At the request of my physician, I had an MRI taken of my neck on the 26th of December. The purpose was to determine if there was any change to the injured area. In rare circumstances, a cyst can form and fill with fluid which places pressure on the spinal cord. The pressure can result in increased spasms, numbing, strength loss, and more. Prior to getting the MRI, the physician told me the chance of having the cyst is slim to none. Well, the MRI showed that I do indeed have a cyst pressing against my cord.

What does this mean? Well, there is a great chance that removing the fluid and relieving the pressure will free up my left side and allow for "normal" movement. Essentially, it will allow me to lose the crutch/cane and use my left arm/leg in every day activities. Unless you were aware of the actual injury it would be undetectable. Can you believe that? There are some inherent risks involved, but they are minor. I've never been one to not take risks (imagine that?) I will be meeting with the surgeon within the next few days and determining when the fluid will be removed. I will keep you updated as to when/where/what etc.

With all of this being said, I have to reflect back to when I was in Intensive Care a year ago and made a promise to God that if I could breathe without a respirator, I was going to be all right. Everything after that was a bonus!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Dan