When I was in the process of getting a diagnosis for my neuropathy, I decided to go to a neurosurgeon at Weil Cornell. I couldn't move my neck and had very little use of my arms for 6 months. My autonomic nervous system was severely ill, and I had neuropathy through out my body. Since it all started in my neck, I thought maybe someone could fix it. I have herniations at c5-6-7, mild compression, some stenosis, so I made appointments with some big shots to see what they could do.

The first one looked at my MRI, and said that there was nothing he could do, and that my discs couldn't be responsible for so many of my symptoms and that they were not severe enough to fix.

The second opinion guy said the same thing and also told me not to let any surgeon touch my neck. He said that some would and this is not the answer.

So, I just want to let you know that I think as long as you stay away from those "spine center" businesses, go to a big city academic center doc and then go for a second opinion, you'd be safer. I think the doctors who know what they are doing are sure when they should operate vs the ones who just like to cut.

I totally agree with 2nd opinions ! And more if needed

I don't live very far from Atlanta so there are many options there....Emory and Piedmont are both there.

No cutting on the neck unless absolutely necessary and maybe not then. lol

Thanks,

Debi

Hey my friends.

Well I had the same doctor I had 4 years ago to conduct the study. I'm guessing they contract and travel and I was not happy to see him. He's smart but also a smarta** !

The results state the right wrist has progressively worsened and the left wrist is still mild.

I am concerned with the fact that the swelling I have on the outside of that wrist has nothing to do with carpal tunnel per him. Hmmmm

No large fiber neuropathy ! Yeah ! Other than some deep aching pain I've never had trouble with my legs.

He did tell me he has just been to a conference on Small Fiber Neuropathy. He said that with my dx of Severe SFN and basically no A or C Fibers that my nerves may never recover. He said they had some studies that showed improvement when people exercised vigorously for a year but it was pretty much hit and miss.

That's that. He did say I needed to get carpal tunnel surgery before too much longer or my muscles will not recover. I'm thinking that will be a fall project !

I see the neurosurgeon on May 25th. Just want to make sure nothing in my neck is causing my arm and hand problems before doing carpal surgery.

My daughter says carpal tunnel can affect your whole arm but I haven't looked that up. When I use it took much the pain crawls up to my elbow and then to my shoulder. Sucks

Take care everyone,

Debi

well thats good that your large fiber nerves havent been affected at least. I think the suggestion to take someone with you when you see the neurosurgeon is a very good one for a few reasons. It is difficult to remember to ask all the questions you want to ask when you get sidetracked during a visit, plus its hard to remember everything that was said.

Im going for another emg/ncs in June, this time on my arms/hands. The numbness is increasing, im dropping things more often, my dexterity with my fingers is decreasing and the exaggerated pain with even minor stimuli to my fingers is becoming increasingly marked. My hands are basically where my feet were about 10 years ago. Now my feet are almost dead numb.

This will be my 9th emg/ncs since 2003.

good luck with your neurosurgeon visit and the cat scan.