Syringomyelia Support Group

Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a cyst or tubular cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord resulting in pain, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs.

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Syringomyelia Support Group

When will it stop?

rrodgers
rrodgers
Several people have posted the nerve symptoms and pain they have suffered from syringomyelia and Chiari I. I have read that it can possibly lead to paralysis and loss of bowel and bladder function.Is there anyone here whose condition has progressed to this point? How long did it take to get to this point? What were some of the last symptoms before reaching this point? My prayers are with you. Thanks for sharing.
ROZIA
ROZIA
the word is Possible....... I have had chiari and sm since 1999 and have no problem in that area .....
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm not saying it hasn't happened, but I think they would perform surgery before it gets to that point. In everything I've read it says in extreme cases it may cause paralysis. I hope this helps.
rrodgers
rrodgers
I just haven't read any posts of people who have progressed to that point. I've read where people have been in horrific accidents which have caused paralysis and other problems. My symptoms have progressed over the years, so that my reflexes have even been affected. I've had surgeries that my neurosurgeon said that was probably due to my SM being so progressive. My pain is worse since my surgery. I do not want to lose bowel or bladder function. That is so scary. I'm not even 50 yet. I have some problems, but I don't know if they've come to a standstill or if they're going to progress further. I just pray God intervenes and turns this around. My sister has just been diagnosed with breast cancer, so I ask that you keep her in your prayers.
fleetlordhalo
fleetlordhalo
check out this search on a different website;
http://togetherwearestronger.ca/main/search/search?q=bladder

Also try a search on this website to find more info. There is no standard time frame IF your are going to have paralysis and or loss of bowel & bladder function, the key word as mentioned before is possible not a given you would developed this issues. There is also no standard progression of symptoms to get to a certain point, people get them at different time if they get them at all.

No knowing what your going to get, how painful, or how long is the worst part of having this condition in my opinion...take care of yourself. Keep in contact w/ your healthcare team & enjoy what you can when you can, just take the necessary precautions.
rrodgers
rrodgers
Thanks for the info.
wifenmomof3
wifenmomof3
My symptoms have increased, but not to the point of bowel and/or bladder problems. I dribble a bit, but I did some exercise that helped. I experience some temp paralysis but so far it comes back.

Prayers for your sister. I am facing the strong possibility of Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It's a rare cancer that requires the immediate mastectomy. I feel with her.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was diagnosed in Jan. Of 2011. I have a large syringomyelia in my cervical spine. Mine is very symptomatic. I actually came to this website after I lost control of my bladder the first time.
It is not constant. The scary part is you can't tell it is happening. I am not paralyzed. I have a lot of loss of feeling. My hands and feet mostly. I am 45. It seems worse than it is for people. They MRI my syrinx every three months. I just hope for the best.