[brwnneyedgrl]

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

[jeffntate]

I have not been through this surgery, but I will in just over 3 weeks. I don't have as severe symptoms as you, and my case is an earlier stage, but check out my thread labeled Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy where a guy who had very close to the same level of symptoms as you had a wonderful outcome.

[ginnie]

Did all three docs agree on DX? One question that I would ask, would be why do another surgery later?. I think I would have to know the reason for this. Can't it be corrected in one operation? Just curious, as I sure wouldn't wish these surgeries on anyone. The MRI should show exactly what is going on. I wish you all the best. ginnie

[brwnneyedgrl]

Originally Posted by ginnie

Did all three docs agree on DX? One question that I would ask, would be why do another surgery later?. I think I would have to know the reason for this. Can't it be corrected in one operation? Just curious, as I sure wouldn't wish these surgeries on anyone. The MRI should show exactly what is going on. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Ginnie,
I asked the very same question. The damage to my cervical spine is severe and the doctor estimated the surgery to take about 4 hours. That's a long time to be under general anesthesia for anyone, let alone someone like me who has COPD. The laminectomy will remove the compression on the cord and release the compression of the nerve roots, which is the most concerning issue at this point. The injury caused by the spinal cord compression is severe enough to have caused myelomalacia and this surgery will not repair that damage but is intended to prevent it from progressing. I have another MRI of my cervical spine scheduled for tomorrow (the first one was quite poor in imaging quality and even I noticed this when I pulled it up and viewed it on my computer at home). I also have a lumbar MRI scheduled and a cervical CT. These will all be done tomorrow. I have a consult with a pulmonologist on the 28th to assess my COPD and make sure I'm able to undergo the surgery. Thank you for replying, I really appreciate your support ginnie. I'll keep you updated on things as they progress.

[ginnie]

Keep me informed. I sure am sorry you have to go through all this. Sometimes when the damage is great, they use hardware to stabilize the ones above and below. Hope the CT and MRI , shows exactly what is going on.
I have had two cervical fusions. Wouldn't wish it on anyone if it can be helped.
Just going through the tests can be stressful. I will be thinking of you. ginnie

[brwnneyedgrl]

Originally Posted by ginnie

Keep me informed. I sure am sorry you have to go through all this. Sometimes when the damage is great, they use hardware to stabilize the ones above and below. Hope the CT and MRI , shows exactly what is going on.
I have had two cervical fusions. Wouldn't wish it on anyone if it can be helped.
Just going through the tests can be stressful. I will be thinking of you. ginnie

Thanks ginnie! One thing that has me wondering is this: When a laminectomy is performed, they remove the back portion of the bone or lamina, and the arch which protects the spinal cord. Doesn't this pose a risk for damage to the cord in the future? It's one of many questions I have for my doctor when I see him again on the 4th of November. My tests had to be rescheduled due to my insurance company initially denying the tests. Imaging center, did a peer to peer review and so far they have gotten the Ct of my cervical spine and MRI of cervical spine authorized. I'm still waiting on the authorization for the lumbar spine MRI. Financially, it's best to have all three done on the same day because with my insurance, I only have to pay one co pay of $150.oo whereas if I had all three tests done on different days, it would be $450.oo total. You're right, the tests, the waiting, the not knowing what to expect...it's so stressful. I'm worried about the length of the anesthesia and issues with coming off of the vent following surgery. Hopefully, the pulmonary doctor will clear me and it won't be too much of an issue. Guess I'm just going to have to wait and see what he says. I see him on the 28th. My doctor also ordered an EMG which I'm guessing he will use as a baseline for nerve response during surgery. Sigh.....it's all so scary. Thanks again for your support, it means a lot to me to have someone to share my thoughts with. My husband is supportive, but he's a nervous wreck about all of this and I find that discussing it with him, just makes him worry more. Guess that's what us gals do huh? Protect the ones we love.

[ginnie]

Yes, the question you have is valid. You need to know that the vertebra above and below the site are OK. Risk factors, all of it needs to be discussed. I didn't have to take the EMG test. I think they knew from the MRI I was not so hot, so he didn't feel it would do much good. Just confirm what was going on. You may want to ask why the doctor feels the EMG is necessary. Don't accept a myleogram without research, if it should be asked of you. I tend to stay away from tests that ouch. In fact I try to squirm my way out of them!
I really hope that you get good resolution with any decision that is made. I know it is scary. That is why I joined here too. I just never left because of the support I got. It does help to talk to others that have spinal issues. Takes the edge off of worry, and you get an honest response. Keep in touch, I do care. None of it is fun to go through. ginnie