racinjason89
09-05-2006, 11:35 AM
I'm a little concerned about my upcoming surgery. I am supposed to have C6-7 spinal fusion. My concerns are this: How much will this limit my movement in my neck and back? Will I need to have surgery again later on in life because of surrounding disk deterioration? I am only 34 and want to be able to proceed with a normal active life with my kids. Originally the surgeon wanted to do a new procedure which replaced the disc with an artifical one. However, my insurance will not cover it. Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sponsor
neckpatient
09-05-2006, 01:22 PM
Hi - I had fusion- a 2 level C4-6 in 2004 and after that I noticed no real loss of any motion, maybe a when little looking up. Recently I had a 3rd level added C6-7 and again I noticed no real loss. You may lose a little, but most people that I have heard from on board did not really impact them.
As far as will other levels be affected? There is no way to predict. THere is risk but many go on to not have any further problems. Some like me, develop adjacent disease. Actually my surgeon feels the level was going to go bad regardless because of my widespread DDD and stenosis.
As far as will other levels be affected? There is no way to predict. THere is risk but many go on to not have any further problems. Some like me, develop adjacent disease. Actually my surgeon feels the level was going to go bad regardless because of my widespread DDD and stenosis.
Jimmy B
09-05-2006, 01:37 PM
Jason,
I too am considering scheduling surgery for the same fusion in the next month. My NS tells me that I will need this surgery eventually, even If I get over this current episode of neck/arm pain and finger numbness with PT.
I asked my NS the same questions you are asking and here is what he told me... How much will this limit my movement in my neck and back? Fusion in the cervical area such as this will not cause any noticable limitation of movement. You may physically not have the same range of motion as you once did, but this is something your body will adjust to and your range of motion naturally decreases little by little over the years anyways (Just a part of getting older). You WILL NOT be walking around like some kind of robot... (if thats what you are picturing in your head) or have to turn your whole body to see things. Will I need to have surgery again later on in life because of surrounding disk deterioration? This is a tricky question. I do not know what your current diagnosis is (ie DDD, stenosis, herniated/bulged disc, bony spurs, etc.) Basically there is no guarantee that this will not happen in the other areas of your cervical spine, however your doctor should be able to give you some kind of idea as to your chances of re-occurance from diagnosing your current condition. What type of surgeon are you seeing? I would ask him all the questions you are asking here and have him explain exactly what he will be doing in your neck. Make him show you with a model and/or MRI images. This might make you feel better about the range of motion issue as well. Hope your surgery is a SUCCESS !
Jimmy B.
I too am considering scheduling surgery for the same fusion in the next month. My NS tells me that I will need this surgery eventually, even If I get over this current episode of neck/arm pain and finger numbness with PT.
I asked my NS the same questions you are asking and here is what he told me... How much will this limit my movement in my neck and back? Fusion in the cervical area such as this will not cause any noticable limitation of movement. You may physically not have the same range of motion as you once did, but this is something your body will adjust to and your range of motion naturally decreases little by little over the years anyways (Just a part of getting older). You WILL NOT be walking around like some kind of robot... (if thats what you are picturing in your head) or have to turn your whole body to see things. Will I need to have surgery again later on in life because of surrounding disk deterioration? This is a tricky question. I do not know what your current diagnosis is (ie DDD, stenosis, herniated/bulged disc, bony spurs, etc.) Basically there is no guarantee that this will not happen in the other areas of your cervical spine, however your doctor should be able to give you some kind of idea as to your chances of re-occurance from diagnosing your current condition. What type of surgeon are you seeing? I would ask him all the questions you are asking here and have him explain exactly what he will be doing in your neck. Make him show you with a model and/or MRI images. This might make you feel better about the range of motion issue as well. Hope your surgery is a SUCCESS !
Jimmy B.
racinjason89
09-05-2006, 08:45 PM
Thanks. This helps alot. I'm going to another NS tomorrow for a second opinion. The first NS just made disc replacement sound so good and fusion sound so primative. Now that the insurance won't pay for replacement, fusion is an excellent procedure. So you see my confusion.
racinjason89
09-06-2006, 12:24 PM
Now I'm really confused. I went for a second opinion and was told he wanted to do an EMG. After that he would determine if I need surgery or if P.T. would do the trick. Problem is, I have surgery scheduled for this friday with the first NS. Any thoughts?
Jimmy B
09-06-2006, 12:47 PM
Hmmmm, sounds like you may want to delay your first scheduled surgery. I would only resort to surgery as a last remaining effort. How is your level of pain these days? I have been told by several docs that 6 weeks is a guideline they use to determine if your body will heal itself from disc herniations. Have you given yourself a good six weeks with PT? Again, I don't know your diagnosis, but I would only elect surgery if all else had failed or if it was deemed an "emergency" where permanent nerve damage could come into play. Have you tried any PT, traction, ESI??? These types of things might make you feel better, however surgery may be inevitable for you (That's what the first NS might be thinking). I wold definately ask them straight up if they think PT will only offer temporary relief or permanent relief. I would not rush into surgery if you have any doubts, especially if your strength remains good and you are not risking any kind of permanent damage by waiting. Once you have the surgery... you cannot go back my friend. Good luck and keep us informed on your decision.
Jimmy B.
Jimmy B.
ember919
09-06-2006, 12:51 PM
You are in quite the bind, aren't you? Unfortunately, only you can decide what is right for you.
How long did you have symptoms before surgery was recommended to you? How are they impacting your day-to-day life?
Have you already tried other approaches/treatments? Steriod treatments? Physical therapy? Injections?
Which doctor do you feel most comfortable with? Which do you feel you trust the most? Why did you seek out a second opinion?
Have you researched any information about the surgeons or the surgery? Did your insurance company reject the idea of the artificial disc because of cost or because it is new?
A lot of questions to consider in a short period of time. It is a major surgery and there is significant recovery, but if you're at the point where you need it, well.............you're at the point where you need it. Tough to know what is right when doctors are telling you different things. It is not at all uncommon for a surgeon to schedule an EMG or other tests before deciding on surgery.
I was told (right or wrong?) that my movement would not be any more than 15% restricted. The only time I really notice it is in looking waaay up, or if I'm looking down for a long period of time. Think I'm pretty good side-to-side. Was also told that 25% of people need later, additional surgery due to stresses on the levels above and below the original fusion.
Many people here (neckpatient plus....) have had mutliple surgeries and still live very active, healthy, happy lives.
How long did you have symptoms before surgery was recommended to you? How are they impacting your day-to-day life?
Have you already tried other approaches/treatments? Steriod treatments? Physical therapy? Injections?
Which doctor do you feel most comfortable with? Which do you feel you trust the most? Why did you seek out a second opinion?
Have you researched any information about the surgeons or the surgery? Did your insurance company reject the idea of the artificial disc because of cost or because it is new?
A lot of questions to consider in a short period of time. It is a major surgery and there is significant recovery, but if you're at the point where you need it, well.............you're at the point where you need it. Tough to know what is right when doctors are telling you different things. It is not at all uncommon for a surgeon to schedule an EMG or other tests before deciding on surgery.
I was told (right or wrong?) that my movement would not be any more than 15% restricted. The only time I really notice it is in looking waaay up, or if I'm looking down for a long period of time. Think I'm pretty good side-to-side. Was also told that 25% of people need later, additional surgery due to stresses on the levels above and below the original fusion.
Many people here (neckpatient plus....) have had mutliple surgeries and still live very active, healthy, happy lives.
neckpatient
09-06-2006, 03:19 PM
You didn't give us any information on the background leading up to surgery or your diagnosis. With surgery looming you will need to decide.
How much did you trust your original surgeon? Is he well respected within the community? If you went to a third and a fourth doctor you might even find additional opinions. Were the MRI results conclusive or was there doubt? Did your MRI show multiple problems? You do want to be sure they understand what is causing your pain. Some docs like to use EMGs to confirm. Basically you have to decide how comfortable you are that you tried your alternatives before resorting to surgery. Also that the things in your diagnosis will actually respond to therapy.
If you have a disc bulge causing your pain, letting time pass from when it started is a good thing as they can resolve and improve with time and physical therapy. If it is because of stenosis, cord compression, or serious bone spurs or other structural problems they don't just go away, PT might make you feel a little better. Injections (ESIs, etc), are a pain reliever they also do not fix the problem.
Stalling surgery as long as possible has pros/cons, you really have to decide like ember said, what is the quality of your life, how bad is your pain, and are you functioning close to normal?
Good luck in your decision.
How much did you trust your original surgeon? Is he well respected within the community? If you went to a third and a fourth doctor you might even find additional opinions. Were the MRI results conclusive or was there doubt? Did your MRI show multiple problems? You do want to be sure they understand what is causing your pain. Some docs like to use EMGs to confirm. Basically you have to decide how comfortable you are that you tried your alternatives before resorting to surgery. Also that the things in your diagnosis will actually respond to therapy.
If you have a disc bulge causing your pain, letting time pass from when it started is a good thing as they can resolve and improve with time and physical therapy. If it is because of stenosis, cord compression, or serious bone spurs or other structural problems they don't just go away, PT might make you feel a little better. Injections (ESIs, etc), are a pain reliever they also do not fix the problem.
Stalling surgery as long as possible has pros/cons, you really have to decide like ember said, what is the quality of your life, how bad is your pain, and are you functioning close to normal?
Good luck in your decision.
racinjason89
09-06-2006, 03:26 PM
I really appreciate everyones thoughts! I sought out a second opinion because I know that 2 different people looking at the same films can see them in 2 totally different ways. First doc says pretty much no hope without surgery. P.T. would not work. He told me this on our first visit. I think he may have been pushing torwards the whole disc replacement thing. Second one says possibly a chance. I like the second doc better. I felt like more of a patient to him than a number or a paycheck. On the other hand, It's gonna aggravate me if I still need surgery in a few months even after all the PT. I guess either way I'm nervous. I am out on disability right now. The acheing, stiffness and pain were all hindering my job performance as an auto tech. There is just so much going through my head right now. AAAAaa! "Calgon, take me away!"
SpineAZ
09-06-2006, 11:52 PM
If it helps, although you've mentally prepared for the surgery if there's a chance that a less invasive or non-invasive technique could help it's something to consider. It doesn't mean you'll never to have surgery for it, but you could put it off while trying other methodologies.
I did the Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) in early 2004 and they worked through the end of 2005. Had they continued to work I would have done them over and over and over rather than doing the surgery. HOWEVER, when my arm/hand functioning was getting worse and the pain was ever present I knew it was time to move forward.
One thought is why the second doctor thinks PT will work. My doctor indicated that since I had spurring that PT and ESI were no longer an option. With disc herniation alone it could have been an option, but not once I had the bone spurring.
Karin
C5-C7 ACDF
5/18/06
I did the Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) in early 2004 and they worked through the end of 2005. Had they continued to work I would have done them over and over and over rather than doing the surgery. HOWEVER, when my arm/hand functioning was getting worse and the pain was ever present I knew it was time to move forward.
One thought is why the second doctor thinks PT will work. My doctor indicated that since I had spurring that PT and ESI were no longer an option. With disc herniation alone it could have been an option, but not once I had the bone spurring.
Karin
C5-C7 ACDF
5/18/06
racinjason89
09-07-2006, 07:41 PM
I talked to the second doctor today. Asked him to be 100% straight with me if he thought pt would take care of me. He said that it probably would not and I was probably going to have surgery eventually anyway. He made my decision a little easier. However, I still had to postpone the surgery. It seems my sinuses did not want to cooperate. I'l let everyone know how everything turns out with this new disc. Thanks again everyone!
loveshinesthru
10-15-2006, 03:37 AM
thanks ember, i get mine done the 24th if i can get rid of this stupid uti. the cipro didnt work.. arggh.