Sam43
12-20-2004, 06:29 PM
Hi,
I’m close to making a decision on ACDF surgery. I have a herniated disc C6-C7 that is pressing against my spinal cord. I also have stenosis and degenerative disc disease with several discs in not-so-good shape.
I originally had a lot of pain with this, but the pain is now more an annoyance and a hindrance than a real serious problem. What’s probably more troubling is some weakness in the left arm and a little in the left leg, along with numbness in two fingers on my left hand.
I had traction therapy, which seemed to help at first, then was finally discontinued because it didn’t seem to be helping anymore.
I’ve been trying things like PT for months in hopes of avoiding surgery. However, I’m meeting my neurosurgeon this week for another MRI and consultation.
I expect him to recommend surgery again (He’s the second surgeon to recommend it, mostly because of the stenosis).
I am having trouble making the decision, in part because although my life is affected, I am not in constant agony or even unable to do most day-to-day things. The condition does cause problems for me, but surgery seems like such as drastic step.
The second concern for me is that it may affect my voice. I am a semi-professional singer and the thought of having my voice affected is very troubling. I’ve heard that in most cases it is only temporary but I personally know of one case where it was permanent, and I see from these boards where other people have had troubles with their voice for months ongoing after the surgery.
One final concern is whether a fusion at one level will simply hasten problems at other levels. The surgeon I see (who is the head of neurosurgery at a major University, so I figure he knows a little!) says the evidence of this is "anecdotal." However, it seems people on this board feel it does happen.
If anyone in this community has some experience that they think might be helpful to me in making a decision, I would appreciate their input.
I’m close to making a decision on ACDF surgery. I have a herniated disc C6-C7 that is pressing against my spinal cord. I also have stenosis and degenerative disc disease with several discs in not-so-good shape.
I originally had a lot of pain with this, but the pain is now more an annoyance and a hindrance than a real serious problem. What’s probably more troubling is some weakness in the left arm and a little in the left leg, along with numbness in two fingers on my left hand.
I had traction therapy, which seemed to help at first, then was finally discontinued because it didn’t seem to be helping anymore.
I’ve been trying things like PT for months in hopes of avoiding surgery. However, I’m meeting my neurosurgeon this week for another MRI and consultation.
I expect him to recommend surgery again (He’s the second surgeon to recommend it, mostly because of the stenosis).
I am having trouble making the decision, in part because although my life is affected, I am not in constant agony or even unable to do most day-to-day things. The condition does cause problems for me, but surgery seems like such as drastic step.
The second concern for me is that it may affect my voice. I am a semi-professional singer and the thought of having my voice affected is very troubling. I’ve heard that in most cases it is only temporary but I personally know of one case where it was permanent, and I see from these boards where other people have had troubles with their voice for months ongoing after the surgery.
One final concern is whether a fusion at one level will simply hasten problems at other levels. The surgeon I see (who is the head of neurosurgery at a major University, so I figure he knows a little!) says the evidence of this is "anecdotal." However, it seems people on this board feel it does happen.
If anyone in this community has some experience that they think might be helpful to me in making a decision, I would appreciate their input.
Sponsor
kellyv
12-20-2004, 06:56 PM
... deleted ... :)
aspen2cody
12-20-2004, 06:59 PM
I wish I would have found these boards before I had surgery. I would have loved to ask the question you just did. I had acdf on c5c6. I started out with pain in my shoulder blades that was unbearable. I went to chrio which I think made it worse, the pain started in my shoulder and down my arm. I couldnt get in to see any NS for 3 months. The second month of pain was worse than the 1st month. I never developed numbness or weakness in my left arm. I was ordered a MRI which showed a bad herniation with cord contact at c5c6 and bulging discs at other levels and disc degeneration (everyone has that). By the 3rd month the pain was very tolarable but both NS said that I was walking a fine line with how the disc was sitting on my cord. I wish I would have waited personally since I didnt have weakness or numbness. In a week that could have happened but it could have gotten completly well. I will never know. I just dont like waiting for my life to resume while I wait 6 months. On these boards it seems all the people were much worse than I was in symptoms since all I had at the end was pain. Good Luck. My voice was horse for couple of weeks and sometimes it still feels weird when I bend over at the waist sometimes.
rob_zzz
12-20-2004, 11:17 PM
Sam,
I can't offer any advice except to say that I'm pretty much at a similar point to yourself in terms of decision making - symptoms in legs and arms but nothing severe enough to impact normal day to day activity - just prevent me from risking sports/physical activity.
No real pain apart from 'burners' in the dermatomes of the hands at the time of injury which have settled down and mechanical neck pain, so I'm lucky in this regard.
But the neurological symptoms in arms/legs have appeared and seem to be progressing. The main things I have are feelings of heaviness/weakness in arms,legs and other muscles, as well as overall tingling and prickling on skin plus some intermittent numbness.
After all the reading I've done the main two worries I have are the same - voice problems (I enjoy playing guitar and singing) and also adjacent disc problems down the track - fusion can't be undone.
I know there are risks with surgical complications and pseudarthrosis, but I'm thinking they are probably balanced by the risks of deteriorating to a point of permanent neurological defect as well as the risks of a minor car accident etc. causing major problems.
If you are not doing it already it may help to start keeping a detailed record of your symptoms each day and maybe even get someone to video you doing some different things (dexterity exercises) so that you can compare in a month or two how much worse you've gotten.
Something I've noticed is that I'll get a new symptom appearing and panic and want to go for surgery - then a couple of days later I've gotten used to it and am undecided again. The notes are helpful in this regard because I can look back over them and see how much things have changed (or haven't).
There's that fine line between overreacting and jumping too soon vs waiting for a permanent defect that won't be corrected by surgery before deciding to go for it. Just wish someone could tell us where it is ...
I can't offer any advice except to say that I'm pretty much at a similar point to yourself in terms of decision making - symptoms in legs and arms but nothing severe enough to impact normal day to day activity - just prevent me from risking sports/physical activity.
No real pain apart from 'burners' in the dermatomes of the hands at the time of injury which have settled down and mechanical neck pain, so I'm lucky in this regard.
But the neurological symptoms in arms/legs have appeared and seem to be progressing. The main things I have are feelings of heaviness/weakness in arms,legs and other muscles, as well as overall tingling and prickling on skin plus some intermittent numbness.
After all the reading I've done the main two worries I have are the same - voice problems (I enjoy playing guitar and singing) and also adjacent disc problems down the track - fusion can't be undone.
I know there are risks with surgical complications and pseudarthrosis, but I'm thinking they are probably balanced by the risks of deteriorating to a point of permanent neurological defect as well as the risks of a minor car accident etc. causing major problems.
If you are not doing it already it may help to start keeping a detailed record of your symptoms each day and maybe even get someone to video you doing some different things (dexterity exercises) so that you can compare in a month or two how much worse you've gotten.
Something I've noticed is that I'll get a new symptom appearing and panic and want to go for surgery - then a couple of days later I've gotten used to it and am undecided again. The notes are helpful in this regard because I can look back over them and see how much things have changed (or haven't).
There's that fine line between overreacting and jumping too soon vs waiting for a permanent defect that won't be corrected by surgery before deciding to go for it. Just wish someone could tell us where it is ...
chitowngl
12-21-2004, 11:25 AM
sam,
I am having a one level fusion on Jan 6. I do not have serious pain but have a lot of muscle weakness in my left arm. I saw both a neuro and an ortho and they both agreed that my nerve impingement could become permanent if I did nothing about it. That scared me enough to schedule the surgery. Sometimes I think it all boils down to a quality of life issue. I am nervous about the surgery, but when all is said and done I feel I have made the right decision. Good Luck in whatever you decide to do.
Carrie
I am having a one level fusion on Jan 6. I do not have serious pain but have a lot of muscle weakness in my left arm. I saw both a neuro and an ortho and they both agreed that my nerve impingement could become permanent if I did nothing about it. That scared me enough to schedule the surgery. Sometimes I think it all boils down to a quality of life issue. I am nervous about the surgery, but when all is said and done I feel I have made the right decision. Good Luck in whatever you decide to do.
Carrie
Sam43
12-21-2004, 04:06 PM
Thanks all for the comments. I think the question of quality of life is a good point. I have 19 month old son and playing with him is something I have to be careful about now. I'm also worried about the muscle weakness being permanent or even getting worse.
I see the neurosurgeon again tomorrw. We'll see how it goes.
Thanks again...
I see the neurosurgeon again tomorrw. We'll see how it goes.
Thanks again...
Dflake
12-22-2004, 04:35 AM
I just had c 6-7 done on Dec10th of this year. I was in alot of pain,numbness in fingers,ect. I must say that although I still have some pain it is nothing compared to what I had before surgery. I feel like a new person! My disk was so compressed my ns had trouble getting it out. I had a sore throat for about a week and still have some trouble swallowing but it isn't to bad. It hasn't affected my voice any.(and I talk alot)
I am so happy to be getting my life back and my life is no longer controlled by the pain.(Before surgery I would lay in bed so sick because of the pain)
Pray to God,he will always lead you. If I can help please let me know.
Good Luck,,,,,,,,,,
Deb :wave:
I am so happy to be getting my life back and my life is no longer controlled by the pain.(Before surgery I would lay in bed so sick because of the pain)
Pray to God,he will always lead you. If I can help please let me know.
Good Luck,,,,,,,,,,
Deb :wave:
MyPartyGal
12-26-2004, 12:54 PM
Dear Sam,
I had a lot of angst concerning the decision to operate. Similar to you, my symptoms would vary by day and activity. Sometimes a dull ache, a radiating searing pain, "shooting fire poker", etc. These sensations were replaced by radiculopathy symptoms like dropping objects. Unfortunately, I was embarrassed to mention some of the symptoms to my doctor such as occasional incontinance. This was when surgery was indicated. Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness followed. It is two years since the accident that caused the herniation of c5-6 and bulging of 3 others. I tried PT, chiro., injections, pain meds, rest, rest, rest.
My decision was easy last month. My pain became unbearable and my left arm and leg were no longer reliable. My NS prescribed AVINZA, a time release morphine pill once a day. My quality of life was zilch, spinning head, nausea, and then depression set in. I stopped the medication nightmare and scheduled my surgical date for Tues 12/28.
My fear of surgery is now over shadowed by my fear of permanent damage due to the progression and my delay.
I looked at it this way: Will I have a chance at normal life if I continue meds, injections and therapy? The answer was no. But I do have a chance if I am fused and the surgeon removes the disc, spurs and relieves my spine of "debris" etc.
I will post updates as soon as the put my laptop on my bed.
I don't know if delaying makes it permantly worse but I know my symptoms progressed.
I had a lot of angst concerning the decision to operate. Similar to you, my symptoms would vary by day and activity. Sometimes a dull ache, a radiating searing pain, "shooting fire poker", etc. These sensations were replaced by radiculopathy symptoms like dropping objects. Unfortunately, I was embarrassed to mention some of the symptoms to my doctor such as occasional incontinance. This was when surgery was indicated. Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness followed. It is two years since the accident that caused the herniation of c5-6 and bulging of 3 others. I tried PT, chiro., injections, pain meds, rest, rest, rest.
My decision was easy last month. My pain became unbearable and my left arm and leg were no longer reliable. My NS prescribed AVINZA, a time release morphine pill once a day. My quality of life was zilch, spinning head, nausea, and then depression set in. I stopped the medication nightmare and scheduled my surgical date for Tues 12/28.
My fear of surgery is now over shadowed by my fear of permanent damage due to the progression and my delay.
I looked at it this way: Will I have a chance at normal life if I continue meds, injections and therapy? The answer was no. But I do have a chance if I am fused and the surgeon removes the disc, spurs and relieves my spine of "debris" etc.
I will post updates as soon as the put my laptop on my bed.
I don't know if delaying makes it permantly worse but I know my symptoms progressed.