Huge step... backwards, hospitalized again. PLEASE HELP!

[blondeballerina07]

Things were going really well for me post op and over the past month or two old symptoms have been returning and new ones rearing their ugly head. A week ago I started to have really bad pain in my shoulders and arms (possibly nerve pain) I have never felt anything like it. Monday night I had one of my very normal drop attacks in the shower but fell and hit my back on the water spout for the tub. Tuesday I had a really bad head ache and a sore back and wednesday evening I had another drop attack. SInce wednesday I haven't gotten the complete feeling or control back in my extremities. My legs can't hold my own weight, it is very difficult to coordinate movements, hold objects or lift anything. Went to the er last night and was admitted. I had a ct or my brain which "appeared normal" did a nerve test no results yet, possibly an mri of brain tomorrow. I am just afraid they are not going to look for the right things or in the right places. I am a very bad advocate for myself and can never seem to think of the right questions until the time has passed. Any suggestions on questions to ask? I don't have much of a family so not many to turn to right now. Thanks for all your help I am so lost right now!

[selmaS]

  Hi...so sorry to hear this...do u have a bulging disk? they can obstruct CSF to the point of a drop attack...they can impinge nerves and cause pain, it all depends where it is located as to where u will or can experience pain or numbness.

The other thing u will want to have checked is CSF pressure...look for POTS....tilt table testing is used...check ur BP.

...... did they rule out tethered cord?

  And always check the odontoid to see if it is positioned correctly.

  I pray they find out what is going on and u get to feeling better soon.

            "selma"

[Marine_Corp_Brat]

If you fell and hit your back and are having problems bearing weight one of the things they need to be checking other than your brain is back to make sure that you haven't pulled something or herniated a disc or possibly pinched a nerve in your back. Have they done any x-rays or scans of any kind on your back at all? Do you have Chiari? or Syringomyelia? what about blood work? Get a sheet of paper as xmelax35 suggested and write down anything that comes to mind. Could it be something with the neck if you have Chiari...I don't know your history or I might be able to make more suggestions. Good Luck! I will be praying for you.

[xmelax35]

So sorry to hear of your issues. I too, am a bad advocate for myself. I try but it is never good enough. I hope someone is able to answer you before you see them tomorrow regarding your tests and all.  I will just add that just say whatever is on your mind. If you have some paper and pencil write it down (it helps me at times) and then read off of it (we always know what to say until we see them it seems) or give them the list of questions and stuff.  I am not sure what to ask them, but again, I hope someone will be able to help you before you see them. (I used to keep a list and have questions in my mind but since I have become worse my memory is much worse).  Good luck and I hope they find whatever is causing the problem and hope it is fixable.