Does anyone have Cervical Foraminal Stenosis and Cervical Spinal Stenosis?

Graham53
Graham53 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
edited February 2019 in Everyday life
Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis recently after 2 years of appointments and tests/scans etc. My main problems are Cervical Foraminal Stenosis and Cervical Spinal Stenosis.
I was wondering if any others have these and if so, does anyone suffer from dizzy feelings and stumbling, instability? I get these symptoms daily and am finding it more and more difficult to get about safely. Thanks for reading, please feel free to message me back.

Comments

  • Antonia_Alumni
    Antonia_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,764 Pioneering
    Hi @Graham53

    How are doing today?

    I am sorry to hear about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Have you been in touch with your GP or a Specialist about this? 
  • Pippa_Alumni
    Pippa_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,761 Championing
    Hi @Graham53, I hope you're doing as well as possible today.

    Other members are welcome to share their experiences, however this definitely sounds like something you should be discussing with a medical professional, first and foremost. Perhaps you could arrange an appointment with your GP?

    If your health deteriorates in the meantime, please call NHS Direct on 111 and make sure they know. It's important to look after yourself!
  • atlas46
    atlas46 Online Community Member Posts: 817 Pioneering
    Hi

    I agree with @Pippa_Scope, you need an appointment with your GP ASAP.

    Your GP will conduct a series of balance tests with you.

    More likely than not, you should be referred to an ENT Surgeon for more tests, at this consultation I suggest you seek a hearing test.

    You might have an MRI scan, to check your inner ear, this is perfectly normal.

    Loss of balance can have a number of causes, but should only be assessed by qualified medical professionals

    Let us know how you get on.
  • Graham53
    Graham53 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
    Hello all, Antonia, Pippa and Atlas46,
    Thank you for your welcome messages.
    I do need to inform you all that my diagnosis is the result of many GP and Consultants' appointments with many tests, scans, and Physio along the way.
    I actually did start with an ENT consultation which I paid for due to unacceptable waiting via the NHS so I do know that my hearing is fine as are my balance organs and vision. They also suspected TIAs or Mini Strokes and a brain/ head scan ruled out any major stroke or tumour involvement but did put me on Statins, Aspirin and blood thinning Dipyridamole.
    The stenosis seems to be the only cause left for my dizziness, instability and stumbling and I have seen it mentioned on a USA stenosis symptoms list but not met anyone else yet that has them in the UK. I do have pressure on my spinal cord at several levels as shown on my CT scan of the whole spine. So I am just trying to manage my symptoms with pain relief, Neuro-physio exercises, rest and full time working when possible although I fear that will have to lessen as I go along my journey into disability. My Neurosurgeon has ruled out surgery at this stage. I was hoping for suggestions for help with mobility and whether this condition is recognised  for receiving such help or benefits or if I was to have to retire from my work activities due to ill health?

  • Pippa_Alumni
    Pippa_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,761 Championing
    Oh I'm sorry to hear this @Graham53, it sounds as though you've been through an awful lot lately. I hope we can help. 

    As a starting point, I'd definitely recommend looking into a needs assessment to see whether there's any support your local authority could offer e.g. help around the house. As for work, I wonder if you've considered speaking with your employer about reasonable adjustments?

    In terms of finances, our What Benefits Am I Entitled To discussions may also be helpful.

    Have a read, and please do come back to us with any questions. We have lots of knowledgeable members and we'll do our best to advise! 
  • Graham53
    Graham53 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
    Hello Pippa, thanks for these suggestions.
    Just must mention I am self employed and although I am now 65 I cannot afford to retire just yet for financial reasons.
  • ChrisWT
    ChrisWT Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 2 Listener
    I have cervical spondylosis, and a severe left exit foraminal stenosis at c5-c6.
  • chinablue
    chinablue Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
    Just in reply to @Graham53, I have chronic cervical Foraminal stenosis with nerve and cord compression. I get a bit of dizziness,  and I get intermittent paralyses in my right arm, also blurred vision, constant nerve twitch I. My eye and lots of headaches My neurologist suggests I see a surgeon. But I'm quite nervous about it. I also have chronic moderate white matter disease the brain. So that also could be causing dizziness.
    Wish you all the best.
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,452 Championing
    Thanks for sharing @chinablue :) Welcome to the community! 

    It's been a little while since this thread's been active, but I'm sure people will benefit from reading about your experience. Is there anything in particular you're feeling nervous about in terms of seeing a surgeon? 
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    edited June 2022
    That sounds really difficult to cope with @chinablue. I can hear you feel nervous about it. That's understandable and is a reflection of the difficult situation rather than you.

    Would you like to tell us more about what makes you feel nervous and what helps you when you are feeling nervous? We are here for you if you would like to share more  :)

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