If you haven't had an MRI of your neck yet I suggest you get one as soon
as possible. One thing I learned was that this is really the only test
that shows what's really going on inside. Also, you should ask about
physiotherapy and traction. Both of these were "contraindicated" for me
since the compression was so severe. By the way I hadn't lost any
function but I had strange tinglings from my feet up to my waist and in
my forearms. I also had a "L'Hermitte's sign" (pulling feeling down my
spinal cord when I bent my neck forward". If you have this, don't keep
testing if it's there as you could make it worse.
I hope you won't need surgery but if you do please contact me and I'll
tell you all about it. I had a discectomy and fusion to fix the
problem. I now have 3-1/2 year old daughter and a second child on the
way.
Things WILL get better.
Peter
> ----------
> From: MTripimcca(AT)aol.com[SMTP:MTripimcca(AT)aol.com]
> Sent: November 03, 1998 9:27 AM
> To: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
> Subject: Herniated Disk
>
> Good Morning Everyone,
> Hope this morning finds all of you feeling good! I haven't been
> responding
> much as I haven't been on much as of late. When I am on I do read all
> of the
> mail though.
> I have a question for anyone that might be able to help me out this
> morning.
> I am going to my GP this morning at 11:00, and I wonder if anyone has
> had
> experience with a herniated disk at C 5-6 area? If you have what kind
> of
> questions should I be asking him? I know what kind of pain I am in,
> believe
> me. I am on Relefan for 3 months now and it has not worked and do not
> want to
> do another stint of steroids. they were GREAT but I fear it only masks
> the
> problems. The neuro tells me that surgery is a LAST option and I tend
> to agree
> with him BUT the pain is TERRIBLE now and I am not getting more than a
> couple
> hours sleep due it. Causing seizures because of lack of sleep.
> Scared of surgery because of it is my back. So any alternative
> treatments
> besides surgery?
> Thanks and I knew I could count on you guys!
>
> Many Hugs,
>
> Maria in Tonawanda where it is getting colder every day!!
>