Thoughts on my 2nd Opinion MRI

[hurstc]

Hello,  what a great forum and thanks to all who post.

I am a veteran reling on the VA healthcare system, my faith in them is somewhat questionable.  I started going to VA in Aug 2012 for extreme arm/back pain, after 2nd visit to ER they finally did MRI and showed a herniated disk @ C5-C6 and would order a neuro consult.  I ended up having an emergency ACDF of that disk at a local non VA hospital in October 2012 because I could barely walk, entire abdominal area numb etc.  the VA finally called in Dec 2012 to finally that neuro visit, bait too late.

Fall of 2013 started experiencing same issues not as severe, finally had had my MRI last week.  I have already tried PT and all the normal conservative measures.  Once again the VA seems to have downplayed the situation and the only referral has been to Physical Medicine and Rehab.  I just got a second opinion reading of that MRI and have listed it below.

Your thoughts, opinions, laymen terms, and stories would be greatly appreciated.  I thank everyone on here for making this forum a great resource tool.

2-C3 is normal.

At the C3-C4 level, there is a central disc bulge or early protrusion resulting in thecal sac effacement without cord displacement or compression and the neuroforamen are broadly patent.

At C4-C5, there is minimal annulus bulging resulting in thecal sac effacement without spinal canal or neuroforaminal stenosis. There is no cord displacement or compression.

There is no residual disc space at C5-C6 and no significant effacement in the thecal sac. There is some relative bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing right greater than left when compared to the other levels.

At the C6-C7 level, there is an acquired spinal stenosis secondary to a broad-based disc protrusion with a right paracentral herniated component. This herniated disc measures 9 mm of superior-inferiorand effacement of thecal sac 5 mm anterior-posterior and is 1.3 cm in transverse diameter extending into the right neuroforamen. There is bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis severe on the right andmoderate to severe on the left. There is cord displacement without definite compression. There is still subarachnoid space seen posteriorly.

C7-T1 is remarkable for minimal central annulus bulging of uncertain significance without significant thecal sac effacement or spinal canal or neuroforaminal stenosis.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this and share your thoughts.

[Foggy2]

You're welcome.  I hope you get your report back soon.  Most likely you will need to see a Neurosurgeon.  Getting into the private healthcare system, although more expensive, will get things moving along quicker and without the red tape (in most cases).  I wish you well, and do keep us informed.  Please let us know if you have any further questions.

[hurstc]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I am definitely considering private healthcare insurance. I am currently still in the VA healthcare systems and as always it is a hurry up and wait scenario.  I had not traumatic injury in the past and just get extremely concerned when the symptoms returned this time.  Last time it was a rapid progression.  I just had a thoracic mri after begging and pleading with them, was told there are 4 issues there but have not received the official report.  I feel with the numb abdominal area and urinary problems one of those may be the culprit.  Again thank you.

[Foggy2]

Welcome to the forum and thank you for being a member of our military.  I'm sorry to hear of the problems you have had with the VA system.

Yes, you do have multiple abnormal MRI findings, but I do not know your previous medical history; only your doctor would know that.  Are you still in the VA system or are you now seeing someone privately?  I know it costs more money privately, but given the run around you got in the past, it may be something to think about.

You need to see a Neurosurgeon for your problem, sooner rather than later.  I would suggest that if you can, see someone privately with copies of your films and reports for a 2nd opinion.  Please let me know if you have further questions.