Winter of my discontent
So, well, long time no blog...
been busy
went to canada in august, on the job I worked hard, did some cool stuff and got an award. Went to Spain for 9 days, had a great time. I came home to some difficult medical news.
Back in 2005 or so, during long marathon training runs, i had this strange phenomena, where my hands would fall asleep - my thumbs would go numb. I thought it was some kind of muscle tension thing. Well, it didn't go away and started to happen more often. Like when driving a long distance, or playing video games, my thumb and index finger, and sometimes my ring finger will go to sleep.
I also can't lay on my side for any length of time without my arms/hands falling asleep. So, at my last doc visit for HIV testing, i mentioned it - he grew concerned and ordered an MRI. I had that done in mid September. Right before I went to Spain, my doc called with a referral to a neurosurgeon.
um. ok. So, i set up the appointment with the neurosurgeon after my trip - so last week I saw him. I got an exam from a capable internist, then sat down and met with the surgeon. The news was not good.
It appears I have two disturbed discs in my cervical spine - or neck - and the inflammation and changes occurring because of these disc changes is pinching nerves leading to my arms. I have 'diminished' arm reflexes and reduced strength in my arms - and oddly, my leg reflexes are 'jumpy' or too responsive. This, he said, indicates some pressure on my spinal cord.
The treatment is immediate surgery - removal of the discs, fusion of the three vertebrae involved, with implant of a metal plate to support the spine while the bones knit. Emphasis on the immediate. He said I have a few weeks or a month to get things settled, but that i needed this done before any permanent damage to my nerves or spine occurs.
So, the week of nov 16, I’ll go in for surgery. Then I'll spend two or three weeks at home recuperating, wearing a soft support collar. Then there will be PT for posture and arms - and then OT for resuming my life.
Not the winter I had planned, but one of necessity. I'm a little scared.
been busy
went to canada in august, on the job I worked hard, did some cool stuff and got an award. Went to Spain for 9 days, had a great time. I came home to some difficult medical news.
Back in 2005 or so, during long marathon training runs, i had this strange phenomena, where my hands would fall asleep - my thumbs would go numb. I thought it was some kind of muscle tension thing. Well, it didn't go away and started to happen more often. Like when driving a long distance, or playing video games, my thumb and index finger, and sometimes my ring finger will go to sleep.
I also can't lay on my side for any length of time without my arms/hands falling asleep. So, at my last doc visit for HIV testing, i mentioned it - he grew concerned and ordered an MRI. I had that done in mid September. Right before I went to Spain, my doc called with a referral to a neurosurgeon.
um. ok. So, i set up the appointment with the neurosurgeon after my trip - so last week I saw him. I got an exam from a capable internist, then sat down and met with the surgeon. The news was not good.
It appears I have two disturbed discs in my cervical spine - or neck - and the inflammation and changes occurring because of these disc changes is pinching nerves leading to my arms. I have 'diminished' arm reflexes and reduced strength in my arms - and oddly, my leg reflexes are 'jumpy' or too responsive. This, he said, indicates some pressure on my spinal cord.
The treatment is immediate surgery - removal of the discs, fusion of the three vertebrae involved, with implant of a metal plate to support the spine while the bones knit. Emphasis on the immediate. He said I have a few weeks or a month to get things settled, but that i needed this done before any permanent damage to my nerves or spine occurs.
So, the week of nov 16, I’ll go in for surgery. Then I'll spend two or three weeks at home recuperating, wearing a soft support collar. Then there will be PT for posture and arms - and then OT for resuming my life.
Not the winter I had planned, but one of necessity. I'm a little scared.