Sick of Pain
11-03-2003, 02:11 AM
I had ACDF at C-5/C-6 this past monday(10/27/03) at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania by Dr. Maroon. He used donor bone and a plate which consisted of 6 screws. Only a 2" cut on my neck. I feel wonderful!!! I woke up with instant relief in my right shoulder and arm. My voice is normal and am eating solid foods. My throat hurt like heck for only 3 days but is completely healed. The only pain I have now is post op which will pass in weeks to come. Those of you that are afraid (I was too) don't be. Know your doctor and his reputation. I thank God for this blessing and for the ability He has given these men. Check out Dr. Maroons web site for yourself http://www.josephmaroon.com/
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JonInTampa
11-03-2003, 12:54 PM
Great to read about your success to date! Hope you continue to do well. Also, would be great if you could continue to share the results of your recover from surgery. I think I read that you previously saw Dr. Jho and didn't have good results there. If so, you have the unique perspective of experiencing both Dr. Jho's procedures and conventional cervical fusion. Hope you can share that with us. Thanks, Jon in Tampa
nero
11-04-2003, 10:55 AM
Dear SICK OF PAIN,
Me too. That is why I am booked for ACDF c5-6 maybe c-6-7 with own bone fusion.
Thanks for the good news. I see my Dr. today (who may cancel due to broken foot and own surgery this past week) and I feel better to know that you have done so well. I am scheduled Nov 10 8.am.
Believe it or not I have herniated l5-s1 and awaiting microdiskectomy after this surgery but I treadmill 5 days a week for an hour and exercise my arms as i walk and that has helped me stay physically and emotionally stable. I read the fitter you are the better and my blood pressure showed the anaethesiologist i was in terrific shape,...so i pray that my six hour surgery will be like yours.
I hope to hear from you.. so i can feel like there is something to compare with, within reason, as I try to recover. I am worried about this cycle of having to have future fusions because of disc stress at adjacent sites but when you can't lift anything anymore or work for any period of time its time to bite the bullet and be proactive ...this surgery seems to be MY only chance at this...
God bless, good luck and rest, rest, rest.
NERO
Me too. That is why I am booked for ACDF c5-6 maybe c-6-7 with own bone fusion.
Thanks for the good news. I see my Dr. today (who may cancel due to broken foot and own surgery this past week) and I feel better to know that you have done so well. I am scheduled Nov 10 8.am.
Believe it or not I have herniated l5-s1 and awaiting microdiskectomy after this surgery but I treadmill 5 days a week for an hour and exercise my arms as i walk and that has helped me stay physically and emotionally stable. I read the fitter you are the better and my blood pressure showed the anaethesiologist i was in terrific shape,...so i pray that my six hour surgery will be like yours.
I hope to hear from you.. so i can feel like there is something to compare with, within reason, as I try to recover. I am worried about this cycle of having to have future fusions because of disc stress at adjacent sites but when you can't lift anything anymore or work for any period of time its time to bite the bullet and be proactive ...this surgery seems to be MY only chance at this...
God bless, good luck and rest, rest, rest.
NERO
Pino
11-04-2003, 06:23 PM
I had ACDF at C-5/C-6 this past monday(10/27/03) at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania by Dr. Maroon. He used donor bone and a plate which consisted of 6 screws. Only a 2" cut on my neck. I feel wonderful!!! I woke up with instant relief in my right shoulder and arm. My voice is normal and am eating solid foods. My throat hurt like heck for only 3 days but is completely healed. The only pain I have now is post op which will pass in weeks to come. Those of you that are afraid (I was too) don't be. Know your doctor and his reputation. I thank God for this blessing and for the ability He has given these men. Check out Dr. Maroons web site for yourself http://www.josephmaroon.com/
Hey sick of pain if I may trouble you for your experience and situation with Dr Jho. I have a surgery scheduled on the 11th. What was your specific injury? What did you expect and what happened? Thanks...Pino
Hey sick of pain if I may trouble you for your experience and situation with Dr Jho. I have a surgery scheduled on the 11th. What was your specific injury? What did you expect and what happened? Thanks...Pino
Sick of Pain
11-06-2003, 01:29 AM
Hello to all of you and I pray that you are free from pain soon. Thank you for you replys to my post. Before I answer any of your questions please re-read my post about Dr. Jho that I have copied and pasted here:
I have had quite the negative experience with Dr Jho. I had surgery this year in February and even up to this very day, I am worse off now than before the surgery. C-5 and C-6 were herniated and as a Myleogram followed by a CT scan revealed 4 weeks ago that it is in fact just as hernatied as it was prior to Dr Joe. During the follow up visit in April, he showed me on the MRI that it was still herniated. I was told it just need more time to heal. Now because the pain was so great, he wanted to see me again (June), this time his story was quite different stating that there was no reason that I should be in pain, I was sent to therapy for the next 6 weeks. But as time went on it became a battle of lies and pain pills. HE was offended that it (the surgery) was a failure. He is however a brilliant man, but not a personal caring doctor. You will see for yourself if you meet him. Now that I know more about my condition, I do not believe in his method, had I known more I would never had allowed him to operate in the first place. I am now having a fusion done on the 27th. Take care...("OK now I will try and answer")
For 2 years now my neck, right sholder and arm have been killing me. As you all know this constant pain makes you wish you were dead. Please keep in mind that I realize Dr Jho has helped others and that I do not hate him. However, I do not like him, nor trust him because he lied to me. First he said he didn't get the herniation on the 6th week post op visit. Then a few months later he said there is nothing wrong and accused me of being on workmenscomp which I am not. For months he gave me a pain pill called Perocet. I then in August started looking into other means of help and that is how I found Dr. Maroon. He did not want to help at first because Dr. Jho was in there first but said out of an act of compassion and because I am young that he would help me. But first I had to go through some tests other than the post op MRI. He sent me for a Myleogram followed by a CT scan and he found that the herniation was never even touched. Then I was sent for a cervical root nerve block to make sure that the only source of pain was in fact from C5-C-6. And thank God, it was. When I woke up from surgery last monday my sholder and arm were 100% pain free. If I could do it all over again I would have spoken to several doctors. The bottom line is that Dr Jho does not care about people, its just a high paying job. It would have ment his pride to re operate on me and take away the pain that has left me unable to work.
I have had quite the negative experience with Dr Jho. I had surgery this year in February and even up to this very day, I am worse off now than before the surgery. C-5 and C-6 were herniated and as a Myleogram followed by a CT scan revealed 4 weeks ago that it is in fact just as hernatied as it was prior to Dr Joe. During the follow up visit in April, he showed me on the MRI that it was still herniated. I was told it just need more time to heal. Now because the pain was so great, he wanted to see me again (June), this time his story was quite different stating that there was no reason that I should be in pain, I was sent to therapy for the next 6 weeks. But as time went on it became a battle of lies and pain pills. HE was offended that it (the surgery) was a failure. He is however a brilliant man, but not a personal caring doctor. You will see for yourself if you meet him. Now that I know more about my condition, I do not believe in his method, had I known more I would never had allowed him to operate in the first place. I am now having a fusion done on the 27th. Take care...("OK now I will try and answer")
For 2 years now my neck, right sholder and arm have been killing me. As you all know this constant pain makes you wish you were dead. Please keep in mind that I realize Dr Jho has helped others and that I do not hate him. However, I do not like him, nor trust him because he lied to me. First he said he didn't get the herniation on the 6th week post op visit. Then a few months later he said there is nothing wrong and accused me of being on workmenscomp which I am not. For months he gave me a pain pill called Perocet. I then in August started looking into other means of help and that is how I found Dr. Maroon. He did not want to help at first because Dr. Jho was in there first but said out of an act of compassion and because I am young that he would help me. But first I had to go through some tests other than the post op MRI. He sent me for a Myleogram followed by a CT scan and he found that the herniation was never even touched. Then I was sent for a cervical root nerve block to make sure that the only source of pain was in fact from C5-C-6. And thank God, it was. When I woke up from surgery last monday my sholder and arm were 100% pain free. If I could do it all over again I would have spoken to several doctors. The bottom line is that Dr Jho does not care about people, its just a high paying job. It would have ment his pride to re operate on me and take away the pain that has left me unable to work.
Sick of Pain
11-06-2003, 01:52 AM
JonInTampa
The way I understand a herniated disk is like holding a marshmallow. When you squeeze it, it collapses and pinches off nerves that exit the spine. Dr.Jho didn't fix that, he only removed what he called the shattered pieces. Now Dr Maroon on the other hand removed the disk interlay and then inserted a larger piece of donor bone to UN-pinch the nerve that feeds the right side(sholder and arm). After that he placed a metal plate with 6 screws. They told me they actually pulled on my head while Dr Maroon pounded the bone graft in with a hammer. All I can say is that it worked and the pain is gone. Dr Jho's method does not change the fact that the disk has collapsed and is pinching nerves. It may work for others but not for me. That wasn't even an issue, the problem is that he did not want to help me after he failed. Check out Dr. Maroons web site.
The way I understand a herniated disk is like holding a marshmallow. When you squeeze it, it collapses and pinches off nerves that exit the spine. Dr.Jho didn't fix that, he only removed what he called the shattered pieces. Now Dr Maroon on the other hand removed the disk interlay and then inserted a larger piece of donor bone to UN-pinch the nerve that feeds the right side(sholder and arm). After that he placed a metal plate with 6 screws. They told me they actually pulled on my head while Dr Maroon pounded the bone graft in with a hammer. All I can say is that it worked and the pain is gone. Dr Jho's method does not change the fact that the disk has collapsed and is pinching nerves. It may work for others but not for me. That wasn't even an issue, the problem is that he did not want to help me after he failed. Check out Dr. Maroons web site.
DonnaKay
11-06-2003, 06:11 AM
Sick of pain - I have surgery today (11/6/03). I visited Dr. Maroon's site - his qualifications and experience are very similar to my ns. I had a fusion at 5-6 in 1997 - same ns. I felt blessed to be in his care then. I am equally blessed at this time to be in his care again. I can't imagine living with the pain you have been for two years. My pain started October 16 (minor) and escalated each day until I went for MRI on 23. I just saw my ns yesterday (11/4) and he wanted to get me to surgery asap b/c of my arm weakness. He said he could wait one week and I might not have any use of my right arm. It has been affected pretty severely. That's the only reason for the quick surgery - but I am so excited to read your results! I have been excited since my dr. scheduled my surgery so fast b/c of the pain I've been in - my husband keeps telling me he is so proud of my attitude, but I can't imagine any other attitude. I'm going to be pain free tomorrow! Steroids help with the pain, but it doesn't help with my arm strength. Anyway, I'm sorry I'm rambling ... I had my last little snack at midnight, it is now 4 a.m., I can't sleep (I am usually re-medicating myself every 3 hours, so I'm out of my routine), and I got on here just to read to pass time, and lo and behold I read your post. It's like I was supposed to wake up and see it. Thank you, Lord. :-) I wish you continued success with your healing. Thanks again for posting.
JonInTampa
11-06-2003, 10:09 AM
Sick of Pain,
All that hammering, plating and screwing is part of a standard
fusion with plate and screw operation. I'm glad to see
it has given you pain relief.
Doctors have been performing fusions since the 1950's.
It has a high success rate, but had drawbacks. That is
why people look for alternatives, like Dr. Jho's procedures,
and the development of artificial discs.
I'm also glad to read that you've been able to have a
successful fusion after unsatisfactory results with
Dr. Jho.
I've had two neck surgeries with Dr. Jho.
The first one a year ago restored lost strength and
has given me some pain relief (that relief continues
slowly even a year later). The second, 5 weeks ago
has left me in more pain, but I'm hoping that pain is from
surgical swelling. If not I will have to continue my
search for relief.
It's disappointing to read that Dr. Jho and his staff didn't
give you the support you needed after the unsatisfactory results.
If I don't improve, I will likely face the same problem, as my
disability and vacation time run out in a few weeks. But that is
the risk with surgery. When it leaves you in pain, I think it's a
rare surgeon that will stand up for you.
I hope you continue to do well. Look at the bright side; there are profession football players with neck fusions, so yours should hold
up fine.
All that hammering, plating and screwing is part of a standard
fusion with plate and screw operation. I'm glad to see
it has given you pain relief.
Doctors have been performing fusions since the 1950's.
It has a high success rate, but had drawbacks. That is
why people look for alternatives, like Dr. Jho's procedures,
and the development of artificial discs.
I'm also glad to read that you've been able to have a
successful fusion after unsatisfactory results with
Dr. Jho.
I've had two neck surgeries with Dr. Jho.
The first one a year ago restored lost strength and
has given me some pain relief (that relief continues
slowly even a year later). The second, 5 weeks ago
has left me in more pain, but I'm hoping that pain is from
surgical swelling. If not I will have to continue my
search for relief.
It's disappointing to read that Dr. Jho and his staff didn't
give you the support you needed after the unsatisfactory results.
If I don't improve, I will likely face the same problem, as my
disability and vacation time run out in a few weeks. But that is
the risk with surgery. When it leaves you in pain, I think it's a
rare surgeon that will stand up for you.
I hope you continue to do well. Look at the bright side; there are profession football players with neck fusions, so yours should hold
up fine.
Pino
11-06-2003, 06:56 PM
Sick of Pain,
All that hammering, plating and screwing is part of a standard
fusion with plate and screw operation. I'm glad to see
it has given you pain relief.
Doctors have been performing fusions since the 1950's.
It has a high success rate, but had drawbacks. That is
why people look for alternatives, like Dr. Jho's procedures,
and the development of artificial discs.
I'm also glad to read that you've been able to have a
successful fusion after unsatisfactory results with
Dr. Jho.
I've had two neck surgeries with Dr. Jho.
The first one a year ago restored lost strength and
has given me some pain relief (that relief continues
slowly even a year later). The second, 5 weeks ago
has left me in more pain, but I'm hoping that pain is from
surgical swelling. If not I will have to continue my
search for relief.
It's disappointing to read that Dr. Jho and his staff didn't
give you the support you needed after the unsatisfactory results.
If I don't improve, I will likely face the same problem, as my
disability and vacation time run out in a few weeks. But that is
the risk with surgery. When it leaves you in pain, I think it's a
rare surgeon that will stand up for you.
I hope you continue to do well. Look at the bright side; there are profession football players with neck fusions, so yours should hold
up fine.
Hey Jon in Tampa I think you responded to me awhile ago but I did not know how to send back. Myself and another board member are scheduled with Dr Jho the 11th. When you say more pain, could you give more detail. I had a surgery many years ago on the same disk C5-6 and when I was in the process of recovery at home my original symptoms were more amplified for about a month. I believe that to be like sleeping on your arm. You don't really notice until you wake up and then you feel it. Another words the nerve is no longer comprimised so it is awakening. Thanks Pino
All that hammering, plating and screwing is part of a standard
fusion with plate and screw operation. I'm glad to see
it has given you pain relief.
Doctors have been performing fusions since the 1950's.
It has a high success rate, but had drawbacks. That is
why people look for alternatives, like Dr. Jho's procedures,
and the development of artificial discs.
I'm also glad to read that you've been able to have a
successful fusion after unsatisfactory results with
Dr. Jho.
I've had two neck surgeries with Dr. Jho.
The first one a year ago restored lost strength and
has given me some pain relief (that relief continues
slowly even a year later). The second, 5 weeks ago
has left me in more pain, but I'm hoping that pain is from
surgical swelling. If not I will have to continue my
search for relief.
It's disappointing to read that Dr. Jho and his staff didn't
give you the support you needed after the unsatisfactory results.
If I don't improve, I will likely face the same problem, as my
disability and vacation time run out in a few weeks. But that is
the risk with surgery. When it leaves you in pain, I think it's a
rare surgeon that will stand up for you.
I hope you continue to do well. Look at the bright side; there are profession football players with neck fusions, so yours should hold
up fine.
Hey Jon in Tampa I think you responded to me awhile ago but I did not know how to send back. Myself and another board member are scheduled with Dr Jho the 11th. When you say more pain, could you give more detail. I had a surgery many years ago on the same disk C5-6 and when I was in the process of recovery at home my original symptoms were more amplified for about a month. I believe that to be like sleeping on your arm. You don't really notice until you wake up and then you feel it. Another words the nerve is no longer comprimised so it is awakening. Thanks Pino
JonInTampa
11-07-2003, 11:16 AM
Pino, I think this is different from nerve recovery pain. This was an acute event about a week after the surgery. An immediate feeling of heat in my right shoulder and almost like a feeling of a rubberband slapping against it. Then not only pain but also about 25 percent loss of strength in my right arm.
I know what you mean about "nerve recovery pain". I've been dealing with that with my left side. Again, I had surgery from Dr. Jho on my left side about a year ago. I'm told that it can take very long for nerves to reach maximum recovery, possibly a year and a half.
Hopefully I know more after Dr. Jho gets to review my 6 week MRI (that I will have next week). I'm hoping this is just post surgical
swelling.
Good luck on your procedure. As you've read, most people do very well.
I know what you mean about "nerve recovery pain". I've been dealing with that with my left side. Again, I had surgery from Dr. Jho on my left side about a year ago. I'm told that it can take very long for nerves to reach maximum recovery, possibly a year and a half.
Hopefully I know more after Dr. Jho gets to review my 6 week MRI (that I will have next week). I'm hoping this is just post surgical
swelling.
Good luck on your procedure. As you've read, most people do very well.