Could I have Cervical Myelopathy?

[Cazza0104]

For four weeks I have had the following symptoms in order of occurrence over a few days:

Numb feet and aching upper arms

Slight incontinence

Numb legs - balance off (fell over)

Very slow movement

Numb hands

Carpal tunnel - painful thumbs

Exhaustion climbing stairs

Brain fog

Numb pelvis

Numb stomach

Constipation

Bloated, very heavy pelvic floor

A&E performed a lumbar MRI which was clear. My googling has brought me here! I have a slight pain in my spine where it meets my neck so could it be CM?

[MichaelDah]

I’m not a physician, but I think you should check in to A&E again. Some of the condition you describe can be critical. My suggestion would be to check for inflammation parameters (pelvic floor) and ask for a MRI of the head to make shure there is no micro stroke involved.

[LancashireLad1]

I have Cervical Myelopathy and some of what you have can contribute to it , have you had MRI scan on your neck to see it you have compression..

[Cazza0104 in reply to LancashireLad1]

Yes I finally got one and was operated on last week. Still feeling numb but hoping for improvement!

[LancashireLad1 in reply to Cazza0104]

It takes time for Improvement , you just have to be patient and not rush things, i have had 2 operations..

[SheilaDugan Administrator]

Hi, I am sorry I missed this, we also run the support group on Facebook if you are on there "Myelopathy Support Group". Which levels may I ask did you have fused or did you have surgery performed on? How is the recovery coming along. It takes times to recognize full recovery, sometimes up to 2 years for your spine to recover fully. Please let us know how you are doing?

Sheila

[Cazza0104 in reply to SheilaDugan]

Hi Sheila - I had C4 and C5 fused but still left with mild myelopathy in C6. I’m home from hospital, in bed and on strong painkillers. My main struggle is sleeping on my back - I’ve never been able to but I’m afraid to sleep on my side ever again!

[SheilaDugan Administrator]

Hi again, How is the sleeping, any better? I thought I wrote back regarding sleeping in a recliner. Do you have one? They are much easier to sleep in since they are able to support your neck? If not perhaps, you can add pillows to hold your back and neck up better and that would help? Let me know how you are getting along.

Sheila

[Cazza0104 in reply to SheilaDugan]

Hi Sheila - still struggling but have got the pillow configuration sorted now. I am about the embark on hyperbolic oxygen therapy - 20 intensive sessions. One benefit is to help sleep so I'll let you know how I get on!