Well, I've finally gotten a diagnosis for all the messed up stuff going on with me. Cervical myeloradiculopathy. I have myelomalacia which is an injury to the spinal cord that was caused by severe cord compression as well as stenosis, sponlylosis and osteophytes, better knows as bone spurs. The doctor informed me that if I did nothing, it would progress to the point where I would eventually lose the use of my arms and hands.

Currently, I have weakness in my arms, intermittent numbness, cramping, abnormal gait, and intermittent incontinence. He performed several neurological exams that included checking my reflexes which were hyper or over active, and he flicked the nail of my middle finger which caused my other fingers of that hand to twitch. I wasn't able to complete a toe to heel walk due to severe imbalance. Now I'm scheduled for an EMG, a cervical CT, and a lumbar MRI. I also have to meet with a pulmonary specialist due to my COPD so that I can get clearance for the surgery. He says I need a posterior laminectomy with screws and a possible fusion but that would be done at a later time. I'm getting pretty scared at this point. Has anyone here been through a posterior cervical laminectomy who can tell me what to expect? Unfortunately, this surgery will not fix or cure the damage to the spinal cord, but is intended to prevent further damage and stop the progression of the disease. Any feedback would sure be appreciated. Thanks