>Hi all:
>
>I just had my third MRI friday and the area looked less enhanced on the film
>this time. My neurologist left a message on my answering machine that the
>MRI showed significant improvement in the swelling and inflammation on my
>spinal cord at the C5 level. I should be extremely happy right now but I'm
>not. I haven't spoken to the doctor personally yet but what this could mean
>is that I am probably going to have little more improvement if any. I am
>fortunate enough to be ambulatory but does anyone else have little tolerance
>standing or walking beyond fifteen minutes to half an hour? I feel as
>though my legs are concrete blocks and both my legs become numb and tingly
>with burning in the toes. Someone recently wrote about shoes bothering
>them. I have this problems too. I have had to take my shoes off in public
>places (sitting down of course) because I couldn't stand the discomfort of
>them on my feet. I also have a burning at the back of my lower neck that
>worsens if I sit at the computer longer than five minutes, or anything that
>takes concentration. While these discomforts are not excruciating pain, it
>sometimes feels so unbearable that it's worse than pain. Has anyone else
>experienced these unpleasant sensations?
>
>Karen
Yes, Karen....don't know if it helps to know that others have the same
unpleasant sensations....but you're not alone.
I cannot stand or walk for more than 15-20 minutes without increased pain.
Heaviness in my legs and feet get unbearable at times......literally cannot
walk any more. The tingling and burning sensations I also have, but are
controlled with Klonopin and Tegretol. For that, I'm grateful!
Shoes are not my favorite things, I assure you!!!! I must always look for
very soft leather shoes and nothing that is very binding or tight. Heels??
I can't remember the last time I wore them!
And yet, I'm grateful! As bad as things seem......I know they could always
be worse. Hang in there, Karen...and let us know what your doctor has to
say.
Linda