Final-ish Report on my Cervical MRI

This summer, I practically demanded a new cervical MRI due to increasing problems that have been ignored for three years when I got my last MRI at a visit to the ER because I couldn't feel my hand. I was continually told that my hand was still functional so no one was concerned; it's become less functional with lack of grip, lack of feeling, and lack of pain sensation. And I finally got everyone's attention.

Orthopedic offered up surgery, Neurology did some extra tests and had the MRI re-read by one of his colleagues. I spoke to Neurology today for the new report and there is a problem, confirming that's the reason for the problems in my neck, shoulder, arm, and hand; he offered up injections. I'm not pursuing surgery or the injections because they would only possibly help the pain. The pain isn't my main concern because Pain Management and my Chiropractor have that pretty well under control.

I pointed out that the concerns I want figured out are the muscle weakness, muscle tightness leading to spasms, and my balance and gait problems. They haven't been concerned about the muscle weakness because my EMG is always normal and I'm still pretty strong, but I have been fighting for at least two years to hold onto the strength I have.. I refused to give up on my arm like I did with my leg. In the last year, the muscle tightness has gotten worse and started causing spasms to the point of muscles contracting randomly, and my leg looking like it's being electrocuted, especially after workouts. My balance problems really got started a couple years ago.. even though I was able to ditch the crutches pretty fast, I tend to run my hand along the walls so I don't run into them. And my gait has been fun for a long time. My gait and balance have come more into focus with my push to walk more. All of this has been complicated by the hyper mobility that is getting worse because of the muscle problems.

Luckily, pointing all this out all at once has my Neurologist on board without the fight I thought I would have to put up. He's bringing me in for a full exam to see what he can figure out, and if he doesn't come up any ideas he'll refer me to another colleague. It's nice to finally feel like he's on my side rather than just going through the motions.