I had a medical crisis starting a couple of weeks ago. I have a history of spinal cord injury. I have a cervical fusion at C4-C5 and a lamenectomy at L4-L5 with resulting Cauda Equina Syndrome.
About 15 days ago I had a huge muscle spasm in my neck. It has happened before, but resolves on its on. This didn’t. So I head over to doctor. She prescribes a muscle relaxer and 3 therapeutic massage sessions. Drugs and massage help the spasm, but I am left with horrible pain high up my back, just below my neck. I mean, it is so bad I can’t breath.
I stop riding (even though my newly discovered dedication to riding had been paying off in a big way). Go back to doctor. She stops massage and sends me to specialist. This totally freaks me out, since all my other experience has led to immediate surgery and I just don’t want to go there this time.
Saw the specialist today and I have a bone spur at C6! It is a normal, run of the mill bone spur! I start physical therapy next week and my massage therapy is back on the schedule. And I can ride. He said to start off slow and see what I tolerate, but I can ride! The doctor said he has never seen such joy from a patient just told they have vertebral compression.
I started Prednizone this afternoon. The relief is unbelievable. Of course, in the last 2 weeks the weather has gotten too hot to live in, let alone ride in. It was 108 degrees here yesterday. But at least I can get back in the saddle once the mornings cool off enough!
Sheilah
