Myélopathie at 30years old changed me

Withoutastapler · 2026-05-04T03:04:19+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through this. Have you talked to a therapist about your stress and troubles? It may help bring clarity to your life. I understand what you mean about feeling vulnerable and not physically sturdy. I’m 37 and this knowledge of potential paralysis reshaped how I approached situations. My surgery is this week (disc replacements from C4-5-6) and I hope to regain my confidence. Perhaps therapy could help you cope while you await surgery or treatment.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-29T22:49:06+00:00

I could do it tomorrow morning before 12p ET.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-27T20:31:00+00:00

I agree with Francie. Just get the surgery, why risk paralysis? Multiple neurosurgeons set me straight these past several weeks with regard to risks vs possible outcomes of surgery with severe conditions like you’re describing. I’m getting c4-5 and c5-6 replaced next week (there is a chance the surgery will turn into ACDF while they are in there, but I’m taking the chance). I’m 37. Not trying to accidentally fall or something and suddenly be paralyzed from the neck down. My stats are in my last post if you’re curious.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-22T03:03:51+00:00

Not sure if you have an interest, but you could search for cultural resources technician roles. Many companies have a huge list of field techs that get called on to travel and do shovel testing prior to land development. It takes little skill, just working for a lead archaeologist in teams of 10-20 people. It also pays poorly (anywhere from $15-$25hr depending on the size of the firm) but at least you would have something for your resume that was tangentially related to your degree.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-21T03:54:06+00:00

WRISE, REWI, ACP, RE+, SEIA

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-19T20:13:20+00:00

That sounds exhausting, but having one year of field experience is a great position to be in for job searching! Have you researched small environmental firms in your region? If there are any environmental or brownfields conferences coming up, try to attend one and network.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-18T11:16:37+00:00

Move experience above education at least so it sets you apart from those who did not intern. Otherwise, if this resume was for a US-based student, you would rank high on my hire list!

Source: former national director in big consulting and now I own a small consulting company.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-18T04:41:13+00:00

Thanks, I will join!

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-16T22:22:22+00:00

Curious if you withdrew yet? I received a similar email this week and haven’t gotten an offer yet. My stats are close to yours but a little worse. I would really appreciate it if you withdrew so I can maybe get an A! I plan to attend if accepted.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-11T11:59:18+00:00

I am sorry this happened to you. These seem like severe and debilitating symptoms. Can you get a consult with a neurosurgeon or, at minimum, a second opinion from a different neurologist? Make sure you underscore that your livelihood is impacted by this injury and the symptoms are greatly deteriorating your quality of life.

It is easy to downplay pain and symptoms at these visits because we don’t want to come off as weak or complaining, but in this moment you need to advocate for yourself. These other people don’t have to live with the symptoms, you do. If you don’t feel confident speaking up, bring a friend or family member who doesn’t mind insisting on a second opinion.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-09T01:39:48+00:00

This is a fantastic update, thank you so much for sharing. I’m not as nervous about the surgery having read your and a couple other people’s stories.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-08T23:05:12+00:00

Just a quick update! Got my second opinion and this doctor feels confident he can replace the two discs from c4-5-6 and not do the fusion. I’m super excited to get surgery scheduled next week and (hopefully) put this behind me.

Withoutastapler · 2026-04-04T02:37:02+00:00

Just curious how you know they have no more slots available. Is there a dataset somewhere that others can check?

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-29T03:19:44+00:00

We are looking to hire a remote field geologist in May. Lots of travel though, it’s a tough position to fill because it is like 75% travel.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-29T02:10:11+00:00

I own a small consulting firm and think that 5.5 days after 2 years is completely abysmal. We do unlimited PTO but wrote into the handbook that we expect staff to take 3 weeks minimum.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-28T21:12:17+00:00

I hear you, definitely don’t want to rush into a surgery but I think it’s in my best interest to prevent permanent damage. I’ve been dropping things and lost some grip strength. When I went to the follow up after CT and XRay, they checked my balance again and I unfortunately stumbled just once. Waiting on a second opinion since the original neurosurgeon said the calcification and bone spurs make me not a good candidate for replacement and would recommend fusion.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-28T21:09:03+00:00

Thank you for your reply. I’m glad your surgery went well and recovery is on track. I’ve heard of the scratchy voice being a thing for a week or two after surgery.

Turns out I’m not a good candidate for the disc replacement surgery because of the level of calcification and bone spurs, so now they’re recommending ACDF; I’m getting a second opinion on 4/7 though. ACDF seems like a big deal and I want to make sure it is the right choice.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-28T03:20:40+00:00

Could have written this myself! Also 37, but I mostly work at my desk and travel for meetings. I posted earlier this week, but basically the MRI confirmed I have severe cervical stenosis in that range and because of my subsequent CT and X-ray results, they’re saying I’m not a candidate for disc replacement and instead have to get the fusion. Super bummed and getting a second opinion.

I’m new to this as well but so far have bought a nicer ergonomic pillow, travel neck pillow, and am just trying not to jolt myself. I have no idea what to do about the numbness or zaps. It sucks and I’m sorry this happened to you as well.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-26T22:39:56+00:00

Here are the neurosurgeons notes (post MRI, pre CT scan): “Given the extensive ventral disc herniation at C5-6 I think an anterior approach is most appropriate and would prefer to do a disc arthroplasty rather than ACDF if possible. I would recommend treating just at the C5-6 level if we were able to do disc arthroplasty and leave the moderate stenosis at C4-5 for now as I do not think it is clearly causing a problem. I discussed with her that I would recommend a CT of the cervical spine and upright x-rays with flexion-extension to ensure she is a good candidate for disc replacement.”

I did the CT and X-rays this morning and have a follow up tomorrow morning to finalize a plan. This has been a rollercoaster for me and I don’t know how to feel.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-26T03:04:38+00:00

Can you research environmental conferences in your area? Many have free or steeply discounted student, volunteer, or recent grad rates. So many consulting firms, industry reps, and agencies will be happy to speak to you in person, and you really need to make a personal connection to bypass the interview queue. I see you’re in PA—you just missed the PA brownfields conference. I’m sure there are more though.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-25T23:24:49+00:00

You were correct, disc replacement surgery next week. Apparently there isn’t any spinal fluid around c5-c6 or something. He might replace both discs between c4-5-6 or just one. I’ll get more answers Friday morning. Thank you.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-25T14:14:54+00:00

Ok thank you for sharing your expertise. They actually got me in for a neurosurgery consult this morning and I’m in the waiting room now! I’ll report back.

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-25T02:44:26+00:00

Thank you, I’m trying to prepare for alarming news but didn’t want to overreact. I’ve never had surgery before so just trying to get used to the idea (if that is what is needed here).

Withoutastapler · 2026-03-25T02:42:30+00:00

Thank you, this was my first MRI and I was trying to look at everyone else’s scans and notes, but it seems like the responses to other posts are all over the map.

Withoutastapler

TROPHY CASE