Leg weakness

  • Thread starter Thread starter maltluver
  • Start date Start date
M

maltluver

Guest
I've got a 27 yr history of spinal problems, including 6 surgeries. The last one was about 5 years ago for stenosis caused by bone spurs. It was a nasty surgery and I said that's it, no more. But.........

My PM has been great at helping to keep my pain under control using the (dilaudid) pump, blocks, ESI, and nerve ablation but I think I've reached the end of that road. Last time I saw him he recommended I see my surgeon and ordered an MRI and ct scan.

Over the last several months I have noticed increased leg weakness when walking. Outside the house I have to use a cane or lean on a cart to get around, but for the past 2 weeks I realize I am having trouble just walking around the house as well. My legs get so tired. They feel like I just cliraber 200 steps! Also, my balance seems to be off a bit. The only other thing (other than pain) is that I am having urinary hesitancy and usually cannot stop the flow.

I would greatly appreciate any ideas anyone might have as to what might be going on......I do have arthritis in my spine as well.

Thanks so much.

Carol
 
I know all about leg weakness. No one knows until they have it.
Have you tried celebrex for your arthritis in your spine?
I hope you find relief. I can sure sympathize with you.
 
Have you had a recent MRI and a consultation with an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon? You'll want to see if this is something new or if something in the spine has changed which is causing impingement on the nerves or spinal cord and thus causing weakness.
 
Keep in mind the CT myelogram takes the better part of a day.

First they do the myelogram, then move you to CT, then keep you in a "recovery" area for a few hours. During this time you have to remain still. In both cases where I've had it done, two different places, they gave me lunch and I had a TV and remote to keep me occupied.

The first time I was kept about 4 hours after since I had to wait for hubby to get off work to come get me. The second time hubby had dropped me off at his lunch and just worked until the facility called and said I could go. that was about a 2 hour post test stay.
 
I have an appt with my ortho spine specialist tomorrow morning. Almost 2 years ago he was talking about surgery but I said no. My pm has done everything but stand on his head to keep me going, but I think he no longer has any tricks up his sleeve. Referred me to my surgeon and made an appt for late Oct. However, I went down bad on Wed afternoon, can't stand up straight, lots of lower back pain that is sharp and burning in the left posterior thigh as well as throbbing deep in the front of thigh. All of this is on the left side. I called my surgeons nurse and she is having me come in tomorrow morning.

Depression right now is pretty bad. Lost my husband 16 months ago and sure am missing him now. He was so supportive and so protective of me. My kiRAB are doing their best to step in and fill his shoes, bless their hearts.

I'll post tomorrow.

Carol
 
I saw my ortho spine specialist today who ordered a myelogram ct scan. That will be done on the 17th but I am to call if I get any worse at all. X-rays looked fine, but we all know they are practically useless unless you have a broken screw or rod or badly deteriorated disc.

I know I can hold out until the 17th if the boredom of sitting around doing nothing doesn't kill me! Lol.

Oh, and to the person who asked about celebrex....I am allergic to many antiinflammatories, including that one.

Thanks for the replies.

Carol
 
SpineAz, unfortunately I am all too familiar with these things having had 6 lurabar surgeries and 1 two level cervical fusion. And of course a couple of myelo studies that didn't end in surgery. I don't mind the wait, but I sure hate for my family to have to wait around that long. I think the last time, I only had to stay for an hour. Mine is schedules for 10:00 AM and I have a 2:00 PM appt with doctor, so I know I won't be there more than 2 hours. Maybe different hospitals/doctors have different policies??

Thanks for your reply and information.

Carol
 
Will they let you sit up for the visit to the doctor's office? Both times I've had a myelogram I had to go straight home to lay down for 24 hours
 
Yes, I will be allowed to sit up almost immediately, if I remeraber right.
Something to do with a new medication that is used that wont cause a spinal headache.

Carol
 
Back
Top