Understanding Myelomalacia: A Personal Account
In my experience with multiple sclerosis, I discovered that my neurologist had not reviewed any of my MRI reports since 2015. It wasn't until I obtained the records in 2022 that I learned about the presence of myelomalacia, a herniated disc, and moderate spinal stenosis in my condition. Alarmingly, my spinal cord is now showing signs of flattening. To make matters worse, I found out that my case file has been marked, preventing other doctors from referring me to a spine surgeon or conducting an EMG test. It seems there is an ongoing attempt to conceal my neurologist's oversight. As a proactive step, I have transferred my medical records to the MS Clinic at Burnaby Hospital in hopes of receiving the necessary care. However, if I do not see progress, I am considering reaching out to the media and potentially seeking surgical treatment abroad in Mexico.
Answers (1)
7/2/2025, 3:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing a challenging situation with your health, particularly regarding myelomalacia and your experiences with your neurologist. It’s understandable to feel frustrated, especially when it comes to significant findings like spinal cord flattening, which may impact your overall well-being. Let’s focus on actionable steps to ensure you receive the care you need.
Main Points:
- Understanding Myelomalacia and Spinal Health: Myelomalacia indicates softening of the spinal cord tissue, which can lead to neurological issues. Spinal stenosis and herniated discs may also contribute to symptoms.
- Next Steps for Care: It's crucial to pursue comprehensive evaluation and treatment options.
Explanation:
Myelomalacia can arise from various factors, including trauma or chronic pressure on the spinal cord, like from herniated discs. The presence of spinal stenosis can further complicate your symptoms and impact mobility or strength. Given that your medical oversight has potentially hindered access to appropriate care, it's good that you are taking proactive steps by transferring your records to a specialized clinic.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Follow Up with the MS Clinic: Make sure to schedule an appointment with the MS Clinic at Burnaby Hospital as soon as possible. Bring all your MRI reports and any medical history that you have gathered. Clear communication about your symptoms and concerns will help doctors assist you better.
-
Seek a Multidisciplinary Approach: Request evaluations from specialists not only in neurology but also in pain management and spinal surgery if necessary. This may help you understand all facets of your condition and get a comprehensive treatment plan.
-
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, treatments tried, and any interactions with healthcare providers. This documentation can be essential for future medical consultations and if you pursue legal or media avenues.
-
Consider a Second Opinion: If progress is slow or you feel your concerns are not being addressed, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from a different neurologist or spinal specialist. They may be able to provide insights or treatment options that others have not considered.
-
Explore Patient Advocacy: If you encounter systemic issues or believe your previous care was negligent, consider reaching out to patient advocacy groups that can provide support and guidance on navigating healthcare systems.
-
Research Surgical Options Thoughtfully: While considering surgery abroad, ensure the facilities and surgeons are reputable and that you understand the risks involved with any surgical procedure.
Remember, it’s your health, and you have the right to seek the best possible care. Please take these steps to prioritize your health and well-being, and feel free to update me on your progress or if you have any more questions.
Related Questions
The Gradual Deterioration of a Comatose Patient
For over 45 days, my sister-in-law, aged 30, has been in a comatose state. Today, we faced a troubling event: one of her teeth dislodged due to her jaw clenching and the occurrence of myoclonic jerks. Alarmingly, other teeth are also becoming loose. As a family, we are grappling with the reality of her declining condition. The emotional toll is significant, especially for my wife, who strives to maintain her strength by engaging in daily conversations with her. The coma was triggered by a hypoxic brain injury. I shared a more comprehensive update about her condition in a previous post, which provides further insights. The latest assessment from the medical team highlighted the following diagnoses: 1. Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy 2. Bloodstream infection (Candida Parapsilosis) 3. Resolved Diabetic Ketoacidosis 4. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (Miller Fisher variant) accompanied by paraparesis 5. Bed sore located on the buttock area 6. Pre-existing conditions: Type I Diabetes Mellitus and hypothyroidism. Since April 12, 2025, she has been receiving intensive care in the ICU.
Duration and Effects of Caffeine, Guanfacine, Lexapro, and Hypervitaminosis Withdrawals
I significantly reduced my intake of Guanfacine after misinterpreting the guidelines for a few days. While I've stopped taking caffeine pills, I still consume coffee and particularly tea. I've also transitioned away from Lexapro, swapping it for Zoloft to address trauma, but I, too, have recently ceased its use. Additionally, I've cut back on vitamins like magnesium, D3, B12, Vitamin C, and Zinc, which I realize I had been exceeding the recommended dosages of for at least a year. I definitely sense a change; I feel improved in certain aspects, but I am worried that I might be experiencing withdrawal symptoms as well. What insights can you share regarding the recovering process? How long should I anticipate these symptoms to linger? As I approach my 30s, I am currently prescribed Vyvanse, Zoloft, and Abilify. My dosages include 60 mg of Vyvanse, approximately 110 mg of Zoloft (also known as Sertraline), 20 mg of Abilify, and 2 mg of Guanfacine at nighttime.
Concerns Over Possible Chigger Bite on My Mother
I’m reaching out regarding my mother, who is 62 years old and has no existing health issues that would compromise her immune system. She has developed a wound approximately two centimeters wide that is notably concave, sinking about a centimeter inward. The area surrounding it appears very inflamed and red. Earlier this year, she experienced two severe tick bites and received treatment with doxycycline for each. Now, she believes this new issue might be related to a chigger bite, which occurred about three weeks ago. Initially, the bite had a dark center, but she removed that part and has been treating the area with various antiseptics, including rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and tea tree oil. Additionally, a week ago, her doctor prescribed antibiotic ointment, which she has been applying along with the other treatments. Currently, she is taking oral antibiotics for a total of five days and has only two days of the course left. During her visit to the doctor to get the antibiotics, the physician noticed red streaks extending from the wound, which I presume are related to the blood vessels in the area. Unfortunately, I’m unable to share any images here for further clarity!
Seeking Guidance on My Aunt's Severe Seizure Episodes
Greetings, esteemed medical professionals, I find myself in desperate need of assistance regarding my aunt, a 40-year-old woman residing in Bangladesh. For many years, she has dealt with several ongoing health issues, including high cholesterol levels, an enlarged liver, and complications with her kidneys. However, her situation has recently worsened, and we are increasingly concerned. During her episodes, she exhibits significant symptoms: - She suddenly loses consciousness or becomes entirely unresponsive. - Her body undergoes intense shaking that can last anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. - There are instances of her biting her tongue during these seizures. - On rare occasions, her tongue retracts towards her throat, causing breathing difficulties that can last for about four to five minutes. - Throughout this experience, she is unable to speak or open her eyes. - Once the episode concludes, she often appears disoriented and extremely fatigued. We sought medical attention at a local hospital, where the diagnosis was seizures. The doctors prescribed her the following medications: - Encorate Chrono 200 (Sodium Valproate) - Anfree 10 (Clobazam) - Deprex 5 (Escitalopram) Additionally, she received IV treatments, including: - Exium 40mg (Esomeprazole) - Aciphin Ceftriaxone 2g (an antibiotic) Both her brain CT scan and ECG results were normal, which adds to our worries since we lack access to further diagnostic tools such as EEG and MRI. The length and severity of her seizures, along with the choking episodes, raise alarms for us. Could this potentially be epilepsy? Alternatively, might it relate to her existing liver or kidney problems, such as hepatic encephalopathy? We are eager to gather insights or advice on this matter. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Concerned About a Possible Posterior Nosebleed: When to Seek Medical Advice?
I'm a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'1" and weighing 105 pounds. Recently, I experienced a concerning incident where I noticed blood in my right nostril. Without thinking, I rushed to the bathroom and tilted my head back, a move I'm now aware is not advisable. Almost immediately, I felt a significant rush of blood flowing down my throat, which lasted for approximately 30 seconds. Towards the end of this episode, I expelled a small, soft clot that may have been a blood clot, although I'm not certain. After pinching my nose, the bleeding gradually subsided, and now, about 20 minutes later, there's only a small amount of dried blood in my nostril, along with faint traces in my saliva, which is more than I anticipated given the initial flow. I don’t frequently suffer from nosebleeds, perhaps only a couple of times a year, and I’ve never experienced such a strong sensation of blood rushing down my throat before. I am not currently taking any medications, have not experienced any recent trauma to my head or face, and while the air in my home is somewhat dry, it's summer. I was simply working at my computer when this episode occurred, with no obvious irritants present. Should I monitor my situation to see if this recurs, or would it be wise to consult a healthcare professional?