Trying to gauge the characteristics of Myelopathy compared to OA Cervical Spine.

[GrumpyVeteran]

I am new here so a big hello to everyone. I would be grateful if anyone could assist me with a query regarding Myelopathy? I was injured during HM Forces service and receive a small pension for leg, arm and neck injuries. Veterans UK classified my neck problem as osteoarthritis cervical spine. A few years ago my Consultant informed me I was showing signs of Myelopathy, I was falling at work, disturbed gait etc. The Doctors at Veterans UK have stated Myelopathy is part and parcel of OA cervical spine, my Consultant has argued there is a massive difference in the severity and rarity of the two conditions and severity of symptoms but they would not listen. I would be interested in any feedback anyone has please?

[phyllisha]

i have both osteoarthritus and myelopathy brought on by cervical stenosis. I am one year post op and my knee pain has made therapy& recovery very slow. i still have gait& balance issues plus low stamina. sadly both conditions are here to stay i think

[GrumpyVeteran in reply to phyllisha]

Hi Phyllisha, many thanks for the reply.

[TATTham]

HelloHave you had an Mri have you been examined by a neurologist? I have cervical myelopathy I had an ACDF in 2010 I was told I would be parylised from injury c5/6 downwards. My symptoms started with tingling burning clumsy hands then weak ,heavy legs causing falls. I have osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine which causes severe pain especially when trying to walk at an incline. Hope you find this helpful.

Lynn

[GrumpyVeteran in reply to TATTham]

Hi Lynne,

Thank you for your informative reply and yes that is helpful. I have had an MRI in 2019 and another one a few weeks ago which I am awaiting a chat with Consultant about. 2019 was my initial diagnosis with Myelopathy and I too have had falls, clumsy hands etc.

Michael

[TATTham in reply to GrumpyVeteran]

Hi Michael I’m glad you’ve had a recent mri but feel changes in symptoms must be taken into consideration by the neurologist I wish you all the best ! I recently see an NHS neurologist as I’ve changed in my symptoms mainly burning/ throbbing feeling in my left thigh and feet at nights. (Freezing cold most of the day) he based my diagnosis on my old mri’s 2010 and 2015 and basically told me my mind is playing tricks on me!!! Im now confused again!!!

Don’t be fobbed off Michael

Best of luck

Lynn

[GrumpyVeteran]

Hi Lynne,

I wish you all the very best too and make sure they get you more up to date MRI information and don't let them fob you off either?

Best of luck

Michael

[SheilaDugan Administrator]

Hello and Welcome GrumpyVeteran,

You need to be seen by a Neurologist I would just about demand that or an Orthopedic. Your consultant I feel may not be taking what is happening quite serious enough. Once my gait and clumsiness started I deteriorated quite to the point of still have walking difficulties after surgery.

Do let me know how you get along?

[GrumpyVeteran in reply to SheilaDugan]

Hi Sheila,

My Consultant is very good the problem I have is with an Organisation called VeteransUK who do not seem to understand Myelopathy to well.

Will keep you posted and thanks for the reply.

[SheilaDugan Administrator]

Could you point VeteransUK to our site. Myelopathy.org. Perhaps suggest they join the Facebook group Myelopathy Support.

[GrumpyVeteran in reply to SheilaDugan]

Hi Sheila, Thanks I will try but they ignored a very detailed letter from my Consultant so no sure if it will work?

[SheilaDugan Administrator]

I so sorry to hear this. Please let me know how this goes.

[GrumpyVeteran in reply to SheilaDugan]

Hi Sheila, I am still having problems with Veterans UK Medical Advisors due to a neck injury whilst in British Army service I was classed by Vets UK as having Osteoarthritis Cervical Spine, and in 2019 my Consultant diagnosed me with Myelopathy. Veterans UK is saying this is the same as Cervical O/A despite a report from my Consultant explaining the difference in gait problems etc I am experiencing. Do you know of anyone or any reference I can get to either confirm what my Consultant states or what Veterans UK are saying please?

Thanks

Michael

[GrumpyVeteran]

Sheila, many thanks I will do just that take care