[Kathleeen]

Hello,
I was hit by a semi truck July of this year. We were both stopped but he didn't see that my car was in front of him because I had to stop while trying to cross the intersection to avoid hitting a pedestrian that ran in the street. He suddenly drove forward to turn into my lane and t-boned me on my right side. I have a C5 herniation at 3mm. I suspect there are more herniations- I don't know about.

Sometimes I feel weakness in my right arm- like the feeling of just lifting weights with my arm and it feels like there is a burning sensation. Is that what it means when they say muscle weakness? I just never really understood what that means when Drs ask me if I have weakness. I also get random twitching everywhere when I do too much strain- is that part of the herniation and or nerve damage? My circulation feels weird in my legs at night on the bad days.

Anyone have any feedback on herniation and timeline of healing? It would be nice to know what recovery time looks like. I've kind of guessed this is just going to be a lifetime management issue. The neurologist wants to take another MRI but I just don't understand why. I did quite a bit more physical activity this past weekend and was excited & hopeful when my PT said my muscles and tendons felt lose. But after a walked up a hilly area near my friends house I began to numb out in my legs and arms. I just think I did too much that weekend. I mean it's only been 3 months.

Has anyone been what I'm going through now? This is all new to me & the fear of the unknown wears me out! I am 39 and told eventually I will need decompression surgery.

Does anyone suggest I go with the MRI again? I just don't understand why I should get another one at this point- like what is there more to look out for? And the neurologist mentioned he didn't think I was having disc compression issues- so that just didn't make sense why I would need another one. I'm worried that there's something else to worry about now. I just don't like that MRI.

[Leesa]

Hi and welcome! I'm sorry you had the accident! Not fun.

The herniation feels like: numbness, tingling, burning, stabbing, throbbing, some feel like water is running down their arm. These are SOME of the symptoms of a herniation. That is because the disc is pressing on a nerve.

You said you did a lot of physical activity. I take it that it wasn't physical THERAPY that the doctor ordered??? I think you did too much. You are going to have to pace yourself and learn that you cannot do as much as you used to.

YES have the additional MRI especially since you did all this activity. You could have made things worse, since your legs got numb. I hope your doc orders it with and without contrast material so he can see everything better.

I know what you mean about the MRI - but close your eyes BEFORE you go in the tube and KEEP them closed in there. It won't freak you out so much. God bless and please let us know what the results are. Take care. Hugs, Lee

[WTR Nymph]

Hello, By all means get the MRI. I don't understand this 3mm stuff, nerve root compression or cord compression? Hopefully the the MRI will reveal some healing, or you may be able to postpone the decompression longer. Good Luck, and keep us posted. WTR Nymph

[Saffy]

If itsvany help. The only way they can get me through an MRI and I've had 6 now is feet first. If they say it's not possible it Blummin well is! That way your head os stuck out.

[firecaptn]

Hi, Kathleen, Like you I was in a car accident last January, I was rear ended by a young lady who was more interested in text messaging at 50 mph than driving, when she hit my stopped truck. This caused anteriolithesis in C3 and damage to C-5/6. I am about 5 years older than you.

Since then I have had similar experiences as you in regards to PT and trying to let it heal. I had hopes it would heal which it hasn't. So I am having surgery on C 5/6 in less than a week.

In regards to the arm symptoms that is consistent with nerve compression, I also have occasional weird feelings like warm water has been poured over my left leg etc. but was told that is not consistent with my injuries. Go figure?

I would suggest that you have the MRI (have your doc prescribe a low dose valium it helps!) so you know if anything is changing or progressing if you haven't already. will let you know how the surgery goes, I've heard good and bad stories about it so am kinda worried too.