Neurosurgeon appt June 11th. My MRI is kind of crazy long... but, I will post it but, first...
I have had c5-c7 fusion in 2002, syrinx t3-t6, recurrent idiopathic pulmonary emboli resulting in lifetime xeralto...
I am really wondering just how serious this spinal cord compression issue is?
How extensive and urgent is this surgery?


Moderate Hypertrophic facet arthropathy;
mild to moderate uncovertebral joint degeneration is
evident;
grade 1 retrolisthesis of C3 on C4 as well as grade 1
anterolisthesis of C7 on T1;
these factors contribute to stenotic
disease.
C2-3: Small disc-osteophyte complex. Mild left C3 neuroforaminal
narrowing.
C3-4: Small to moderate disc-osteophyte complex with limited
anterior thecal sac flattening. C4 neuroforaminal narrowing
appears moderate on the right and moderate to severe on the left.
C4-5: Moderate to large disc-osteophyte complex with large left
paracentral disc extrusion, somewhat greater in the interval. The
extrusion protrudes roughly 4 mm posterior to the posterior
spinal line, extending minimally above and about 5-6 mm below the
level of the interspace. The disc material creates mild clockwise
cord rotation, as well as posterior displacement and deformation
of the cord, particularly the right hemicord. At, above, and
below the level of the interspace, abnormal patchy increased cord
signal is shown, extending roughly 13-14 mm craniocaudally and
representing a significant interval change/worsening. Substantial
lateral recess effacement, particularly on the left. C5
neuroforaminal narrowing appears fairly mild on the right but
severe on the left.
C5-6: Mild to moderate C6 neuroforaminal narrowing on the right.
C6-7: Mild C7 neuroforaminal narrowing on the right.
C7-T1: Small disc-osteophyte complex. C8 neuroforaminal narrowing
mild to moderate bilaterally.
Substantial hypertrophic neuroforaminal narrowing is seen at
T1-T2 bilaterally, accentuated by small foraminal disc
protrusions. Similar findings, with neuroforaminal stenoses of at
least moderate extent, on the right at T2 and T3, milder at T4.
Beginning roughly at or just below the level of the T3-T4
interspace, note is made of elongated internal cord signal
compatible with syringohydromyelia. This pattern proceeds
inferiorly, apparently greatest at about the T5 level, and is
only very faintly suggested from mid T6 inferiorly. This
syringohydromyelia is visible at the lower extent of the
comparison exam, but the comparison exam terminates inferiorly at
about the level of the T4-T5 interspace.
Impression:
Multifocal, multifactorial stenotic abnormalities as detailed
above. Please see the report, to include the level by level
description.
Large disc extrusion at C4-C5, with regional cord signal
alteration compatible with edema and/or gliosis. Recommend
neurosurgical referral

Just curious.. no responses... is this scary .... YEP
I have neurosurgery appt Tuesday.

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.

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

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..