Originally Posted by BellaLea

I had symptoms for a longtime and ignored them until the damage to my nerves may be irreversible. "..."

I had severe foraminal narrowing at C4-5 and stenosis, as well as significant signs of nerve damage, .

Originally Posted by jeffntate

MRI of my neck

Attachment 7688]

Originally Posted by BellaLea

I had severe weakness in my legs and hands. My right hand had a mind of it's own and would jerk to the side if I tried to write or use a mouse (called chorea form movement). I had hyperreflexia(hyperactive reflexes) which is a sure sign of nerve damage. When they hit my knee with a hammer it flew up almost kicking the doctor, and severeclonus in my right ankle. These are terms you could look up and get a better definition of, but they are all hallmark signs of nerve damage. Also, I couldn't do the tandem walkwithout falling (same test they give for drunk drivers, walking heel toe).

My neurologist was very concerned about me having this level of nerve dysfunction and was surprised at how young I was to be presenting with these neuro deficits.

Surgery was the only avenue of treatment to stop the progression of symptoms.

Originally Posted by BellaLea

I had symptoms for a longtime and ignored them until the damage to my nerves may be irreversible. I shouldn't have waited so long, especially when I was advised to have the surgery 10 years ago. I'm a very young appearing 52 year old, but my insides appear much older. The neurologist who saw me said that they only see this level of nerve damage in 80 year olds, which prompted me to have the surgery.

I had severe foraminal narrowing at C4-5 and stenosis, as well as significant signs of nerve damage, so I had an anterior fusion at that level to relieve the pressure on those nerves and they removed the hardware from my previous ACDF on C6-7. I have severe degenerative disc disease throughout my spine and had a fusion in the lumbar area as well.

I also work full-time and have chronic pain, but I have a great team of doctors. I had to kiss a few frogs along the way,but finally found the right ones. I was disabled for 2 years, but went back to work as a nurse 8 years ago with the help of pain management.

Originally Posted by Dubious

Originally Posted by jeffntate

HELP - very worried.

I've started dropping cups and knocking things over with my weak arm, and anytime I do anything significant with it, it hurts like the devil for hours.