robbjunk
10-26-2007, 09:54 PM
I was recently (4 weeks ago) diagnosed with two herniated cervical discs (C5-C6). I've been in for cervical epidural steroid injections, and although they've gotten me back on my feet, I'm nowhere near the active lifestyle that I used to enjoy (any sort of jarring or bouncing motion sends spasms of agony through my right arm, and I was planning on running a half-marathon in a few months. Say goodbye to that..... Plus, I've already lost 5-7 pounds, and have experienced a marked loss in muscle size and definition everywhere, due to lack of appetite, lack of sleep, too many pain medications, and too much sitting around).
I'm only 37, and I'm starting to despair that I'm going to be living the rest of my life limping around like a 80-year old. I'll admit, it's still early in the process, but the current conservative course of medication/injections seems like it will keep me relatively pain free, but only at the expense of any sort of exercise that I actually enjoy. However, through reading the boards, the traditional cervical fusion sounds like an absolute nightmare too -- I haven't seen any stories where people receiving the fusion are going back to any sort of active lifestyle.
I've been reading some more recent articles/web references about Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MISS) /Endoscopy, where instead of yanking out an entire disc and fusing your spine, they simply go in with an endoscope and laser, remove the herniated portion of the disc that is impinging on the nerves, and cauterize the disc with a laser to prevent any further material from escaping and damaging the nerves. That seems like a much more sensible and reasonable alternative to removing a whole disc and "gluing" the vertebrae together.
Has anyone on the boards explored and/or actually undergone such a procedure? I'd be particulary interested if there are athletes out there who have experienced cervical disc injuries and have been able to return to a relatively active lifestyle.
Thanks in advance!
I'm only 37, and I'm starting to despair that I'm going to be living the rest of my life limping around like a 80-year old. I'll admit, it's still early in the process, but the current conservative course of medication/injections seems like it will keep me relatively pain free, but only at the expense of any sort of exercise that I actually enjoy. However, through reading the boards, the traditional cervical fusion sounds like an absolute nightmare too -- I haven't seen any stories where people receiving the fusion are going back to any sort of active lifestyle.
I've been reading some more recent articles/web references about Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MISS) /Endoscopy, where instead of yanking out an entire disc and fusing your spine, they simply go in with an endoscope and laser, remove the herniated portion of the disc that is impinging on the nerves, and cauterize the disc with a laser to prevent any further material from escaping and damaging the nerves. That seems like a much more sensible and reasonable alternative to removing a whole disc and "gluing" the vertebrae together.
Has anyone on the boards explored and/or actually undergone such a procedure? I'd be particulary interested if there are athletes out there who have experienced cervical disc injuries and have been able to return to a relatively active lifestyle.
Thanks in advance!
Sponsor
poopoopadoop
10-26-2007, 10:33 PM
I had ACDF c5-6 (plate and screws, donor bone) and was back to playing tennis 2 months later. After 3 mos, the surgeon gave me the ok to do whatever I wanted (within reason), except lifting a ton of weight. After 6 weeks I could lift my child (who was 30lbs). I am now 6 months out and play tennis (aggressive tennis) regularly and am very active.
The two neurosurgeons I saw said I was not a candidate for minimally invasive surgery since i had a lot of osteophyte and severe spinal cord compression.
Good luck in your decisionmaking...
Lisa
The two neurosurgeons I saw said I was not a candidate for minimally invasive surgery since i had a lot of osteophyte and severe spinal cord compression.
Good luck in your decisionmaking...
Lisa
skych
10-27-2007, 11:46 AM
Hi Robb,
I myself have not had that particular surgery but a lady in my Biology class has had that surgery and she is very happy with the out come and does many physical activities.
I also now people that have had cervical fusions and have returned to their previous level of activity and some that have not.
It is my personal opinion that everyone is different and that outcomes will vary.
Personaly, I am 37 and have been diagnosed with some bulging discs in the C-3-4 through 5-6. I have some compressed nerves in that same area and some undiagnosed issues possibly in my T-spine. I have had to stop doing my previous activities and yes, it is depressing. I have a good attitued and I am considering having a Foraminotomy at those levels in December.
I have had an epidural and a series of 3 trigger poiyns with out much relief. Some diagnostic results form them but not much relief.
I will see my neuro on the 2nd of November.
There is hope for you. Stay strong and try as hard as it is at times to have a positive attitude. I struggle with the same thoughts and pain issues that you and many others do. I am really trying my best to keep apositive out look on what will happen.
Please hang out and continue to talk with us here....
Chrissy
I myself have not had that particular surgery but a lady in my Biology class has had that surgery and she is very happy with the out come and does many physical activities.
I also now people that have had cervical fusions and have returned to their previous level of activity and some that have not.
It is my personal opinion that everyone is different and that outcomes will vary.
Personaly, I am 37 and have been diagnosed with some bulging discs in the C-3-4 through 5-6. I have some compressed nerves in that same area and some undiagnosed issues possibly in my T-spine. I have had to stop doing my previous activities and yes, it is depressing. I have a good attitued and I am considering having a Foraminotomy at those levels in December.
I have had an epidural and a series of 3 trigger poiyns with out much relief. Some diagnostic results form them but not much relief.
I will see my neuro on the 2nd of November.
There is hope for you. Stay strong and try as hard as it is at times to have a positive attitude. I struggle with the same thoughts and pain issues that you and many others do. I am really trying my best to keep apositive out look on what will happen.
Please hang out and continue to talk with us here....
Chrissy
bw67
11-05-2007, 11:01 PM
I had what I consider to be successful minimally invasive surgery to repair two herniated discs at C5/6 and C6/7 over 15 months ago. A good neck/shoulder massage every 4-6 weeks is about all I need to stay on track.
I'm not 100%, but I'm definitely in the 90's. Before the surgery I could barely sit or drive for 10 minutes without excrutiating pain in my right arm. I tried everything short of surgery without any significant succes.
After months of considering my options, I had the procedure done by Dr. Merrill Reuter at Advanced Orthopedics of South Florida, in Lake Worth Florida- just outside of West Palm Beach.
I too was in my mid 30's and didn't like the idea of removing discs and fusing vertabrae together at my age...
I don't get on this site anywhere near like I used to, so I will apologize in advance if I don't respond to any further questions you may have right away.
If you search the archives for previous posts of mine- NON FUSION OPTION and STILL LOVING NON-FUSION, you'll get a lot more of the details of the procedure...
If you look around, there are several facilities throughout the country that perform non fusion procedures. I found Dr. Reuter to be the best fit for me. He was in network with my insurance, and his offices were close to a relative of mine so I had a free place to stay. Plus I got a cheap flight on SWest...
best of luck
BW
I'm not 100%, but I'm definitely in the 90's. Before the surgery I could barely sit or drive for 10 minutes without excrutiating pain in my right arm. I tried everything short of surgery without any significant succes.
After months of considering my options, I had the procedure done by Dr. Merrill Reuter at Advanced Orthopedics of South Florida, in Lake Worth Florida- just outside of West Palm Beach.
I too was in my mid 30's and didn't like the idea of removing discs and fusing vertabrae together at my age...
I don't get on this site anywhere near like I used to, so I will apologize in advance if I don't respond to any further questions you may have right away.
If you search the archives for previous posts of mine- NON FUSION OPTION and STILL LOVING NON-FUSION, you'll get a lot more of the details of the procedure...
If you look around, there are several facilities throughout the country that perform non fusion procedures. I found Dr. Reuter to be the best fit for me. He was in network with my insurance, and his offices were close to a relative of mine so I had a free place to stay. Plus I got a cheap flight on SWest...
best of luck
BW
Escgirl
11-08-2007, 11:34 AM
Hi BW - I went to Reuter in feb 2003 for terrible headaches caused by C4/5 and at the time he didn't do more than one level - I still needed C5/6 done ---- terrible pain like you down left arm.... anyway - since my surgery in Feb 2003 I haven't had ONE headache!!! amazing.
I am finally going back to have C5/6 done --- I am in TX and have to do a nerve conduction here and another xray and send it to him -my dates to go are dec. 13th. I have a 30lb kid - she is 21months.... and I am so nervous that she will not understand I can't pick her up etc. - this is one thing really holding me back -and I have to be away from her for 8 nights...then come home "injured" LOL! OH dear - I laugh but I am so upset over the leaving and then the recovery - but he is the only Dr. I can find that does it.... I know you mentioned they are all over - but they are not..... NOT ONE in TX. and it sucks. I so wish I could find someone here. but then again - I know reuter is the best so I gotta suck it up.
I am finally going back to have C5/6 done --- I am in TX and have to do a nerve conduction here and another xray and send it to him -my dates to go are dec. 13th. I have a 30lb kid - she is 21months.... and I am so nervous that she will not understand I can't pick her up etc. - this is one thing really holding me back -and I have to be away from her for 8 nights...then come home "injured" LOL! OH dear - I laugh but I am so upset over the leaving and then the recovery - but he is the only Dr. I can find that does it.... I know you mentioned they are all over - but they are not..... NOT ONE in TX. and it sucks. I so wish I could find someone here. but then again - I know reuter is the best so I gotta suck it up.
Escgirl
11-08-2007, 02:23 PM
I did the search! under your user name and it only pulled up this posting that you just did. I would LOVE to learn of others that do MISS - please tell me how I can find them if only a few come up under the internet searches!!! that would be of great use to me!
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
bw67
11-08-2007, 09:45 PM
escgirl-
I had both levels done at the same time. Bummer you'll be dealing with it over Christmas...
My son was 21 mos too at the time of my surgery. It did stink to be away from him for so long, and it was hard to not be able to pick him up. He said "daddy has a boo boo", with regards to my neck brace, though and adjusted fine.
I'm sure you're daughter will also adjust. Hopefully you have some help??
If you talk to Amy Jo or Earnie at Dr. Reuter's, tell them Bryan from Nashville said hey.
best of luck
bw
I had both levels done at the same time. Bummer you'll be dealing with it over Christmas...
My son was 21 mos too at the time of my surgery. It did stink to be away from him for so long, and it was hard to not be able to pick him up. He said "daddy has a boo boo", with regards to my neck brace, though and adjusted fine.
I'm sure you're daughter will also adjust. Hopefully you have some help??
If you talk to Amy Jo or Earnie at Dr. Reuter's, tell them Bryan from Nashville said hey.
best of luck
bw
Escgirl
11-08-2007, 11:27 PM
Yes Bryan from Nashville - I sure will - tell them hi for you! : )
I will have help for the first 3 weeks - although that 4th week - I won't .... I will be back to having to care for my daughter who will be going on 23 months by then.... 2 yrs. old at the very end of January. So ... I hope I can heal FAST in 3 weeks!
We have an suv - and she cannot crawl up and into her car seat --- that is the only bad part I have to pick her up and toss her in! and I am only 5'2" so its difficult and high BUT not over my head!!! but def. shoulder level.
Living in TX you gotta have a big truck - hahahahaahha! well I am glad to hear that all went well -and yes I will miss her terribly because I am the primary care taker... the stay at home MAMA and my hubby travels so its just the two of us and the dog OFTEN!!! so it will be a BIG change for her not having me around. I have got to do this surgery tho - its best for down the road.... the surgery and the recovery are no fun -- but its not nearly as bad as fusion. YUCK!
Do you take anything for pain anymore? and do you have any neck, arm, shoulder pain anymore? how long has it been since you had surgery? and are you on any muscle relaxers still?
Also I think you mentioned before that you get a massage every 4-6 weeks - I will do that for sure - and I don't want to be on meds... how soon were you off them? when was your surgery? and which levels did you have done... sorry for all the questions!
I will have help for the first 3 weeks - although that 4th week - I won't .... I will be back to having to care for my daughter who will be going on 23 months by then.... 2 yrs. old at the very end of January. So ... I hope I can heal FAST in 3 weeks!
We have an suv - and she cannot crawl up and into her car seat --- that is the only bad part I have to pick her up and toss her in! and I am only 5'2" so its difficult and high BUT not over my head!!! but def. shoulder level.
Living in TX you gotta have a big truck - hahahahaahha! well I am glad to hear that all went well -and yes I will miss her terribly because I am the primary care taker... the stay at home MAMA and my hubby travels so its just the two of us and the dog OFTEN!!! so it will be a BIG change for her not having me around. I have got to do this surgery tho - its best for down the road.... the surgery and the recovery are no fun -- but its not nearly as bad as fusion. YUCK!
Do you take anything for pain anymore? and do you have any neck, arm, shoulder pain anymore? how long has it been since you had surgery? and are you on any muscle relaxers still?
Also I think you mentioned before that you get a massage every 4-6 weeks - I will do that for sure - and I don't want to be on meds... how soon were you off them? when was your surgery? and which levels did you have done... sorry for all the questions!
bw67
11-13-2007, 10:59 AM
to save me some typing time, look at the archives for NON FUSION OPTION and STILL LOVING NON FUSION. as I recall, they spell out my procedure and what I've done post op.
my surgery was in august of 2006.
aside from the massage every 4-6 weeks, I use SALONPAS patches. I buy the larger ones and cut them in two. slap one on each shoulder muscle area. I do that randomly, if things get a little tight.
I take advil now and then. but I haven't taken any actual prescribed pain meds since early '07.
I am not 100%, but I am in the 90's easy. It all depends on my activity level. If I'm on my feet a lot, or do a lot of lifting- picking up two boys for example- I'll apply ice and pop a few advil.
the arm pain is for the most part gone- again, it all depends on my activity level, and how often I get the massages. before the surgery I couldn't drive 5 minutes down the road without arm pain. now I can drive 8 hours to the beach and back with no problems.
the biggest reason I chose minimally invasive was because even if it didn't work, I still had fusion as an option down the road. plus medical technology continuously improves. for example, artificial discs seem to be becoming more and more of a reality, and that left that option open too.
once you've done fusion you're stuck. if it doesn't work, what then??
I know a lot of people have had success with it, it just wasn't for me...
gotta run, good luck to all of you
bw
my surgery was in august of 2006.
aside from the massage every 4-6 weeks, I use SALONPAS patches. I buy the larger ones and cut them in two. slap one on each shoulder muscle area. I do that randomly, if things get a little tight.
I take advil now and then. but I haven't taken any actual prescribed pain meds since early '07.
I am not 100%, but I am in the 90's easy. It all depends on my activity level. If I'm on my feet a lot, or do a lot of lifting- picking up two boys for example- I'll apply ice and pop a few advil.
the arm pain is for the most part gone- again, it all depends on my activity level, and how often I get the massages. before the surgery I couldn't drive 5 minutes down the road without arm pain. now I can drive 8 hours to the beach and back with no problems.
the biggest reason I chose minimally invasive was because even if it didn't work, I still had fusion as an option down the road. plus medical technology continuously improves. for example, artificial discs seem to be becoming more and more of a reality, and that left that option open too.
once you've done fusion you're stuck. if it doesn't work, what then??
I know a lot of people have had success with it, it just wasn't for me...
gotta run, good luck to all of you
bw
Escgirl
11-13-2007, 08:52 PM
Thanks BW - will do my research on what you said to look up here!
So happy to hear you are great ----- LOVE the update! I will post after my surgery sometime near or after Christmas to let you know how I do with reuter - and I will tell the staff hey for ya! I know them all well !!
XXOO to you and your family - isn't it great to get some of your life back??? ;)
escgirl
surgery Dec. 17th
So happy to hear you are great ----- LOVE the update! I will post after my surgery sometime near or after Christmas to let you know how I do with reuter - and I will tell the staff hey for ya! I know them all well !!
XXOO to you and your family - isn't it great to get some of your life back??? ;)
escgirl
surgery Dec. 17th