Hi jonlyn,

Honestly that doesn't sound to good. You have alot going on there. Blockage of the foramen resulting in compression of the existing nerve is one thing but anything to do with compression, manipulation or twisting of the spinal cord is a lot more to be concerned about. You dont want to do permit damage too your spinal cord as that can be a game changer. If your surgeon says they need to operate straight away I would take this extremely seriously. I would seek advice of two surgeons because opinions can vary by abit. But if you have to wait to long to see another i would probably take up there advice. How much pain are you in? Have you had any loss in bow movement, feeling in extremities or motor functions? if so it maybe best not to wait as you can do permit damage.

Good luck

Thank you for your response..
I am with the VA and seeing the head of neurosurgery in Durham NC on Wednesday...consult..
I really do no have that much pain... I have rt ankle, foot, and bottom part of my leg burns and itches... my entire rt side is weak with numbness, tingling and feels very heavy... I have a hard time typing, buttons, opening car door.. I drop things... almost dropped my granddaughter (11lbs)... difficulty with steps..mostly going down..I am unsteady.. when I sit for any length of time - I have an uncontrollable body spasm- like an uncontrollable stretch...weird.. nausea.. bladder urgency.. when I gotta go .. I gotta go right away.. but, no other b/b..

They are some pretty serious side effects. Any loss of movement, strength, body spasm and bodily functions is very very serious. Its good that you are seeing a surgeon soon, as i wouldn't wait that long if i was you. Good luck i hope it works out well for you and a speed recovery.

Curious as to what new symptoms are note worthy versus just a part of this issue.
I have a lump type something behind my right ear. No burning, no fever. Just a swollen area. about 2" x 3" along the neck.
I also have burning sensation on the right side, back area below shoulder blade to hip.

Thinking hypochondriac here uggh.

Likely unrelated to your spinal complaints. See your internist!

Any signal noted means there is likely damage to the spinal cord. I had only a trace of signal on my TI scan and it turned out that my cord was bruised by the compression. If you have signal on the T2 scan as well, you may have irreversible permanent spinal cord damage.

Thank you for letting me know. Neurosurgeon stated 33% chance of getting better, staying the same or getting worse post-op. I asked was he sure lol..In other words he has no dang idea... So, I am going with 33% getting better.

I am still working. Desk job, not too demanding, but-I am exhausted and useless by the time I get home. So frustrating. Seems everyday I am feeling worse than the day before..

It is comforting to a degree when someone takes the time to respond.
Thank you

I have a lot of pain, and everything else you describe. Don't have a granddaughter, but I hope when I do, I'll be able to hold her. Almost dropped my 8 lb dog and I can't pick up the 15 lb one anymore. Had my first MRI a month ago and scheduled for C3-C7 decompression and fusion on 8/12. I hope it helps. I was told something similar i.e. "We expect you will have some relief, maybe, but not how much. But it will stop the progression." Comforting, isn't it? Prepare to be cut open, screwed together, and stuffed in a hard collar for 6+weeks and you might, maybe, get a little relief. Good luck to you.

I had C4 cord decompression and fusion in July, 2014...neurogenic bladder and bowel (I cath every 4 hours and bowel care every other day) rt side neuropathy, C4 incomplete paraplegia ASIA D
My symptoms are worse and now have a rolator and a wheel chair.
I spent a month in the Agusta VAMC Spinal Cord Injury Clinic.
So far two times I have endured Autonomic Dysreflexia. The most recent being just a couple days ago... BP was 220/190 with 138 pulse with mid and lower back pain / per ER no infections, no gall stones, no kidney stones and bladder is fine.. even checked for pulomnary emboli due to hx..

What could be wrong?