out, but hope it won't be too long before I find out what's causing the spasticity in my legs.
Anyone else been diagnosed with "paraparesis" ?

fireyangel76 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 07:45 AM

Hi Lynette,
I hope you are fairing okay thru all of this. Now that my lumbar spine seems to be holding it's own if I behave, my cervical is jumping right on in there! I have only had xrays so far and I have no space between C6-C7. I guess that explains the nerve pain down my left arm. I also have a lousy shoulder that has very little range of motion but they say it isn't a frozen shoulder. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and as I feared all my aches and pains will be passed off as that. I may not be an MD but I so recognize nerve pain when I feel it and it is definitly related to my neck. Oh well I am having some relief with physio so I shall not complain any more for now. Thank goodness I have no wobbly legs. I have been losing my balance a lot lately. I think I am just not very coordinated in my old age.
Hope you are not in too much pain. My dynesys is finally giving me hope that it might just work in reality not just theory.

mmglobal · #3 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireyangel76

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and as I feared all my aches and pains will be passed off as that.

Betsy... I'm so glad that you get this. You may or may not have FM. It's often used as a 'trash-can diagnosis'.... something to tell the patient to satisfy the need for a diagnosis. It often keeps our doctors from researching other problems.... every pain and symptoms gets written off as FM. Worse is when it makes the patient completely accept everything as their fate, and they give up. In some cases, it is our fate. In others, it's a BS excuse for the doctors to stop investing is a situation that they don't understand. They wont' tell you, "I don't get it". For many of us, we have not alternative. But, giving up should only be done after other reasonable causes have been ruled out... not before!

FM is not a disease. It's a name given to a constellation of symptoms.

Mark

mmglobal · #4 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LC in UK

C/Spine MRI shows "mild cord compression" but neurologist says it doesn't explain the extent of my problems so I'm lined up for brain scan, thoracic spine scan and possible lumbar puncture (hopefully not - nasty things).

"Doesn't explain" does not rule-out the connection. I'm glad that your doctor will troubleshoot other likely causes. Keep in mind that the MRI is a static image of your spine as you are laying in a neutral position.

Paraparesis is a common description of weakness associated with nerve irritation or damage that impairs the signal, making some muscles not fire (or not fire to capacity) when commanded. Inability to do heal or toe raises is a good example of this type weakness. More advanced is foot drop.

Remember... "i'm not a doctor... yada yada yada" Take everything I say with a grain of salt... they are just my layperson ramblings.

Mark

dshobbies · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 05:44 PM

Mark,

'Layperson ramblings' by eyeballs! We get more informative into from you than from many an uncaring/unsympathetic doctor. Though not all doctors fall into that catagory, too many I've met do so thanks for your 'ramblings'. At least we know what to ask and what to/not to accept as a response.

Ramble away, Dale

LC in UK · #6 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 09:51 PM

Thanks for the input everyone, and that's a very pertinent point Mark about the static image. It doesn't always mean the compression stays as the picture shows, it can be better or worse I suppose?
Just so worried now that these "puppet legs" with knees that feel like there's no cartilage in them are there for good.
Can't take a full step forward, feels like somethings stopping my hip joints from moving. My feet are just plonking down and the word "spastic" really does describe my gait.
Just have to be patient I suppose and wait for these tests to be carried out.
I'd much rather face another decompression op, even if it is thoracic, than be told I have some inherited degenerative nerve condition and face a future on sticks.
Not aware of anyone in my immediate family with this disease so maybe it will turn out to be cord compression, never wanted cord compression so badly before!

fireyangel76 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 06:16 AM

Hi Mark,
I really do get it! FMS is what patients have when their MD"S lack the patience to actually work patients up for what seems like too many aches and pains! I may or may not have FMS. I do meet the criteria but I think almost anyone could. I don't really need a name for what I feel, I need a solution!
Anyway feel free to always do your very knowledgeble rambling! I get the sense you have dealt with someone being passed off as FMS before.
It is nice to know that you get exactly how I feel about the fact they now want to point at the FMS for every ache or pain I have.
Thanks for being here for all of us Mark!