no strength in my arm or hand

there are a host of conditions in the cervical spine that can cause that—i had it so badly that multiple Neurisurgeons told me my MRI showed was at risk of quadriplegia if i fell. Ultimately, part of it was also osteoporosis and an infusion of Reclast reversed enough of the damage that i am no longer high risk

MRI and bone density scans asap. Also rx for hand therapy for certified hand therapist

Keep your apt with the Mayo. Get a 2nd apt for a second opinion. The Mayo is fine with that. I have flattening of my spinal cord and several other things wrong with my cervical spine. (Also lower spine, but as the Dr.said, “1 thing at a time”.)

-MRI, of both areas: cervical and lumbar which are 2 MRIs.
-EMG nerve conduction test to pinpoint nerve compression locations.
-X-Rays of all areas, inc flexion and extension with shows if there’s instability in your neck (a head down X-ray, immediately
followed by a head up X-ray.

I ended up in the ER with numbness when I lay down, getting worse very quickly.
My C1 is compressing the spinal cord. I’m set for surgery.

The ER (CA, not Mayo) didn’t really know what to do, except set a neurosurgeon stat apt. They took all the scans needed for a surgeon and surgery. I suggested a hard collar neck brace. (I had fusion 6 years ago of 3 cervical vertebrae further down.). The neck collar works. It’s the ONLY thing getting me through, holding the numbness to a minimum.

Sudden Cancer surgery and chemo had to be done, out of the blue, so my cervical, extremely bad problem, had to wait.

The ONLY thing that helps the numbness for me is the hard cervical collar. At night I loosen it a little. (Velcro straps are on each side.). It stretches my neck a little giving everything more room, so the numbness doesn’t increase. I got mine at the ER, but Amazon has them, plus they have replacement foam inserts for them. Mine adjusts under my chine, up and down. This is important, because for me, certain angles give me more pain. The brace keeps my neck straighter, supported and protected until I can get to surgery. I can’t put even a pillow under the C1 area, so I have a very flat, small pillow that I use, placing it 1/2 way up my head. i.e., there is nothing under the area of compression to make it worse. I sleep with a bed wedge.

It’s important to double check that your images and reports are all visible for the surgeon’s visit. I take a copy with me as well and study the reports and images beforehand, and have questions. I also bring my husband who is a 2nd set of ears and opinions/concerns, and we can discuss it afterwards.

Numbness is a big issue!!! Even 20 mins of walking brings it in, and then 3 days for it to lessen with me. I get around every day, but after trying, realized I can’t do “walking” exercise, even slowly. The Dr doesn’t want me doing any exercise; not even stretch bands.

The Mayo is very good and conservative. They give you a plan. They won’t do surgery unless your chances of being better are good enough.

Again, numbness is a stat urgent issue. If you need to, go to the ER. I am not in the health industry: I’ve just had cervical issues for 25 years. The Mayo kept me out of surgery for 20 years, where other Drs said surgery. When the vertebrae came close to my spinal cord, they said I needed it. Who knows how many surgeries I would have been through over the 20 years with other Drs.!
My best to you.

I can't get an appt with Mayo Clinic in Jax Fl as they are booked up for nerve damage, angiopathy
with type II. Don't know where to go. Not sure they are aware of the urgency.

i suggest calling run and explaining you view concerned b sudan symptoms ans asking if that can wxpediwyw reserve. Sis toy rally are neurologist? Time to reach out if you did

@noteworthy
Have you considered going to the ER for them to do MRI/other testing to see what might be causing your symptoms? You would then have some information to pursue locally. You could research good doctors/surgeons with good ratings/reviews locally so you can treatment asap.

I have had nerve testing for my arms and legs, MRI of my cervical and one scheduled for Aug 7th
of my lower back. Now I need to wait again. I am researching doctors. I'm not sure if a vascular
doc would be of help. Tomorrow I will try finding someone again. I am eating healthy, taking B vitamins and walking every day.

Mayo Clinic Jax is all booked up.

I have the normal degenerative disc disease, bulging discs, etc but the nerve testing shows neuropathy of wrist and elbow. Widespread denervation in upper
extremity indicating neurogenic process, differential to include polyradiculopathy or motor neuron disease. Not sure what that all means
but I know its not good.

Hi Jennifer,
I like the idea of sending the records to Mayo Clinic for a review for an appt.
I am quite sure they may think I am referring to neuropathy, a much more common issue. So I will work on all that tomorrow.
Thanks and thanks to all others that have responded. It all helps.