I know I’m asking on the wrong page maybe….

[Doraflora]

this is a new topic to ask - other than PMR related - but I’m just feeling a tad concerned (well, v.concerned tbh) about something else & just want some kind of offloading time.

My husband recently saw the neurosurgeon for what he thought was just some kind of routine appointment following a recent MRI scan. Unfortunately it showed that the pins & needles in his arm proves to be cervical stenosis & he’s been advised that surgery will be his best option.

Reading the literature provided makes sober reading & im so hoping the surgery will be beneficial (it’s the only option to try & prevent the stenosis deteriorating). Otherwise, without it, if he had a fall & banged his head it could 'cause some paralysis.

I just wanted to offload on here as i always feel better after posting on here to all my fellow posters…

thanks for reading….

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Sorry to hear your husband’s news, no medical advice to offer, but sending best wishes to him for upcoming operation and you for the extra stress you will be out under until it’s done and he’s on the road to recovery. 🌸

[Doraflora in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much, DorsetLady. Your kind words means a lot.

[Frewen1 in reply to Doraflora]

My reply is exactly the same, sorry not to be of practical help … what a worrying time, but I’m sure you will find the right advice, and I send you strength and very best wishes. Karen

[Doraflora in reply to Frewen1]

Thank you

[PurpleDanza in reply to Doraflora]

Same here Doraflora. Can’t offer advice, only support. x

[Doraflora in reply to PurpleDanza]

Thank you PurpleDanza. Support is the best thing anyone can give. x

[Merryfield]

Would strongly recommend getting a second opinion. Current doc should forward MRI results.

[Doraflora in reply to Merryfield]

Well it was his own GP who sent him for thr MRI and he also made the urgent referral to see the neurologist consultant (who’s at our renown leading teaching hospital). That’s where we went last week

[Merryfield in reply to Doraflora]

I don't know...if you're looking at drastic surgery....

[Doraflora in reply to Merryfield]

Hmmm…🤔

[Hidden]

OH had very succesful decompression for symptomatic spinal stenosis at lower back level. Hopefully your surgeon gave you a thoughtful explanation with reasoning as to risk / benefit etc?

[Doraflora in reply to Hidden]

The neuro surgeon explained it all to my husband (it’s spondylitis that’s maybe the culprit).

He told my husband that without the surgery he’d be at great risk of falling and banging his head, which would possibly cause some paralysis.

Your husband’s success gives me great encouragement. Thank you!

Can I ask how old your husband is & if he’s made a full recovery?

[Hidden]

He was 60 at the time, not the smallest bunny! He completely regained the power in his thigh that he had lost. Oddly is all started with very severe pain on his knee that initially defied diagnosis and needed emergency Ketamine infusion to get the pain under control. He has made a full recovery, back is a bit rigid. Doesnt get any pain. I think necks are a bit more delicate post op due to their inate shape and the fact that your head waggles about more on top. He was operated on by a robot, manipulated by the surgeon in the next room.

[Doraflora in reply to Hidden]

60? Just a kid then?😂.

My OH is well in his 70’s, but extremely mobile and pretty fit tbh.

We’re guided in all this by the “experts”, but it is very scary stuff.

In all the literature we’ve been given it does spell things out, but it also offers encouragement about a relatively ‘normal’ life, unless there’s any complications….

Onwards and upwards…..

[Hidden in reply to Doraflora]

Presumably other options might have been discussed but surgery reccomended. Big surgery always daunting untill you get it over with. At present we have a knee surgeon, a back surgeon and a hand surgeon on OH's speed dial ! 🤞🤞

Best of luck and try not to worry too much.

[Doraflora in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Chris_1236]

My wife has had two cervical fusions in separate surgeries. In addition to disc issues, both surgeries addressed cervical stenosis as well. The second was emergency surgery due to a chunk of the disc having broken off and pressing on her cord. This disc broke whilst they were doing a cortisone injection. We will never again go the route of spinal injections.

I know the outcome these surgeries varies. But in her case they resulted in an overall improvement for her. The second prevented a much darker prognosis.

FWIW.

[Doraflora in reply to Chris_1236]

Hi Chris. Thanks so much for your positive response. Can I ask how old your wife is, please? [don’t tell her I asked 🤣).

My husband is in late 70’s, but very mobile and fit - apart from the pins & needles. So we remain very positive for a good result to the surgery.

All the best to your wife.

[Chris_1236 in reply to Doraflora]

She turned 50 years young this Jan. 😊 Both of these surgeries were in her early 40's. Both surgeons commented that she has the cervical spine of a 90 year old. Hopefully her's came with an extended warranty.

She has had very little problem since these surgeries for which we are grateful.

I hope your husband gains such relief from his surgery.

[Doraflora in reply to Chris_1236]

Thank you, Chris

[Longtimer]

My neighbour on his 80's had cervical stenosis.....operation very successful....Keep us posted...good luck.

[Doraflora in reply to Longtimer]

Oh thanks Longtimer. That’s so hugely reassuring.

And, yes, I’ll keep you posted. It does me good to waffle on - on here.

[Longtimer in reply to Doraflora]

We are all here to waffle or listen!

[SheffieldJane]

Wishing you and your husband well during the challenging months ahead.

[Doraflora in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you so much

[KASHMIRI1]

Good morning I was diagnosed last week with spinal stenosis in my lower back at L4 and L5

and am being refered onto the surgical team for a spinal injection under magnification. I have pins and needles in both feet. Sorry its no answers but more of a kindred spirit message. I also have a friend who last year had the surgery you mention and was very pleased with the pain relief.

[Doraflora in reply to KASHMIRI1]

Thank you so much, Kashmiri1. I only posted on here to share my worries and am touched by the lovely messages I’m getting.

[KASHMIRI1 in reply to Doraflora]

I hope it goes well for you both

[Genesini]

I'm sure you are worried. You don't say how long he has suffered with pins & needles, or what type of surgery has been suggested. It is unusual that spinal surgery is offered as "preventative" especially if he has no history of falls or banging his head, isn't in constant pain, has no mobility issues. My husband had had 5 spinal procedures over the last 30 years, so I'm pretty well versed. Stenosis comes with age, so I would ask for a second opinion before going down the surgery route, especially if the suggested procedure is not being offered on the NHS. My very best wishes to you both.

[Doraflora in reply to Genesini]

Hi genesini. Hubby has suffered with spondylitis for decades. He has no mobility issues and is very mobile and pretty fit generally.

He’s been getting pins & needles in his arm for several months and, after about 2 months of seeing a physio and doing daily exercises, he is much improved pins & needles wise.

However: the MRI scan showed a lot of wear on the spinal cord, with no fluid at the top. Therefore the surgeon has said that surgery will be needed to prevent the stenosis getting any worse. (Cervical stenosis/Myelopathy).

And also, that if he didn’t have the surgery and fell, banging his head, that compression could cause paralysis.

So he’s possibly hanging decompression anterior surgery, but we’ll know all the details tomorrow when we have a meeting with the surgeon, who’ll go through everything.

I’m going in with a list of questions!

[Genesini in reply to Doraflora]

Good to hear you have those questions. Knowledge is power! Good luck with whatever choice you make.

[Dinahmite]

Nothing knowledgeable to say but I wish your husband the best outcome possible.

[Doraflora in reply to Dinahmite]

Thank you so much Dinahmite.

[Miacaro45]

Make sure he has a top notch neurosurgeon if he is going for surgery. All the best

[Doraflora in reply to Miacaro45]

Thank you

[MrsMarigold]

Hi Dora. In my late 40s I had two different surgeries and now I am fused from C-2 to C-7. Stenosis was the culprit but I had more drastic symptoms than pins and needles in one arm. I could not hold a pen to write my name. Or pick up laundry to fold. Or walk very far. Electrical shocks in my head. And more. I agree with others to get a second opinion. Surgery of this kind is offered to people who have no other choice. Best to you.

[Doraflora in reply to MrsMarigold]

I can’t find anything out about the consultant concerned at the mo. Don’t know if he’s new to the hospital or what. But, as I’ve said, I’ll find out much more tomorrow.

My husband does tend to bury his head in the sand, but I’m the one to get every detail I can.

[Gimme]

No advice, but sending very best wishes for a successful outcome.

[Doraflora in reply to Gimme]

Thank you so much. It’s much appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry to hear that - all the best to you both for the op and recovery.

I don't think it is the wrong place to ask - it will impinge on you and your PMR in several ways as a carer, might make it worse and it does modify how you can do things.

I had an ablation procedure recently - reading the information leaflet made me laugh a bit, couldn't imagine most people agreeing to it given the possible outcomes listed! They have to list it all even if it is rare. And I don't think the NHS would be offering it if they didn't think it was needed.

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much for that, PMRpro. They wouldn’t do this surgery so often if it wasn’t safe. You’re so right there. And they do that particular surgery frequently at the Hull teaching hospital.

I just hope it’s not a robot!🤣

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

Robots are brilliant - they are operated by the surgeon though, they aren't let loose on their own!!

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

Ha. I know. 🤣

[Maxgate2]

I was looked after by a neurosurgeon and subsequently a spinal surgeon from St. George’s. I had a spinal decompression L5 and S1 in 2018. I was 67 at the time. I have subsequently had injections, nerve root blocks and epidurals but these were to treat the effects of my scoliosis not b ecause the surgery wasn’t successful. Neurosurgeons tend to be very cautious and in the U.K. will only suggest surgery if the risk of the surgery is less than the risk of leaving things as they are. I know that my surgery was not in the cervical region but I was amazed that the post-operative pain was far less than I thought it would have been. It is terribly important to avoid constipation as the drugs post surgery are very constipating. My husband was hugely helpful when I got home picking up everything I dropped. I like to think that I am not clumsy but everyone drops more than they think in the course of a day! The best of luck to you both as it is a joint venture. I was so appreciative of a good husband!

[Doraflora in reply to Maxgate2]

That is so reassuring to hear, thank you, Maxgate2.

It’s such a scary situation when my husband is looking so well and fit. Guess I’ve got to be more positive (which I usually am, believe it or not). And, as you rightly say, they wouldn’t do the surgery if they didn’t have to.

It cant really be left as it won’t get better - just progressively worse. I know that.

And on a cheerful note: my husband never usually has any trouble with constipation, so I’ll be filling him up with the foods which I know effect him🤣

[Bramble2000]

it’s a worry for sure, however, try to remember that they do these ops all the time, day in day out. They train for sooooo long too. My daughter is training to be a surgeon and they are rigorously selected and have a close eye kept on them. I’m sure it’ll go well and you’ll no longer need to worry about him taking a tumble and the pins and needles might disappear! X

[Doraflora in reply to Bramble2000]

Thanks Bramble2000. You’re absolutely right. These are highly trained experts, who are doing major surgery all the time.

I’ll be wearing my big girls pants tomorrow as we meet with the neuro surgeon to go through everything, and my list of questions is already in my handbag!

The very best of luck to your daughter in her training. Hope it all goes well for her😁

[Bramble2000 in reply to Doraflora]

That’s my girl! X

[AshPen9]

Make it your best pair of big girl pants, Doraflora, and let us know how you get on. Very best wishes to you both.

[Doraflora in reply to AshPen9]

Thank you so much, AshPen9.

I definitely had my biggest - and best - big girls knickers on but, alas, we were just about to get our coats on & set off when the hospital phoned to postpone the appointment until next week!!

Frustrating to say the least, but I’ll wash the said pair of special knickers ready for next week🤣

[AshPen9 in reply to Doraflora]

Grrr!! So annoying! Not good for BP.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doraflora]

Extremely frustrating….and upsetting for both you and hubby….🤨

[Doraflora in reply to DorsetLady]

Just one of those things, DL. Out of our hands - unfortunately.

My friend told me about her best friend today who’s got gall bladder cancer (was a very urgent referral) and her surgery on Sunday has been postponed. Now that is bad….

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

Irritating to say the least - but at least you hadn't set off!!

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

Very true! Another 5 mins & we would have been

The person who phoned said her colleague tried to contact us yesterday, but we had no calls or messages on any device 🤔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

Yeah - and the band played ...

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

🤣

[Doraflora in reply to Doraflora]

Don’t know if I’m posting this update where everyone will see it but….

We had the meeting with the neuro surgeon this morning and he’d met with the MDT. Without saying it in so many words, the consensus was that the surgery couldn’t guarantee my currently fit husband a better quality of life, in view of the possible high risks involved with the surgery. However, they had to offer my husband the choice and it would be his final decision..

He said that the surgery (posterior procedure) could make the neck muscles weak and at worse the surgery “could” possibly cause some paralysis.

As my husband is currently very fit, and atm just has bad pins and needles down his arm, he’s decided to leave alone and not go ahead with the surgery.

He now has been discharged from the clinic, but he does have the option to get a re-referral at any time.

He’s confident he’s made the right choice, so we’re now going to go full steam ahead and get our December trip to Oz booked and enjoy life.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doraflora]

I doubt everyone will see it - to do that, the best bet is new post. DL and I will though!

Given the level of symptoms at present, I think it was right. Who KNows what is down the line. Enjoy the trip!! Was that last Dec or next?

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

This coming December, PMRpro.

Thank you for your never ending support.x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doraflora]

So long as you and your husband are happy with decision, then yes get on with life and enjoy it.

There’s no guarantee with anything in life so you have to do what you think is best for you… so please do that. All the best . 🌸

[Doraflora in reply to DorsetLady]

Life is but a gamble for each and every one of us. None of us knows what’s round the corner (thank goodness).

Let’s all enjoy everything we can.

Thank you also for always being there. x