I am a 44 yr old female. 5'1. 108lbs.

History of :
CML- In remission 1.8 yrs.
Had a radical Hysterectomy in December due to cancer cells in uterine lining.
Had carpal Tunnel surgery on both hands in July --- I woke to both hands numb and very painful. Had No prior signs of carpal tunnel so I questioned diagnosis but ... had surgery anyway. Since then... Occupational Therapy of 3 months (41 visits) was stopped due to plateauing. My strength DECREASED -40 in both hands.

Trying to rule out MS. 2- MRI's of brain was done. Unable to rule out MS) But not able to confirm either. So... due to weakness , stiffness and pain in arms and occasionally legs... Another MRI done.

Have had many procedures and tests done-- Doctor(s) have ruled out the following:

NEGATIVE:
Fybromyalgia
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lupus
Osteoarthritis

Cannot rule out MS
Also Waiting on B-12 tests results

My doctor is out until next week but I was able to get a copy of the report:


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CLINICAL INDICATION: Apparent Myelopathy, pain in limb. Bilateral arm pain, right greater than left, weakness, Leg weakness. No back pain

MRI-DORSAL WITHOUT CNTRST 9/30/09

TECHNIQUE: Routine sequences of the thoracic spine w/o contrast.

FINDINGS:

*On the localizer view there is hypertrophic degenerative change at C4/5 and C5/6 in the lower cervical spine which is not well demonstrated on this study.

*The thoracic vertebral bodies are normal in height and alignment. There is a normal smooth kyphotic curvature. Disc spaces are grossly normal in height and signal.

*On the sagittal images there is a focal extradural "defect" projecting form the posterior T8/9 interspace. on the right side.

*On the axial images there is a focal extradural "defect" measuring 6mm in width and a 4mm in thickness consistent with a disc protrusion and hypertrophic changes. This impinges on the right saide of the thoracic cord but does not (to) cause significant central spinal cord stenosis.

The remained of the disc spaces are intact. Thoracic cord is normal in caliber and position.

CONCLUSION: Degenerative changes AT c4/5 AND c5/6. Focal extradural "defect" with small disc protrusion and hypertrophic changes at T8/9 on right side.

No spinal canal stenosis.

Perhaps you SHOULD have questioned that surgery. The main nerves supplying your hands come out in the cervical area

Hello Dawn and welcome to NT!

I'm sorry that you're having neurological problems after having had to fight cancer.

Beyond knowing that the deterioration on your MRI is probably in the normal range for your age and probably not responsible for such severe symptoms, I'm afraid that I lack the expertise to speculate.

I do, however, recognize many of your symptoms. I damaged my spine in a car accident. Like you I have decreased strength in my arms and legs. My grip strength is fourteen (I was a super jock chick before) and I can't hold my arms out long enough to put bulbs on the Christmas tree.

I can't remember, did you mention tingles and spasms? Are they trying to dampen your symptoms with meds like Lyrica? (Probably not Lyrics since you said you weigh 105 not 205)

My injury occured high up on my neck, so the neurological damaged is pretty much everywhere. It might be a good ides to find a clinician willing to map your nervous function to determine where the problem originates. If there is pressure on your nerves that can be relieved or if they've merely been bruised, nerves can regrow. At about 1mm a day, it's a very slow process. If nerves were cut during your surgery, your impairments could be permanent.

Nerve damage during surgery is not uncommon. Please make sure that the neurologist treating you has no connection to your surgeon. It's nearly impossible to get one doctor to rat out another. In fact, considering the impact this must be having on your career, finances, family life, etc..., you might want to consider consulting a reputable personal injury lawyer. Sadly, sometimes it's the only way to get to the truth of what has really happened to you.

Good Luck

I did not say that surgery had cut the nerves-- I did say that the nerves for the arms and hands come out from the cervical foramens-- Meaning that the surgeon should have known this, and checked the situation before commencing to cut. Please dont misquote me.

Sorry Jackie - I misunderstood, an honest mistake.

From what you post, it would appear that your upper extremity symptoms perhaps are a residual of a failed carpal tunnel release, I don't know. Your leg weakness certainly could have origins from a T8-9 disc protrusion. The MRI only captures a moment in time and while you are non-weight bearing. I would think a competent neurologist could figure this out...Also, RSD is not an uncommon complication of carpal tunnel release