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Medical Problem For Our Resident Experts

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 Pyreneenemec 19 Apr 2013
My last cervical MRI scan shows stenosis between C7-C6-C5. The exact measurement is 6.9 mm. Can anything be reasonably done ? My GP says surgery is an option if hand-use/walking becomes more of a problem, otherwise physiotherapy is the only solution. Walking 20 mins on the flat is already the best I can do; after which I suffer weakness in my legs and severe headaches.

The future looks pretty bleak !
 JayPee630 19 Apr 2013
In reply to Pyreneenemec:

I'm a bit worried at the prevalence of posts on here asking for medical advice.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.
Removed User 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:
> (In reply to Pyreneenemec)
>
> I'm a bit worried at the prevalence of posts on here asking for medical advice.
>
> TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

I don't think there is any need to shout at the poster.

The poster has obviously had some bad news and is merely looking to seek some comfort from the good folk of UKC, and at the same time asking 'can anything be done'. I guess that is because there is always at least one person on UKC that has exprience of the many problems that fellow users encounter; be they medical or otherwise.
 rurp 19 Apr 2013
In reply to Pyreneenemec: Ask your GP to refer you to a neurosurgeon.

prescription from Dr Rurp!
Removed User 19 Apr 2013
In reply to Pyreneenemec:

Sorry to hear about your predicament, especially given that you appear to have a problem with walking for long periods. I hope you do get some physio, and that it is successful. I'm sure I speak for all the UKC users (bar one).
 JayPee630 19 Apr 2013
In reply to Removed User:

Yes, sorry to hear, I know what it's like to get bad medical news. But I'd suggest your doctor has given you the best and most reliable info you're likely to get.

And apologies for 'shouting', but I do think this is a worrying trend here on UKC and was thinking about starting a post on it today anyway.

People really shouldn't be asking medical advice on here IMO. There is no way of telling the difference between good sound advice and complete rubbish, and it's potentially dangerous/de-moralising/over hopefully to be listening to people who aren't medically trained, even if they have some anecdotal experience themselves.
 ThunderCat 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:
> (In reply to Pyreneenemec)
>
> I'm a bit worried at the prevalence of posts on here asking for medical advice.
>
> TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

I think the bit where he said "My GP said..." suggest he has.
 dale1968 19 Apr 2013
In reply to Pyreneenemec: why does the future have to look bleak? so what if you cannot walk, theres always more to life, than just walking I fell run triathlon, blah blah, each month my disability gets worse, eventually I will be in a wheel chair, until then I do what I can and get ready to accept that I may have to become a paddler!
Be happy that you have done it, there may not be a medical solution, I hope for you there is, but if not its a frame of mind that counts
 JayPee630 19 Apr 2013
In reply to abzmed:

I know, but knowing who is who and whether they are genuine is another thing. And doctors giving advice over the internet is a whole other professional and ethical minefield...
 JayPee630 19 Apr 2013
In reply to dale1968:

Admirable attitude, humbling and impressive. Thanks.
Removed User 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:
> (In reply to abzmed)
>
> I know, but knowing who is who and whether they are genuine is another thing. And doctors giving advice over the internet is a whole other professional and ethical minefield...

aye true enough.
OP Pyreneenemec 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:
> (In reply to Pyreneenemec)
>
> I'm a bit worried at the prevalence of posts on here asking for medical advice.
>
> TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

UKC is a wealth of knowledge and there is always a good chance that the required expertise will come forward. I've seen my GP ( which is pretty obvios in my post) BUT a GP is not an expert on all matters. He is going to orientate towards a neurosurgeon but I get the impression that it's not a priority. Perhaps he doesn't want to give me false hopes ?

Saying good-bye to mountaineering / ski-touring etc is not the end of the World BUT when you have climbed to a decent Alpine grade -TD+ and visited some of the most prestigious summits on this globe, it does come as a shock that henceforth I will only be able to admire them from a distance or recall my exploits in dreams or from looking a photographs.

Lastly, the title of my thread clearly asked assistance from knowledgeable parties. It is up to them whether or not they wish to reply.

 pneame 19 Apr 2013
In reply to Pyreneenemec:
Good grief - you definitely want to be seeing a neurosurgeon, as Dr Rurp says above. At the very least a neurologist although I'd lean strongly towards a neurosurgeon plus a neurologist to assess nerve function (neurologist first to do the testing).

Spine surgery, particularly upper spine, is generally not done until symptoms affect quality of life / length of life as it isn't exactly low-risk, but it sounds as if you are approaching that point.

 The Lemming 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:
> (In reply to Pyreneenemec)
>
> I'm a bit worried at the prevalence of posts on here asking for medical advice.
>
> TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.


Aren't you a bundle of joy.


Removed User 19 Apr 2013
In reply to The Lemming:
> (In reply to JayPee630)
> [...]
>
>
> Aren't you a bundle of joy.

Choice.
 JayPee630 19 Apr 2013
In reply to Removed User:

I don't think it's got anything to do with being joyful or not! I'm actually quite worried for the ever increasing amount of people coming on here and asking for medical advice.

i.e. someone comes on asking about something, gets advice from someone saying "oh yeah, I had exactly the same thing, was fine doing this that and the other, no problem, take some pain killers and will eventually go away."

Result, some important warning signs gets missed, resulting in the person really getting sick or doing themselves an serious injury.

Unlikely, but with the amount of posts on here asking medical advice form people becoming increasingly likely.

Please, please, please, just see your doctor or pay to see a physio or similar specialist, getting any advice from the internet is dangerous.



 Puppythedog 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630o you think it's any different from people asking their mates in person?
 The Lemming 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:

Doh!

I've been a fool. I never thought of it like that.

Thank you for reminding me, and a few others, of the dangers of asking medical type questions on an internet forum.
 Puppythedog 19 Apr 2013
In reply to The Lemming: Whilst I think about it don't you already know a bit about all this sort of thing?
 JayPee630 19 Apr 2013
In reply to puppythedog:

Yes, as when you ask people you know, you know their medical background. Well, whatever, have just seen it cause problems and give both false hope and depress people.

Go ahead then, I'll shut up.
 Dauphin 19 Apr 2013
In reply to puppythedog:

Exactly - lay referral system. Dr comes last after asking lots of questions of peer group. Actually on here being told to see the Dr comes pretty quickly.

D
 ThunderCat 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:

I know exactly what you mean, but there's a difference between this chap, and someone saying "I've had this blinding pain in my head for a week now and I can't sleep, should I see a doctor".

He's had medical advice, and it sounds like he just wants a bit of...compassion..? re-assurance...? Empathy? from people who may have had something similar and who know what the next few months or years entail. He sounds like he's done his research. It's just another source of feedback.

But I do appreciate what you're saying - I'm not aiming to start an argument. Just saying, y'know?
OP Pyreneenemec 19 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:

I didn't really want to discuss this in this manner. I'm certainly not an idiot and I know the risks involved with internet forums HOWEVER from past experience I know that these forums can throw up some helpful advice.

For your information : I already have had upwards of 60 sessions with a physiotherapist. I am currently doing a 3 week thermal-cure at a local spa, after which my GP will decide on the next step.
 JimR 19 Apr 2013
In reply to ThunderCat:

My experience is that one's own GP can get tunnel vision and it is certainly worth getting advice elsewhere. For many people the internet is the only source, some of the advice will be rubbish and some will be excellent. There will be many medical people posting here so I think someone asking medical questions is a good use of a forum for people with a shared interest.

To the OP, good luck and best wishes.

 Dave 19 Apr 2013
In reply to Pyreneenemec:
Have you only seen a GP? I would have thought that referral for an MRI and this diagnosis would have already moved you into discussion with specialists, either a neurologist or neurosurgeon given the impact it has on your active life. If not I think thats what you should be pushing for.
 The Lemming 22 Apr 2013
In reply to Pyreneenemec:

You have mail.

 BigBrother 22 Apr 2013
In reply to JayPee630:
> (In reply to rocky57)
>
> I'm actually quite worried

If you are suffering from anxiety you should go and see your doctor rather than post on an internet forum. Think of the CHILDREN!!!

ps I hope you were wearing a Hi-Vis vest while typing that message.

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