I just got the results from my new MRIs.

Cervical:

c3/4 - 2mm posterior disc protrustion, no cord impingement. Canal IS stenotic with AP diameter of 11mm. Facet hypertrophy w/mild right foraminal narrowing, no left side stenosis.

c4/5 - status post ACDF. Canal is stenotic with AP diameter of 11mm.

c5/6 - status post ACDF. Canal is stenotic with AP diameter of 12mm.

C7/T1 - 1mm left paracentral disc bulding, no impingement or stenosis.

Conclusion: Signal intensities in the non-operated vertebrae are within normal limits. Diminished signal in the remaining intervertrebal disc consistant with disc desiccation and degeneration. Post surgical and spondylitic changes as noted.

On to Thoracic:

T1-8 - good

T8/9 - 3 mm central disc herniation impinging on cord.

T9/10 - good

T10/11 - no disc bulge or herniation. Facet degeneration with narrowing of the canal.

T11/12 - 3mm R posterolateral disc protrusion impinging on the cord and narrowing the right neural foramen. Canal stenosis due to facet hypertrophy.

T12/L1 - good

L1/2 - 3mm posterior left paracentral disc herniation impinging on the thecal sac. Narrowing of the canal due to facet hypertrophy and left foraminal narrowing w/o right side stenosis.

Conclusion:

End plate degenerative change is seen at T8/9, T11/12, L1-2. Diminished signal in ALL intervertebral discs consistent with disc desiccation and degeneration.


When I was 40 I was told I had the bones of a 65 year old farmer. Now I'm 46 and I have the bones of a dead man.

For now I'm declining thoracic surgery. Unless the bladder problem turns totally incontinent or my legs give out. I suppose some day my neck will need more surgery too. The doc was more concerned with my neck than my thoracic damage. I'm afraid to have another MRI of the lumbar area.

Everything has gotten much worse in the last few years. I'm a 46 yr old female, what am I suppose to do now? I keep trying, so very hard. Apparently it doesn't matter what I do.

What the h*ll am I suppose to do now? Sit and wait for the inevitable. I will try and keep a positive attitude, but this is a bit overwhelming. Every single disc is bad? What else can go wrong now? Don't answer that, I don't want to know.

Linda