8 replies to this topic

[Smileyblue]

Hi again everyone..

I recently got a second opinion about the pain I suffer around my sensory level and discovered that this level seems to be rising higher and higher.. At rehab, I was told T8, sensory level T6, then later when consulting my Neurosurgeon about the pain I was told T8, sensory level T5, and now when I got the second opinion about pain management from another Neurologist, I was told T8, sensory level T4.. I have also recently developed a hyper-sensitive area on my left hand, which none of the neuro's seem to be too worried about..

Has anyone else had similar experience? Should I be worried?

[S&W Winger]

Hi Smiley,

My SCI level changed variously during my stay in the trauma ICU...

Please be sure that they do a few tests, such as EMG, CT scan with contrast, MRI if you are able (I cannot due to certain hardware) etc....

I have numbness and tingling and trembling in both hands...mostly due to foraminal narrowing from preexisting arthritis and DDD...and not, thankfully, the C6 frature with cord compression...see? I also worry about this...thus the above tests to rule out further upward cord damage...my physical therapist has added message therapy to my neck and upper back, and this has helped a lot with both neck pain, and the real and neuropathic pain and numbness in my hands...plus I try to play my guitar more to keep nimble...

As far as the actual sensory level...mine did move up a bit, and I have, at times, that horrific pain at the conjunction...I try to keep it calm with, being the 51 year old infant that I've become, an undershirt, to keep external and unexpected stimulation at a minimum...it seems with mine, it is less if I expect it...both for spasms from it, such as my legs, and the pain at the sensation level...

Hope you solve your issue(s)...

[jenny407]

Smiley, there was some talk on Maisy's thread. But it could have been something totally different (more loss of function than sensation, I seem to remember). Have a look. Good luck! In any case, it seems reasonable to talk to your doctors about it and have scans.


My link to Maisy's thread

[qbounce]

Jenny, that's funny you posted this thread for Smiley . . . she had a response in it as well.

And Smiley, yes you should be concerned! Act now and you may save yourself from losing more. Get an MRI done ASAP and have it looked at by your neurosurgeon.

[jenny407]

qbounce, on 24 November 2010 - 05:18 PM, said:

Jenny, that's funny you posted this thread for Smiley . . . she had a response in it as well.

Oh shit. LOL. Yeah.
Good luck, Smiley!

[Smileyblue]

Thanks for your responses everyone.. I just made an appointment with a new neurologist for tomorrow morning as my old one refuses to even consider the Durban neurologist's assessment (the second opinion I got) "as he did not do the assessment and will not work off someone else's judgement".. I asked if he would reassess me and was told he sees no need as he had assessed and xrayed me only a few months ago (January)..

Anyway, guess I'm just venting as the problem will now be looked at and addressed by the new doctor at tomorrow's appointment..

Thanks again for all the advice.. ;-) You guys (and gals) are great!

[jenny407]

Smiley, you're absolutely right to go see a second neurologist. I do wonder why the other one doesn't reassess you when you are having issues. Arrogant! Good luck, girl.

[edlee]

Arrogant ,,, Neurosurgeon,,,, ?????? who woulda thunk it???

If the first guy doesn't want to address your concerns,,,, getting someone who will sounds , to me,, like a good idea.

My sensory level is different on each side of my abdomen ( the only place they check),, so it is altogether possible that the exact location of the places they checked on you,, might have some bearing on the results.

The point is,, double checking results are even more important in cases like this,, than they were in Mrs. Ugren's math class.
ed

[Smileyblue]

Hee hee hee.. Mrs Ungren's math class indeed! Lol.. ;-)

Thanks for the smile and support..

I dont know if its coz I'm a girl and have some "obstructions" in the way on my front, but they've always checked my sensory level on my back, both sides of the spine.. I do hope its something as simple as inconsistent testing and not something serious.. ;-)