non-ambulatory

[ninabarb]

Has anyone lost their ability to walk? My gait is getting worse and there are days when I cannot lift my legs at all.

[Cragg26]

My husband had cervical acdf 4 to 6 done about 3 months ago following diagnosis of cervical myelopathy . Prior to diagnosis he had had symptoms for a number of years and was treated for carpal tunnel, post polio etc.

The strength in his legs deteriorated, he had falls and was constantly tripping.He walked as if he was was drunk. In the weeks leading up to his surgery he could only walk with help and felt completely fatigued all of the time.

He had severe pain in right shoulder and arm and numbness.

However now, since the operation, he says that he has had to learn to walk again. His gait has improved and he now walks unnaided but as yet can only manage short distances. He is driving again, he didn't drive for 8 months prior to surgery.

He is feeling very positive but has been told it could take a year to be at his optimum and he may not recover total strength.

We are in the UK and had to push for urgent surgery having been told that he would be paralysed and wheelchair bound. Not sure if you have seen a neurosurgeon or are on the waiting list but hubbie was told that the only option was surgery.

This illness has been life changing as we were keen fellwalkers and Hubbie liked gardening and playing the guitar

Hope this is helpful.

[ninabarb in reply to Cragg26]

I had surgery 4 years ago, and it stopped me from being completely disabled. I was functioning OK...but now it is declining rapidly.

[Noneck in reply to ninabarb]

Oh my I hope you will be able to get some help for that. I am 3 years post op and still in pain all the time. Drs cant even help me.

[Hidden]

Hi There. I'm so sorry to hear this. The heaviness you are experiencing is probably due to the spasticity & hyperreflexia that myelopathy causes. It tends to be a late symptoms of myelopathy. You mention that you had surgery 4 years ago - might be worthwhile being referred back to your neurologist for a check up - I had to do the same as as despite having an C6/C7 ACDF back in 2012 I didn't regain full function & my mobility & resultant fatigue were badly impacting on the quality of life. Although I haven't had need further surgery, the neurologist asked for a repeat MRI scan to be on the safe side & I was prescribed baclofen for spasticity which has helped me enormously. So, hopefully it is something that can be sorted easily. However, it is always wise to get checked out as it is possible to still have further problems down the ,line despite surgery - which is pere=formed to stop symptoms of paralysis at that moment in time, but future problems can occur down the line. Good luck. Shirley (mod)

[ninabarb in reply to Hidden]

I just went to a neurologist yesterday. Ordered an MRI of my whole back...and in two weeks I have a test on my muscles. Thank you for the encouragement

[Hidden in reply to ninabarb]

Hi there - have just seen your notification.

I'm glad you are being scanned - & the whole back too - that will give them a good baseline to work from. And EMG too - that can provide much useful information.

By the time you will see this you will have had the EMG - hope it went ok. I was a bit scared when I had mine several years ago but the neurophysiologist was very good & didn't hurt. I enjoyed hearing my muscles "sing" on the monitor - it was fascinating.

Anyhow, hope you get your MRI soon - keep me posted how you get on.

Kind regards

Shirley

[Hidden]

Hi ninabarb , I know what you are going through its 6yrs since my op and my issues are still the same legs arms just had another scan and it showed changes so I have to go back to Walton center if you need any advice get in touch

[ninabarb]

I just had three mri's and a nerve test. All my results will be at the end of the month

[Hidden]

Hi ninabarb, thanks for the reply ,I just discussed with specialist and he was against it because my bladder and bowel are neuropathy from the myelopathy , it's not fun with this illness my backside is tingling all the time and both legs and they feel heavy but I was told that things could get worse because of length of time due to being misdiagnosed ,if you want any advice just ask.

[ninabarb in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I am just concerned because my legs are getting heavier, my hands are becoming number....and and and....you know. Ill keep you posted

[Hidden]

It also seems that you are similar to me I'm waiting for Walton center to give me a call to go and discuss my results and what to do next , I hope you get some positive news.

[Hidden]

I'm exactly same I wake up hands are numb if I hold something they go numb c4c5 are fused it's c3 and c6,7 that are the problem .