Steve,
I have a friend of mine here who has rheumatoid arthritis.  Very severe.
She ended up doing the surgery twice (the first bone graft didn't take as
her hyperactive immune system rejected it).  She did finally go to Shands
and have it done using her own bone and is has done the trick.  She was in
and out in only 2-3 days.  The trick is to find a good neurosurgeon who is
willing to work with you.  Recouperation was the hard part though as she
needed to be in a neck splint for several weeks and needed extra help with
self-care.


Beth the OT

> -----Original Message-----
> From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of I. S. Margolis
> Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2000 12:56 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: A Pain in the Neck
>
>
> Stephen:
>
> You're lucky your condition was diagnosed early and properly.  You're
> also lucky that the exercises help.  Sometimes discs repair, exercise
> restores elasticity, and strong muscles stabilize the area.
>
> I also went through exercise programs.  They didn't work.  I also went
> through seven years of worsening chronic pain and cervical
> deterioration.  You may be at the early stages of a worsening situation.
> For your sake, I hope not.
>
> My friend is responsible for his own life and decisions.  I wish him
> well.  I'm not him or his doctors.  From what I know about him, I
> don't think an exercise program will help.  I'm also not qualified to
> diagnose or advise him what to do.
>
> For me the damage to my arms, legs, and spinal cord has already been
> done.  I'm trying to recover something of what I lost physically.  I am
> seeing several doctors.  I also face life threatening neurosurgery to
> remove, replace, and fuse anterior cervical bone pressing nearly onto my
> spinal cord.  The docs aren't very optimistic about the results.
>
> Thanks for your suggestions.  Perhaps with you and Chester inspiring me,
> I'll learn to think more positively.
>
> Steve M.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cerebral Palsy List On Behalf Of Stephen Allman
> Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2000 4:49 PM
> Subject: Re: A Pain in the Neck
>
> Steve:
>
> Last year I had major problems walking and picking small things up like
> a tea
> kettle. I thought I hurt my back so I went to my Dr. and he sent me for
> an
> MRI. The MRI showed I have deteriorating discs in my neck. I was sent
> for
> physical therapy for six weeks which they have me an exercise program
> and
> they showed me some bad habits I was doing. I am still doing the
> exercise
> program and it has helped me a great deal.
>
> I also went to a neurologist and he was too quick to prescribe
> medication.
> When I went into his office I began telling him what was wrong with me
> and he
> quickly interrupted me to tell me about the prescription. I asked him
> what
> was it for and he told me it was for my spacisity and then I asked him
> what
> alternatives do I have? The neurologists did not know me or have my
> records.
> I continued to tell him what was wrong with me and my medical history.
> The
> neurologist was upset with me because he wanted to prescribe something
> but he
> did not know anything about me. I decided not to go back to him because
> he
> thought he could just prescribe something and I would take it and he
> also
> overcharged me.
>
> I cannot undo the damage CP and aging has done to my body but by being
> active
> physically and mentally will help. May I suggest if you or your friend
> is
> having physical problems please see your DR and see what you both can do
> to
> improve. Doctors do not know everything and you have to work together to
> help
> you feel better
>
> Stephen Allman
>