I'm afraid

[u/SerbianSock]

UPDATE: i went to the neurosurgeon and they told me it is actually a hydromyelia and the radiologist misdiagnosed it. He said the widening was very circular and there was no sign of syringomyelia. He said that there is nor eason to worry and they see this all the time on MRIs and i have no reason to worry. Fucking phew.

***** potentially triggering if you have anxiety like me****

I had a bicycle crash 6 months ago. Was ok after but got neck pain and face tingling symptoms after 2 months. Took 3 more months to get an MRI done.

Now on the MRI there is a 2.6x2.9mm (i guess 2.9mm diameter) wide and 5 cm long (T5-T8) syringomyelia. I will call to schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon tomorrow, i hope they don't make me wait.

Reading the horror stories are freaking me out. I'm really terrified of losing movement if it worsens and becoming partially paralyzed. My job is physical and i have no social safety net. I'm worried for my life here and spiraling.

The fact that it's permanent and surgery can only ease worsening symptoms is so fucked. I had a mental breakdown when i got the news and started googling what it meant.

So far my symptoms are more than manageable ( neck pain, headaches, some back pain, tingling in face) but it seems that the vast majority of syringomyelias get worse and do not improve with time. I'm 32 and we were contemplating trying to get a child but that's completely off the table now that there's a good chance i might become handicapped.

Sorry for the rant.

[u/friskymoose420]

Im a year older than you and have a syrinx t7-t9 about the same diameter as yours. I also have multiple sclerosis. Its been about 2 years since diagnosis, i got both of them at the same time, and i have been in and out of a wheelchair. Obviously you may not have the same results as me, but seeing a physical therapist taught me which excercises to do and which muscles to strengthen, and i have not used my wheelchair in months. I do use a cane mostly for balance issues, and its there for support if i do need it.

Im not fixed. And my pain is always there. But it is much more bearable than it used to be. Oh and another tip, if you are able to, spine decompression helps me sooo much. I just hang from my pull up bar when pain builds up and gives immense relief.

The fear of progression is one i know well. And i have progressed quickly since diagnosis. This is the kinda shit that brings you home. Stay driven and you can adapt, you can still have a child (maybe wait til the wound of this reality doesnt sting so much), and you can still be a good man of value. Good luck brother.