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At a loss, multiple consultations still no answer...any idea?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Nov 28, 2023 | Replies (338)Comment receiving replies
I have persistent and worsening pins, needles, numbness, paralysis in all parts of my body, including my face and it's worsened over past 1.5 years.
Had MRI on neck two years ago and it showed cervical stenosis and calcification and narrowing of spinal fluid canals on both sides of vertebrae with myelopathy.
Since then my feet, calves, hands, arms, mid back, belly and lower face go numb. Pins, needles. Etc
My insurance company BCBS has denied three times for MRI of spine or brain. They state I need to go through PT first on my back before MRI is approved.
That seems backwards to me. Why would you to PT on the spine when you have no x-rays to show possible spinal cord impingement etc??
I am at a loss. Could Mylopathy of my neck with stenosis and narrowing of spinal fluid in neck cause all these symptoms etc?
All specialist are at a loss. I've had tons of tests and blood work but never MRI on back.
Replies to "I have persistent and worsening pins, needles, numbness, paralysis in all parts of my body, including..."
I’m very sorry that you’re battling both your health and your insurance. Our country’s medical insurance, or often lack there of, is woefully unjust and unequal. I had fabulous insurance when I was employed, but lost it when I had to resign as I got too ill to work. Have been only doing contract work since and now on Medicaid, which many doctors do not accept and you don’t get approved for a lot tests and procedures.
As a patient, I do not have much advice to offer for your health issues, other than to try to remain positive and keep pushing your providers for answers. Doctors can often switch up orders for tests so that insurance providers will approve them So, I’d recommend you keep pursuing the MRI. An MRI is often key to ruling out what is or isn’t the cause of one’s neuropathy.
Have you had the gamut of blood labs to also try to diagnose what you may have? Also, have you sent in an appeal to BCBS? I did that twice, wrote up all my issues, why I needed the procedure, stated that my doctor says I need the procedure, I couldn’t afford it, etc., and I won.
I hope you find answers soon.
I'm new to this forum but I just wanted you to know that I was asked if I HAD all the symptoms that you are having. I had no symptoms at all. I had an MRI of my head and neck for an unrelated problem. The next day my neurologist called to tell me that she had already made an appt for me the next day with a neurosurgeon. My third consult was at Vanderbilt Univ. When the neurosurgeon put my MRI on the screen I easily pointed to my problem. I had severe cervical stenosis and myelopathy but had no symptoms. Without any treatment I would eventually be paralyzed from the neck down. It was just a matter of time and/or injury, such as a MVA or fall. I had a laminectomy with hardware (2 rods and 8 screws) of C 3-6. I was very lucky that my problem was found before something catastrophic happened. You must appeal BC/BS until you get your MRI. You have all the symptoms that I should have had. Good luck and I hope you get a diagnosis. Chris
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May I ask what medications you take?