BPI after C5-6-7 Fusion Surgery

[lsherman]

I am looking for others that have had C5-6-7 herniated disc surgery. For one week I had full range of movment and then 7 days later lost the use of the musculocutanious nerve (bicep and deltoid muscles) in my right arm within 4 hours. Two weeks later my left arm lost PT function (1-2 reps) every day for two weeks straight until the left arm was exactly like my right arm (Remember the old joke becareful what you wish for.) My surgery was August 1st. Only in the past 2 weeks have I stopped losing function and started to gain slight improvement in my right arm only. I've been on 60 mg EOD prednisone for one month and I'm finishing a second month at 30 mg EOD. I'm being told to wait for 18 months and I should regain significant use. Are there any other surgery patents like this out there?

[admin]

Are u saying you have no deltoids/biceps in either arm as of now...because I feel for you. The muscolo...nerve is just for the biceps tho, the axillary nerve is for the deltoid. I had damage central cord syndrome or bilateral damage at C5 not sure which but which affected both arms too deltoids/biceps. I am 8 months post now and the right arm has improved substantially and continues to regain strength, the left arm I still amn't sure if those muscles are innervated (am going for another emg this month) but its definitely improved whether from compensation from other muscles or what I don't know. Its really really slow but it does take time. I am hoping I will keep regaining strength for 2/3 years. So fingers crossed for you too.

[admin]

Thanks for your response. I think the worst thing since this happened in August was not knowing where to go or talk with others that have a similar occurrence. You feel alone and the doctors are still running from the subject hoping that they are not liable. As a scientist I have always believed in getting all the information on the table. I found this site from an old friend who's granddaughter has Erbs syndrome. He also recommended Dr. at Baylor. They were nice enough to write back in two days. i will let you know what they find