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05-17-2017, 02:53 PM | #31 | ||
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Newly Joined
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Hi Jack,
My father recently had spinal cord decompression surgery and is experiencing C5 palsy or so John Hopkins Neuro Surgery has stated. If possible, I think it would really help for my Father to speak to someone who has gone thru something similar. You can reach me at 914-826-7793. We would like to find out who you saw at the Cleveland Clinic. Please let me know if you are open to speaking to him. We have had a hard time lifting his spirits and he is very frustrated about the lack of use of his left arm. His surgery was in November and his right arm has improved. Thanks in advance, we just feel helpless. Best, Kelly |
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05-19-2017, 02:36 PM | #32 | ||
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Junior Member
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Kelly,
I saw Dr. Wilson at the Cleveland Clinic. He is not a neurologist, but works in the Adult Neurology Dept. and is very good. Unfortunately, he is in high demand and it takes months to get an appointment with him. I am happy to speak to your father. |
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06-16-2017, 03:56 PM | #33 | ||
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I am 13 weeks out from 3-level ACDF (3/15/17) with bilateral c-5 palsy. Prior to surgery I was experiencing loss of function in my left arm due to the collapse of my cervical disc but my right arm was mostly functional. After surgery my right arm was also completely dysfunctional and the left arm remained the same. The surgeon said that monitoring during surgery suggested I would get full function back but so far things aren't improving significantly. I can use my hands and arms below the elbows but can't raise either arm more than 20%--so I can't really drive or even wash my own hair! I am so grateful for the information on this thread. I will post my progress.
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06-17-2017, 05:14 PM | #34 | ||
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08-18-2017, 01:59 PM | #35 | ||
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maribren - Sorry its taken me so long to reply, but I have not been checking this too often lately. I have improved some since last post. My left arm has full range of motion and about 80% strength back. My right arm has full range of motion (lifting out to the side is still hard though) and strength is about 50%. I would say that my shoulder muscles have recovered the least of all. My posterior deltoids are still the weakest of all.
Don't get too discouraged. You are still early in the process. At this stage, your existing (undamaged) nerves are starting to sprout new smaller nerves to help out where the larger nerves no longer exist. This takes time. The nerve roots are also growing back and this takes a long time. The rule of thumb on nerve transfers is that they need to be done at about 6 months for the best chance of success. Some doctors will wait longer if they see any recovery happening. A couple questions: 1. Did you have any spinal cord damage prior to the surgery? 2. Are you using a nerve stimulator? 3. Are you going to physical therapy? |
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08-18-2017, 02:44 PM | #36 | ||
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Week 94 ( 1 year & 9 months) - I will say that some recovery is possible after 1 year. After more research and talking to rehab doctors, it appears that 90% of recovery happens in the first year and 10% happens in the following 2 years (3 years total).
I have continued to see some progress in muscle strength after 1 year. I have full range of motion in both arms (right side is still tight when raised out to the side). Strength is about 80% in left arm and 50% in right arm. Some of the muscle strength improvement is purely from building up the muscle tissue and has nothing to do with more nerve growth, but it is still improvement. My right posterior deltoid has been very stubborn and not getting much strength back. I was told that not all muscles will recover the same and some muscles may never come back. The nerve branch to the posterior deltoid must have not made it back. Unfortunately, I still have not seen any real improvement in the pain. I have switched over to Lyrica and taking the max daily dose (200mg three times per day). This just makes the pain tolerable. My doctor still cannot say whether or not this will ever go away. I still don't know which is worse, the pain or the weakness.... I am holding on to the idea that more improvement is possible and the fight is not over just yet... |
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09-13-2017, 10:56 AM | #37 | ||
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I am six months from surgery and despite PT and hard work I have had very little improvement in my bi-lateral palsy. I can only dress by utilizing a lot of strategies involving various props for my terribly weak arms. Things I truly love like gardening and painting are impossible to enjoy. I am happy to hear that improvement can continue for a long time since I worried that anything that doesn't come back soon is gone forever. Thank you for your encouraging posts and information. I'll keep working hard...I am grateful that for me there is very little pain and some hope
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09-13-2017, 01:17 PM | #38 | ||
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I am going to physical therapy, and doing it at home religiously, but the professionals I've seen said that there isn't empirical evidence a nerve stimulator will help. I have had some improvement but it is so painfully slow it is hard to track and to date has not been enough to stem my fear of permanent disability. Your posts help me believe that though the process is gradual I can recover most of my functionality. Thanks again for responding. As you can see I also haven't checked this for awhile. |
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10-14-2017, 06:34 PM | #39 | ||
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Trust me, a nerve stimulator WILL help. I am frankly shocked that your doctor has not prescribed one. It does two things. Keeps your muscles from atrophying and it helps guide the never growth.
I would look on the Pubmed web site and you will see many studies that prove that. Yes, it is painfully slow. Keep fighting. It will come back , maybe not 100%, but it will come back. |
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10-20-2017, 03:30 PM | #40 | ||
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