Is it called "tone"? I need any info...

[agustin702]

Hello, my name is Amy. I had a C2-C3 intramedullary surgery on March 7,2008.100% of it was removed and I am thankful the way I came out from it.

The only post op symtom that I'd rather not have is the jerky movement of my right arm;it also feels heavy.This was my much better arm pre op-but now,it's not even close to where it was before my surgery.It feels like it has coil spring in it.My fingers have a mind of their own-they stiffen,get clumsy or get on top of the other.Worst of it all is-my fine motor movement is compromised.It's very difficult to do things but I do the best I can with what I have at this time.

Has anyone or anyone you know had this symptom?Will it go away or at least ]come down a little bit?I would like to hear thoughts on this.Please and thank you.

Amy

[Tmasgio]

Hi Amy,
I am glad that you found us but sorry you had to. does your fingers stiffen with movement or when they are stimulated? Alot of time spasms or clonus (tone) can be cause by over stimulation. You have up to two years to heal from this surgery and some deficits will remain. Keep up with PT as much as you can at this point. You have awhile to go and chances are good that it will calm down but only time will tell. Give yourself time to heal.

Tony

[missym]

Hi Amy,
Congratulations on a very successful surgery and outcome. You are so fresh out of surgery that you will have strange sensations for quite a while. I still get that heavy feeling in my limbs from time to time and I am 6 years out of the same surgery. I never really understood it, but it is quite bothersome when it happens. Give yourself time to heal. 3 months is a good gauge for the big stuff, and 6 months to a year for the other stuff.
Good luck
Missy

[Joel]

Hello Amy!
These symptoms you describe are quite typical in many of us. Jerkiness, weakness, loss of fine motor skills, loss of balance, numbness, pain--these are the things that we all have to some degree or another. Work with your PT on these things, and hopefully most of it will go away. In the meantime, try to adapt. Good to hear from you.
Joel

[agustin702]

Tony, Missy and Joel:
Whew! That makes me feel more at ease and at least I'm on the same track.I celebrate every additional thing that I can do semi independently and independently,no matter how small it is.Thanks again,guys!

[tony]

Hi Amy. Everything everybody has said is pretty much on the money. It takes time. As far as your fine motor skills, I find that doing repetative tasks from simple to complex is a way of improving this problem. Be patient.

Tony