Last post Sun, Jun 01 2008 7:30 PM by SBChallengedinSJ. 5 replies.
Hey all, I was wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar to my mom. She had the surgery when she was in her 40s, as she was told to never let anyone touch her back until they had the surgery perfected. Although her SB affects her in many aspects quite severely, she's never used any assisted device for walking or braces. However, being in her 50s, her calf muscles have increased in atrophy and her foot drops, thus causing her to fall or trip frequently. Anyone know of anything that'd help her? She recently had her annual MRI and her neurologist told her she'll have to have another surgery to correct a herniated cervical vertebrae, obviously causing neuro issues. Any recommendations?? She's going to go to PT so hopefully they can help her, but I bet that some of you have more knowledge on these issues than some of the PTs who may or may not have much knowledge of SB (not discounting the importance of PTs in anyway). Thanks!
dramasteph: Hey all, I was wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar to my mom. She had the surgery when she was in her 40s, as she was told to never let anyone touch her back until they had the surgery perfected. Although her SB affects her in many aspects quite severely, she's never used any assisted device for walking or braces. However, being in her 50s, her calf muscles have increased in atrophy and her foot drops, thus causing her to fall or trip frequently. Anyone know of anything that'd help her? She recently had her annual MRI and her neurologist told her she'll have to have another surgery to correct a herniated cervical vertebrae, obviously causing neuro issues. Any recommendations?? She's going to go to PT so hopefully they can help her, but I bet that some of you have more knowledge on these issues than some of the PTs who may or may not have much knowledge of SB (not discounting the importance of PTs in anyway). Thanks!
Have they checked her lower spine for tether cord? Have they checked her brain for arnold chiari? Both of those can cause those types of things. I have two buldging discs in my neck that I have been going to PT for, for about 7 years. One has now become barely noticible and the other has also decreased. She basically does neck and shoulder massage and arm and neck strengthening.
I have SB and Chairi 1 Malformation. They usely go hand in hand. I trip all the time and I have no use of some limbs, never knowing which will not work from time to time.
Has she ever been checked for Chairi? It usely takes about nine years to identify because there are so many symtoms. Some times I walk funny, I forget things easly. ringing in ears, sinus problems, headaches,trouble swallowing, feel like you are choking, sleeplessness, chronic pain. These are just a few of the problems.
I went through the brain surgery and had neck bones removed. I can't say that it helped me, but it does help some and would be a great idea to have the dotor do an MRI to see if this is part of her problem.
I really do wish you the best, it's such a long hard struggle. Sounds like she is lucky to have you as a support system. GOOD LUCK
Sincerely,
chari1lady
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I have similar issues that your mom has...I'm 58. I use AFO braces for the foot drop and walk with hand crutches.
Joe
I HAVE POLIO AND DID WALK WITH A AFO BRACE AND CRUTCHES AND IF I HAD A TIME FOR EVERYTIME I FELL I WOULD BE A RICH WOMAN TODAY ! I FIND THE CHAIR SAFER ! RAINEY
Hi Steph,
You said that your mom had the surgery when she was in her 40's. Which surgery did she have? I too have SB, AC type2, tethered spinal cord, and hydrocephalus with a VP shunt. I have had numerous surgeries to deal with all of the above, and also have foot drop. I used to fall so much that I felt as though I was constantly recovering from an injury due to a fall. I alternate between using a forearm crutch and using a wheelchair(rule of thumb is if I'm going to be out and about for more than a half hour, I use the chair).I can honestly say that I have not fallen nearly as often (or as severely), since I started using the assistive devices. The crutch gives me added stability and balance which prevents alot of falling.
I think that it would be helpful to see if mom does have Arnold Chiari Malformation and/or a tethered spinal cord, if for no other reason but to have a full picture of what's going on. They can do a surgical procedure for releasing a tethered cord, and there is a decompression surgical procedure for the Arnold Chiari Malformation. She may or may not get some relief from the pain and other symptoms of these conditions, but one thing that is also important to consider: Even though these surgical procedures may not help fix her current symptoms, it is helpful in preventing the symptoms from getting worse. Please feel free to write me if you would like to talk. TLRich2118@yahoo.com. Take Care and good luck to you and yours!
