I was diagnosed with rmsf in may and have had severe pain in lower back down to inner thigh since. I had an MRI done and it shows mild narrowing with osteophytes. Not enough for the neurosurgeon to constitute surgery. Will have a myelogram tomorrow to see

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

For the benefit of our readers, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe disease. It is potentially fatal. The disease is spread by ticks. It was first recognized in the Rocky Mountain states. RMSF is now found in practically all states in the US.

Muscle and joint pain are common symptoms of RMSF and it sounds like you now have bone spurs. Your myelogram tomorrow will let you know about the state of your spinal canal.

Gangrene is a very rare complication of RMSF - why do you think you could have this? What are your symptoms. RMSF can cause rash - is this is what you are seeing? Is there anything else?

Best,
Susan