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Newly diagnosed PMR, still in shock - fighting it, sharing, learning
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Sep 24 8:19am | Replies (61)Comment receiving replies
@kjoed53
I wish that was my situation. My surgeon said I had 2 separate issues and because of what arthritis had done to 3 of my neck vertebrae, he suggested the surgery and then handle the inflammation. My right hand issue is numbness of my middle finger and the inside of my ring finger but not the outside nor my little finger, index, or thumb. There is also sensitivity of the inside of my right hand's wrist. This has been a constant and I think it involves my vertebrae. The worst part of all of this is I should have gone to medical school... but I didn't. I'm relying on those who did go to medical school. I admit, I do have trust issues. 🙄
Replies to "@kjoed53 I wish that was my situation. My surgeon said I had 2 separate issues and..."
@geve
Golly. It strikes me how many of us have neck issues as well as PMR. (I have had cervical spinal stenosis for several years now; numbness in fingers and toes is part of it. It hasn't gotten worse.) Primary said I could have surgery. I said I'm not ready for that option and he actually agreed. (I keep reading that the secret about spinal surgery is that it does not work.) I hope that you recognize that if you go to a Surgeon, of course they want to operate. That's how they make their money; you can always find a surgeon who wants to operate! That doesn't mean you necessarily should. I personally think that neck issues are Complicated - can be from so many sources, combinations of sources, and we should all recognize that surgery may not be the immediate answer; maybe save that option for when Nothing else works.... I agree with all of you who are suggesting that this person postpone surgery until they, their primary, their rheumatologist, etc. are all on the same page..... Too serious to just go quickly into something as serious as neck surgery.
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@geve
If you have trust issues then I'm guessing you went for a second opinion. I was born with two cervical vertebrae fused. I have severe arthritis, as well as spondylosis and stenosis. The first neurosurgeon I saw within the practice was ready to do extensive surgery but after discussing the entire process with me, he decided to have the practice leader take a look first. I've had back surgery before and I'm in no hurry to have anyone touch my neck until it's absolutely necessary. He saved me from that.