diagnose

[albert330]

i have arthritus in my left knee cervic spine and bulging discs,i also have severe pain in both my elbows which result in my fingers becoming deformed and locking,then i get a bad headache,any ideas.thanks

[txsilver]

Hi there.  Long time no talk.  I don't get here as often as I use to.  You have been through a lot in the last year!  I can understand your reticence regarding the surgery your specialist is recommending.  Have you gotten a second opinion?  If not, I would recommend you do so.  
The ringing you have in your ears, do you grind your teeth?  Have you seen an ENT or talked to your cardio doc about it?  Have they checked your carotid artery?  There can be a number of different causes but it should be investigated.  Please let us know what you find out and how you are doing.

[albert330]

Hi reading one of your replies,my MRI shows i have multilevel disc disease,nerve root compression at C6-7-8 and severe diffused disc bulges between C6 and T1 also carpel tunnel.Like the other member said about a constant ringing in the ears,i have the same and i asked my consultant about it and he reckons there is no connection,it is getting louder.Thanks Alan

[albert330]

Hi wonder if you can help,i have had arthritis for a few years now,i had a full knee replacement in Dec 09,i also have cervical spondylosis.My Mri shows i have multilevel disc disease,nerve root compression at C6-7-8,and severe diffused disc bilges between C6 and T1, also carpel tunnel.My consultant wants to do surgery,i am a bit worried as i have had two heart attacks since i had my knee replacement,getting worried dont no what to do. Thanks Alan.

[albert330]

hi not been in touch for a while.About my breathing problem,no one would listen until December 2009 i had a heart attack, then another in Feb this year,been in and out of hospital. I am still in agony with my kneck and spine,my knee replacement is not going too good,my spine consultant wants to do surgery on my neck,i am a bit worried in case i have another attack.After the last one i was told another 20 minutes and i would not have made it,i feel like giving up,am in so much pain.

[txsilver]

I think I would be uncomfortable with the response as well.  I recommend you talk to the doctor who referred you to this neuro and ask for another recommendation for a second opinion.  The difficulty you are having breathing disturbs me.  Please promise that if it gets bad you will go to the ER or call an ambulance.  

[albert330]

Hi been to see the neuro surgeon.we discussed my MRI scan and my kneck is shot to pieces,he said i would need surgery but has suggested trying a CT guided nerve root injections on december 1st as i am having my knee replacement done on December 4th.My lower back and arms are absolute murder,i kept telling him when my sides cramp up i have trouble breathing,he replied we will deal with that later.Dont no who to turn to now.Alan.

[txsilver]

It sounds like you have a lot going on there and I am glad you are getting in to see the doc soon.  Are you still having trouble breathing?  Did you see or talk to the doc about that?  Please keep us posted and hang in there as best you can.

[albert330]

Hi just received a report on my MRIscan it is saying i have a generalised disc disease through the cervical spine,severe diffused disc bulges between C6 and T1 with foraminal stenosis and nerve root compression.It also says i have compression of the nerve roots at C6,C7,C8.Finally got an appointment to see a neuro surgeon on Friday,getting a bit worried.Alan

[txsilver]

I am concerned that you are having trouble breathing.  If you are not seeing the neuro tomorrow, call them and see if they can work you in an, if not, get to your regular doctor.  Please write back and let us know how you are and what you find out.

[albert330]

been for my ct scan,been referred to a neuro surgeon,my lower arms and fingers arelocking more every day,i am getting bad cramps both sides of my torso and having trouble breathing until the cramp has gone,the kneck and head pains are getting worse,not had a good nights sleep for weeks,any ideas please.thanks.alan

[txsilver]

Donna is spot on.  This could be related to the car accident.  I know it is rough to go through the process.  I saw neuros, EN&Ts, psychs and many other docs on the way to getting a dx.  Even got dx'd with FMS for a year before I finally got to a doc who could dx and treat me.  It is hard and depressing, but you have to push through the pain and find the strength to be your own advocate.  Eventually you get to a doc who can help you.  Hang in there, it is rough.

[Dazon50]

Hi!  I was in a car accident in August of 2007 & still dealing with the fall-out.  I was just informed by my doctor that I do have arthritis in my knees which hit the lower part of the car really hard when the accident happened and I have had all sorts of problems in trying to be on my feet the past years especially as the first year I was in an office/sitting most of the time. I have spent lots of $ trying to find braces, orthotics, pain relievers, creams, compression stockings, etc. this past year.

I had a blood clot in the back of one knee that showed up within the first 2 mos. after the car accident....so I am certainly open to thinking you must have some problems from your accident if it was a nasty one.  I also have a "working diagnose of fibromyalgia".

If you are going to have to have a full knee replacement, that is pretty serious.  I wish you the best in that & hopefully you will get some answers for other problems & your depression will be dealt with.

Sincerely,
Donna

[albert330]

i am going for a brain scan on tuesday,and waiting to see a spine specialist,which is taking forever.i had a arthroscopy on my knee in august,just been informed by the surgeon that i have to have a full knee replacement in december.i was hit down by a car august 2008,could this have brought this on,have not been able to work,scaffolding,getting very depressed.thanks for replying.

[txsilver]

I hurt just reading what you are going through.  What kind of doctor are you seeing?  Are you looking for ideas on the diagnosis or how to deal with the pain and reduce symptoms?  I am guessing you have had xrays based on the information you provided.  What other tests have been run and do you have the results?