hernicated cervical disc

Diseases & Conditions Rheumatoid Arthritis
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I need help. i was dxd with ddd of cervical spine in may now i had and mri showing herniated disc at c3 c4. my doc wants me to go to surgeon. I hurt all over he thinks i also suffer from ra. the ra test was neg but my sed rate is elevated. I was also dxd with fibromyalgia. I am lost and dont know where to turn from here. I am currently trying to get disability from ss but you all know how that goes. anyone been here before that can give advise>
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Welcome Prewitt!
 
           I know its hard when you feel like your life is slipping thru the cracks of you fingers. I understand how you feel when you're not quit sure what the future holds. Its scary! I've suffered from chronic pain for almost 4 yrs and Im 25 yrs old. I havent had the blessing to have children and I don't know if even could.But you play the hand your given and keep going. I don't know your situation completly and I'm not the best person to ask about ssi but I know others here might know more. You've found a good home to share your fears and joy. Feel free to post any questions or if you just want to vent.
 
 
 
                                  - J_Rene
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Prewitt,

Welcome to HW, so glad to have you.  So sorry about all you're going through, I know it's rough.

Dealing with the C spine is tricky.  It's high up in the spinal canal, so slipped discs, compression, inflammation, degeneration and arthritis of this area can cause problems.  It's something that definitely needs to be addressed.

Now, just because you were reffered to see a surgeon, doesn't necessarily mean you'll go right to surgery.  Seeing a surgeon who specializes in this is a great idea.  In fact, see 2 surgeons!  One for a second opinion.  It's always good to get a second opinion if you feel unsure or when dealing with surgery.  My previous employer just had successful cspine surgery in the spring, the discs were causing bad neck pain, movement problems and was pressing on the spinal cord.  great recovery, no problems.

Regarding the RA.  Exactly how do you hurt?  Both sides equally?  Just because you have a negative RF, does not mean you don't have RA.  There are many tests, symptoms they take into consideration and as a whole when diagnosing RA.  The elevated sed leads me to believe you do have some inflammatory process going on somewhere.

You've quite a few problems to tackle!  Fibro, RA and spinal herniations can cause the body as a whole to completely go off whack!  It makes sense you hurt all over....how could you not?

Seek a surgeon and spine specialist for an opinion.  You do not have to jump into surgery right away (unless there is some threatening spinal compression that can cause breathing problems...have they said anything about the severity of the herniation?)

I applied for Dis/SSI back in June.  Have severe active RA, CD and complications which hold me from normal mobility and working right now.  The process is hard, but if you know you cannot work...then apply ASAP because it may take a long time for approval.  I will not hear anything till december.  But what else can I do?  Ya have to take care of yourself right?  I would much rather be working, it breaks my heart I cannot at this time...but I feel that my current state will not be forever and in the future I can and will be able to work again.

Stay strong and positive and patient.

Write back when you can. 

Sincerely,

Erin

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Thanks Erin i appreciate everyone here. My arthritis is mainly in my hands and elbows both sides at the same time. my fingers swell up so bad i cant bend them or stand for anyone to touch them. I cant open jars or even medicine bottles. I have a son and most mornings i cant even help him tie his shoes. I have a lot of them symptons of ra low grade fever and stiffness and swelling. I also have arthritis in my ankle but it is only one and i have pain in my lowerback and left hip. is it possible to have both types of arthritis? I have read alot on the ddd in my spine and the herniation but cant find alot about it. I have arthritis in my neck also do you know will that clear up if they can fix my disc it is at c3 c4...
 
Tonya
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Hi Tonya, I would like to add that you should see a neurosurgeon and if you decide on surgery, please let a neurosugeon do the work. These guys are so gifted & talented in this area. A good neurosurgeon will tell you what surgery can do for you, but will not demand you have the surgery. I kno lots of peeps that have had neck surgey bu a neurosurgeon and felt immediate pain relief when they woke up. The pain they were having was from the actual surgey itself. Susie