@celia16
My current symptoms tied to my cervical spine herniated disc at c6-c7 that is bulging into my central spinal canal and pressing on/flattening my spinal cord/blood vessels (similar to those tied to c5-c6 level before ACDF surgery), include neck stiffness, shoulder/arm/hand muscle/joint weakness, bladder control issues, balance issues and difficulty walking/weakness in hips/legs. I need to be careful not to fall and feel unstable quite a bit of the time.

This is not fun to deal with at 55 years old. Not what I expected to be dealing with at my age. Many days my body feels 75-85, not 55. I am a single parent of a teen son and his sole provider. I have no family and now disabled (needed to retire earlier than I had planned…I really liked working and being mentally challenged).

My spine issues and congenitally narrow spinal canal will most likely require a life of surgery in my future. I may be in a wheelchair sooner than I would like due to permanent spinal cord injury/degeneration/progression of myelopathy.

I take one day at a time, have hope for tomorrow, have my faith that keeps me strong, love my son and dogs/cats, and find joy in the small things. Despite all of my struggles, I feel blessed and loved by God.