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Does anyone have MS complicated by arthritis?

After 25 years of having MS, my spine is shot from spastic muscles. It feels like I have magnets in my back pulling me backwards, but the displaced vertebrae makes it so I can't stand straight and I want to fold in half. I can't find the sweet spot where no evil forces are at work. I have mild, moderate, and severe slippage at different levels so I can't help but think that some the weakness I feel in my legs is partially cause by my orthopedic issues. I had a consult with an orthopedic spine Doctor. As soon as he saw I had MS he said the only way to keep your spine from moving was rods and screws and I would have a poor outcome due to my MS. So I said I to him all these years I've tried everything and put toxic drugs in my body to avoid being in a wheelchair but I'm gonna end up in one anyway because my stenosis of spinal canal is going to continue to get worse and there is nothing I can do? He said 'yup'. I wanted to slap that little punk. So now I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon for a second opinion in May. Anyone gone down this road?

  1. Hi ASAPcindy! While I do not know of any of community members going through a similar experience to yours, that doesn't mean they aren't here. And I do hope someone can chime in with some personal input for you. I definitely think it's smart that you are seeking a second opinion on this matter. While I can't answer any of the medical aspects mentioned in your post, I know that people with MS are fighters and I have no doubt that no matter what you face, you will face it with strength and determination. Good luck and please keep us posted, should you feel comfortable doing so! Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

    1. YES!!! I could have written this post, except my doctor knew little about MS. He showed me a contraption that looked like a monsters spinal cord with tons of metal and plastic. Horrifying! He said to come back and see him when I could no longer walk to the mailbox and back. After getting back into the car I reopened the door. My husband asked me where I was going. I told him back to see the doctor again! Our mail boxes are down the road and around the corner!! I was just trying to add a little levity to this nightmare!
      I was 22 when I was diagnosed with PPMS and am 71 now. Most of my symptoms have occurred in my back and like you my spine doesn’t always want to carry me. Or hold me up right. Hang in there!

      1. Just starting to. NOT liking this at all !!!!!!

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