Just got MRI results, need prayers.

[countrygirl4513]

I got my MRI results yesterday the doc says I have Cervical (in my neck)Degenerative Disc Disease and pressure on my spinal cord. Has anyone ever had or heard of this before? He's sending me to a neurosurgeon asap. But he stated that he's never seen this much damage in a person my age, I'm 42. Could use your prayers and consult if anyone can enlighten me to this problem. I did a google search and know the technical stuff but wanted to hear from someone personally if possible. Thanks in advance!

 

[Lunachick]

Wow, never heard of it. Sending good thoughts your way. Maybe it's not as bad as all that. I'd get more opinions, surgery on the neck - scary.

 

[nccatnip]

DDD is a fancy word for what we know as arthritis. He is sending you for eval of the spinal cord to see what measures should be taken to provide you some relief. That can range anywhere from medications in pill or injection form, physical therapy or even surgery.
If you have had a previous injury to your neck like a whiplash in an auto accident, age is catching up to you. Not uncommon

 

[LoneCowboy]

There is so much more that can be done for stuff like that now. The FDA has approved a dics replacement that they can use now to relieve the compression. I hope it doesn't go that far, but there are options now.

I have stage 1 degen in my neck and stage 3 in my lower back. It's not fun.

Good luck. I wish you all the best

 

[countrygirl4513]

If you have had a previous injury to your neck like a whiplash in an auto accident, age is catching up to you. Not uncommon

nccatnip, that's what I brought up to him the other day. I was in 2 wrecks that I was thrown into the windshield. I figured that might be the cause. This was before the MRI, and he didn't think the wrecks had anything to do with it. Whatever it is, I know this pins and needles feeling in my fingers is hampering my ability to play the piano or pick things up. And the pain is awful. I've been dealing with it for months now.

Lonecowboy, what does it mean by stage 1 and 3?

 

[sundance]

I have DDD in my back but other than being painful don't know what to tell you. I have tried the Magnesium oil 's prells water, Idon't know if it really helps or if its just thinking its does but i don't take as much pain med as i did.I can't vacuum or sweep, or mop the floor but i have a wonderful hubby that does that for me, By the way I'm 71 so i could expect it at my age.

 

[Katy]

My husband has been dealing with it since his late 30's.....he's 61 now. He blames it on a lifetime of driving tractor and having to constantly look back. He's never had anything done for it....just puts up with the pain.

 

[Pelican49]

1992. I had severe pain down one leg. I'm the type who waits and hopes things will just go away, but it just got worse. After several exams etc they sent me for an MRI. I have the same thing you do, only mine was the last vertebra in my spine, just above the tail bone. In other words, arthritis.

I had my surgery the day after my 43rd birthday. My husband died of a heart attack 12 days later. I had to attend the funeral lying down. Thank goodness my 21 yr old son had the maturity to handle funeral arrangements and such. Strange year.

I'm sure procedures have improved since then, but I have no complaints. I remember waking up in the recovery room and thinking, "the pain is gone!, my leg doesn't hurt". Now, 16 years later (my B'day is next week) I rarely have pain in my back. Standing for a period of time on a hard surface, like concrete, will do me in. The arthritis attacked my knees of few years ago and I've had one replacement. That was about a million times worse than the back surgery. The knee still hurts most of the time.

Just make sure you have a surgeon you can really connect with, check him out carefully, and trust him.

Good luck and please keep us updated.

Edited to correct spelling... not enough coffee yet.

 

[OHChick]

Quote:
sorry to hear of your news. my DH has the same, along with stenosis in the CSpine also. he is 48. my husband is the type who would not do surgery EVER, he's stubborn as a mule. so his doc treated him with steroids and injections and it seems to be better. he has complained a lot less the last few months about the pain.

whatever route you choose, hope they are able to help you.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Stage one is getting bad, but with work might be able to help it. I've been in several accidents and my neck is too straight when is should curve. Stage 3 is pretty bad, not much they can do for it. Just got to keep it moving. I sprained my back when I was in 8th grade. Have had trouble ever since. It can go out and put me flat on my back for 2 weeks. I don't like for things to slow me down, so it's a big pain in the bum.

I have a friend with what they call back disease, his bone are crumbling like old china. They've fused, replaced everything. He'll be cripple before lone.