New Here - Recent MRI Done and Shocked at The Results
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Hi guys,
Just new here and wanted to try and get some patient info rather than all the medical feedback that I quite frankly don't understand or trust.
Male age 49, started with pain in my right hand 4 years ago. Graduallt transferred to left hand and now is what I would describe generally as a combination of burning, aching tingling and numbness in both hands, wrists and forearms. No other issues, aside from that in good healtha nd do lots of regular physical activity.
Lived with the pain which has gradually got worse and probably is something like a 5/10 on the pain scale now.
Recent stressfull domestic issues seemed to agrivate the pains so finally decided to see a Spine Doctor (I am a Brit but live in the Philippines where medical care is excellent, especially when they see a foreign face with bulging pockets !)
The Dr did all the usual physical tests and none of them replicated the symptoms and her diagnised me with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both hands, to which I said "Sorry Sherlock, it ain't CTS).
Ok, he said, go do an MRI, which I just did and have the results (results pasted at the end of this post)
Went back to see the Dr and he said that I need surgery (Fusion of C5 and C6).
So, my quandry now is should I believe him or should I try a different approach.
The first paste below is the original MRI findings and the second paste is a second opinion that I got from an independant on line service.
Many thanks indeed Guys.
IMPRESSION: -BILATERAL NEURAL FORAMINAL STENOSIS AT C5-C6 SECONDARY TO RIGHT FORAMINAL DISC EXTRUSION ON THE RIGHT, BILATERAL UNCOVERTEBRAL JOINT HYPERTROPHY WITH PROMINENT SPUR ON THE LEFT. -CORD EDEMA, C5 AND C6.
Second Opinion
OPINION:
There is a moderate sized, posterior disc protrusion/osteophyte complex at C5/C6 causing moderate spinal canal stenosis, moderate compression of the cervical cord and cord edema. The segment of cord edema extends from the level of the C4/C5 disc to C6/C7 disc and affects the left hemicord more than the right hemicord. Significant bilateral foramen stenosis at C5/C6 with compression of both exiting C6 nerves (right more than left) seen.
0 likes, 42 replies
Brevis philm45
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I've just had a cervical fusion of C5-6 because I had a disc pressing on the nerve with accompanying pain in my left arm, wrist and thumb. Surgery is the last resort. It is probably a good idea to try injections in the first instance (cervical epidurals). I had three of these which unfortunately didn't work and then a Nerve root block injection (the latter is diagnostic as much as anything). If you have a disc pressing on the nerve, then you will be undoubtedly be experiencing these symptoms.
philm45 Brevis
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Robert_Jones philm45
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I'd go for more conservative treatment, combined with exercise and avoiding weight gain. Some (not me, I've never tried it) find yoga helpful, which at least won't do you any harm provided you don't try the more extreme positions .... I think basically one has to accept that this is a condition we're stuck with, that can be managed but not defeated. But - you might be so fed up with it you'll try anything: and if you do - good luck.
Robert_Jones philm45
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philm45
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philm45
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Does anyone happen to know why the test was considered as normal ?
Many thanks,
Gerry_the_neck philm45
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I would suggest that the 'normal' result is due to the fact that their tests have not identified an actual cause. Your condition might be in the 'threatening' phase where the degeneration or impimngement isn't too obvious. Your arm and hand symptoms still point to possible C/S. MRI scan of neck is the best method for determining C/S. The neurosurgeons will only focus on identified conditions which require surgery. Physiotherapists have a broader approach which includes conditions which require conservative treatment. C/S is a progressive condition, so it might be worth getting a PT appraisal.
philm45
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philm45
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Gerry_the_neck philm45
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Robert_Jones philm45
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Again, I say good luck. Let us know how you get on.
amanda_17683 philm45
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philm45 amanda_17683
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Guys in gereral, should it be a Othopedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon who does this surgery, Bupa are managing my case and even they are on teh fence and cant give me a simple one or the other reponse !
Currently I am 49 years old, in good shape 6 feet and 90KG, no other illness, run 30K a week on a treatmill with credible timings - I have pain yes, but I dont want compromise my current ability for the sake of avoiding pain meds. MRI Image attached.......... quite a significant compression in my humble opinion
Gerry_the_neck philm45
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Brevis Gerry_the_neck
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Brevis
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