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Spinal cord injury?
My neurologist scanned my recent MRIs, studied the results of some electric-needling tests she performed on me, and told me that somewhere along the way, I'd suffered a spinal cord injury. I'm 78 and I've had neuropathy for five years. I've been fairly active during that time--hiking, going to the gym, weekly sessions with a trainer. I haven't been involved in any accidents. However, my walking seems to be getting more side-to-side than straight ahead and I'm using walking aids--
sticks, a brace--more often. Has anyone else been surprised--let's say, shocked--by the diagnosis of a spinal cord injury?
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chawk (@chawk) Yes, I have been. My body was going numb, muscles atrophying, weakness, headed toward paralysis... no pain, just numbness. For a long time, it was mostly one arm, and I just thought I'd slept wrong, then I realized it was more widespread. And I walked like a drunken sailor.
My spinal cord was terribly compressed. I had to have 5 cervical vertebrae fused, which released my spinal cord, but some damage had been done and I have numbness here and there, worst is in my feet. My balance and walking is somewhat affected and I use a walker, will for the rest of my life, but only when I go out and do much walking. I can walk short distances on level ground without it, but otherwise use it.
What did your doctor say about your prognosis?
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3 Reactions@uisge -- I'm seeing the neurologist for another session next week. I'm hoping we'll talk prognosis then. Hope the worst of it is over for you and you're enjoying the walks you're able to take. Hang in there...
@chawk Wishing you the best with your neurologist- I hope you get a good plan of action.
My spine surgeon told me he 'stopped further damage and prevented paralysis', and given that viewpoint, I don't whine about the fun stuff I used to be able to do but can't anymore. I don't need the walker all the time, shopping I can use a cart to help me with balance and steadiness. I had a lot of physical and occupational therapy after the surgery, and it paid off. We do what we can to improve and we adapt, right?