Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) of the spine, DDD is in fact a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life. While disc degeneration is not a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant...

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artemis000 10/29/2013

Well, I finally got my diagnosis today. In addition to the bulging discs, which they thought was causing my left arm/hand numbness, it seems that there is also Cervical Myelopathy...

I'm being fast tracked to see a Neurologist, but am feeling very scared...

My Rheumatolgist has already tested for Lupus and says that at this stage we can't rule out MS as the cause for the myelopathy.

Thoughts anyone? :-(

deleted_user 10/29/2013

I have not heard of this condition, but I am so sorry that you're going through all this. That definitely sounds scary... and don't google your condition, because sometimes you can't always believe what you read on the internet and it can lead to scary misconceptions. Try to follow what your doctor says. I really hope you feel better soon!!!

artemis000 10/29/2013

Thank you Shinesweetly. I've promised myself that I won't go trawling the net for horror stories (like I usually do!).

Thank you for your response and well wishes.

deleted_user 10/29/2013

You're very welcome! Hope you find some relief SOON!

artemis000 10/30/2013

I had a call from my Rheumy today. She's had a think about things some more and wants an X-ray of my head facing downwards. It seems she's now wondering if there's a bony spur somehow swiveling around and pressing on the nerve canal when I move my head (which hasn't shown up in the MRI 'prone' position).

deleted_user 10/30/2013

Hang in there Artemis000.... cervical myelopathy is what they did my surgery for..
Hang in there!! Meet the neurologist and see what they have to say before you start worring too much.

artemis000 10/30/2013

Thank you, Kjbord.

Have you got any more sensation back, yet? I remember you were a little disappointed that this had returned, yet, after the surgery?

deleted_user 10/30/2013

artemis, its funny you asked that..... I spoke with the NP that is doing my follow up after surgery..... Seems that now that the pain is gone I am having more issues with dropping things....... The pain in gone in the arm so I am happy about that... Also the pain in my neck in getting better, my range of motion is getting better. So I guess over all I am doing good...
I just wish I would have done it sooner that way I would have gotten everything back..... But, at the time they gave me the choice of my neck or my back..... my back was hurting worse, so I went with the most pain first....
I hope they caught yours in time to reverse the problems that you are having.

Thanks for asking.

artemis000 10/31/2013

Kjbord, perhaps in time more and more mobility will return? I know they said you could expect an almost immediate improvement after surgery, but perhaps it's going to take more time for those nerves to heal themselves... You're so young to be having to contend with this sort of thing, and I'm sorry you have this to deal with.

So far, my mobility hasn't been affected too much. It's mainly sensory and extreme discomfort (tightness in the left arm, burning and weird sensations) and pain when I try to do certain things.

I'm just trying to remain positive, but it's hard, hey?!

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