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Goodney
USA
76 Posts |
 Posted - 06/28/2012 : 06:35:07
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| Had an MRI of my cervical spine done recently. Showed spondylitic changes at multiple levels with moderate stenosis at one level and moderate to severe central spinal canal stenosis at C5-C6. I also have bilateral uncovertebral joint hypertrophy at multiple levels. Scared the living **** out of me when I read the report. I know Dr. Sarno said that surgery should be performed to widen the spinal canal in cases of severe stenosis -- though he had rarely seen such cases. Has anyone here been given a similar diagnosis? Knowing my susceptibility to TMS, I wish to avoid surgery at all costs. |
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drh7900
USA
194 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 06:52:56
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I do not have a similar diagnosis. I can't speak to the severity of "moderate to severe stenosis" or some of the other medical lingo there, but it seems a trip to a TMS doctor who can put all of this into perspective is in order. But I would say don't lose heart. Sounds like fear of this stuff is a bit overwhelming...don't fear it. Regardless if surgery actually ends up being recommended by someone who knows TMS, don't fear it...as you said, Sarno said he has rarely seen such cases.
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Dustin |
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balto
839 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 06:55:39
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I hope this quote may help:
"The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed."
Buddha.
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No, I don't know everything. I'm just here to share my experience. |
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Gislat
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 09:02:50
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How old are you? Many people over 40 have similar changes, including myself. I am a physician who does neuroanesthesia. I obviously see the worse cases that need surgical decompression. Are you having problems with your legs in terms of numbness and difficulty walking? What are your symptoms?
Glenn |
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tennis tom
USA
4749 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 09:37:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Gislat
I am a physician who does neuroanesthesia. I obviously see the worse cases that need surgical decompression.
Glenn
Hi Gislat,
Thanks for contributing to the board. There are a few physicians here who contribute regularly. Seeing doctors here, gives the rest of us "civilians" greater confidence in the Good Doctor's theory. Do you feel TMS/psychosomatic causes for illness are gaining acceptance amongst your peers or the opposite? It would be interesting to have a section on the TMS forum for you physicians to discuss TMS from a professional perspective. Maybe I'll start a thread for "Physicians Only".
Thanks for your participation |
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Gislat
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 13:01:41
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I am a fellow TMS sufferer with mutiple somatic issues over the years. My worst problem has been burning dysesthesias and pain the the extremities. My testing has most likely wasted a lot of money over the years. The symptoms wax and wane. With the current left foot episode my neurologist suggested a conversion disorder. At that point I got interested in TMS or Mind Body Syndrome. Dr Schubiner's online course and book are excellent resources.
I think internists and family practice docs on the front line are starting to realize the mind/body connection in their patients with mutiple somatic complaints.
Glenn
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Goodney
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 16:07:28
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Gislat:
Hey, thanks for being here. My strength and reflexes in my lower extremities are normal. I have no problems walking or with bowel or bladder. In fact, I am quite physically active. I do have some lower extremity numbness and quite a bit of pain, but I also suffer from CIDP, a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, so my case is a little complicated. I am 50 years old. I have some mild, intermittent upper extremity pain, but my main symptom is neck pain/spasm, which can be quite uncomfortable and is downright frightening at times. I would appreciate your thoughts. |
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salamander
85 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 16:44:18
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I had a bike accident when I was 40....had an MRI to rule out broken neck/ concussion etc....
cervical spine showed a whole list of "stuff" that scared me. I can't remember all the "stuff", but none of it sounded good. I do remember in particular "moderate to severe stenosis". Now, I calmed down when I realized that I was doing just fine other than balance issues etc... from the accident. 6 years later I have no neck pain or numbness or any other problems from the "stenosis", even though it showed "severe" in the exam.
Everybody is different I suppose, but the stenosis is not affecting me in any way at this time. |
Edited by - salamander on 06/28/2012 16:48:52 |
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Goodney
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 19:16:58
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Thank you so much, Salamander. Your post really helped put my mind at ease. I wish you continued good health.
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Gislat
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 20:02:46
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Did the scan show any herniated cervical disks? I am not a surgeon but many of the patients I have seen with cervivcal cord compression from arthritic changes do not have much neck pain. There seems to be a lot of neck pain and spasm with disk herniations. Are you seeing a surgeon or neurologist? There is the concern that with severe cervical stenosis any neck trauma from a fall or car accident could cause some damage to the spinal cord. I hope things work out for you.
Glenn |
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Goodney
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2012 : 10:28:01
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Gislat:
I just read the MRI report again. No herniations are mentioned. Reference is made to disk "bulges" and "disk/osteophyte complex" causing the stenosis. The nerve roots seem okay. That probably explains why I really don't have much in the way radicluar symptoms. I did see a neurosurgeon a few years back (after a previous MRI that the one last year was basically identical to). He said my spinal canal was "tight" because of the stenosis, but that he had seen worse and didn't recommend surgery. |
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Gislat
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2012 : 12:41:15
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You might want to find a good massage therapist and see if that helps. The main problem with the stenosis is cervical cord compression. It can lead to myelopathy which would give the weak legs, weak hands,etc. Hopefully the conservative treatment will work.
Glenn |
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Topic |
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Anxiety over Cervical MRI Results
