KeithEugeneW
01-27-2003, 08:54 PM
I have severe disk degeneration of C5-C6 and C6-C7, and what little is remaining of the 2 disks is bulging back into the spinal column, putting pressure on the spinal cord. For about 18 years I have had progressively increasing neck stiffness and pain, followed by varying numbness in my right fingers and hand, and then whole arm for about the last 4 years. Now my shoulder hurts continuously, my neck is in constant pain, and the migraines feel as though they may very well blow my head off my shoulders! I had 2 MRI's, a year apart, which confirmed the above, and showed significant changes in just one year (for the worse). The orthapedic (spine) surgeon is well respected and I trust him. He has sent me first to a pain management doctor and I am scheduled for 3 sessions of epidural injections/nerve blocks, with hopes that there is a 50% chance of avoiding anterior cervical diskectomy on the 2 disks. This pain management doctor also has me on naproxen and neurontin (1200mg per day). This seems to help me ignore the pain very well, but I'm ini a fog most of the time now. Fortunately I have an understanding boss, but I'm not interested in being like this for a long period of time. Is 50% a reasonable percentage to expect for positive results, or is this just prolonging the inevitable to appease the SOBs running the HMO? Also, is there a better alternative to neurontin? I guess 25 years of working with computers wasn't such a good idea.
Sponsor
Renee016
02-04-2003, 12:52 AM
Hi, Keith. Sorry to hear about your neck pain. I know how frustrating and tiring it is to keep running back and forth to doctors but in my own opinion, anything that helps to avoid surgery is a good thing and worth a try. As far as meds go, to be honest, nothing I tried really stopped my neck pain (see profile), but, believe it or not, simple prescription ibuprofen took the edge off and helped me sleep at night(however, it was a megadose). You could also try Carisoprodol or Methocarbonal - both muscle relaxers.
If you decide to try the injections, let us know how they worked for you. Good luck and feel better.
Renee :angel:
------------------
1982 Fusion surgery for scoliosis with stainless steel Harrington Rod - T5 - L3 - using pelvic bone for grafting
1999 Neck problems began
2001 Cervical Kyphosis
2003 3 Herniated Cervical Discs - C4 thru C7. One disc (C5-6) pressing on the spinal cord (no nerve root compression) causing leg problems - diagnosed with Myleopathy and anterior cervical discectomy recommended.
If you decide to try the injections, let us know how they worked for you. Good luck and feel better.
Renee :angel:
------------------
1982 Fusion surgery for scoliosis with stainless steel Harrington Rod - T5 - L3 - using pelvic bone for grafting
1999 Neck problems began
2001 Cervical Kyphosis
2003 3 Herniated Cervical Discs - C4 thru C7. One disc (C5-6) pressing on the spinal cord (no nerve root compression) causing leg problems - diagnosed with Myleopathy and anterior cervical discectomy recommended.
chefbart
03-22-2005, 04:32 PM
I submit that trying the epidurals is a definite pre-requisite to any fusion. I have had both. My fusion is at L4-5, S1. I did not have any epidurals to this area before surgery, in fact they were never offered. I currently have degenrative disks at C4-5, C7, and likely anywhere else they might look! But after having had my first round of 3 epis, I really didn't think they were the solution. I had a secondary round of 3 a few months later, again thinking there was no benefit. But after some time passed, I must say that amazingly all the symptoms were gone (arm numbness, rib pain), and very little pain along the spine also. It has been over 2 years since the injections, and other than stifness in the neck and upper back, I have remained symptom free. So wether it was prayer, medical efficiency or both, I highly suggest the epidurals and some patience, which I realize is the hard part when pain is your constant companion.
Best of luck to you.
:blob_fire :blob_fire this is the guy who used to reside in my neck, but no more. :p
Best of luck to you.
:blob_fire :blob_fire this is the guy who used to reside in my neck, but no more. :p
wimpette
03-22-2005, 05:23 PM
Hi Keith,
Nerve blocks serve two functions. Firstly they can alleviate symptoms often to a stage where surgery is no longer necessary. Secondly they can help the surgeon diagnose what surgical procedure to do and how extensive based on your response to blocks at different levels. This can mean having fewer levels fused based on how you do after the block.
Remember, surgery should be considered a last resort and is not necessarily a cure.
Good luck, hope the blocks help.
W
Nerve blocks serve two functions. Firstly they can alleviate symptoms often to a stage where surgery is no longer necessary. Secondly they can help the surgeon diagnose what surgical procedure to do and how extensive based on your response to blocks at different levels. This can mean having fewer levels fused based on how you do after the block.
Remember, surgery should be considered a last resort and is not necessarily a cure.
Good luck, hope the blocks help.
W
Leatherman
06-01-2005, 11:48 AM
Hi All,
I am new to this board and find it facinating with the information that is being shared among the users. Thats why I decided to join and ask a few questions.
My back ground: I am a police officer and I suffered a neck injury from an accident while in a cruiser in November 2000. With minor but steady pain, I was sent to PT for a while. After the couple of years my neck pain worsened, finally to the point where I had to see an orthopaedic surgeon. I have had two MRIs. One about 14 mos ago and one about 3 months ago. The first one showed a problem (misallignment) with c4-c5 and c5-c6. It has progressively worsened since I drive a minimum of 2 hours each way to and from work. On a bad day my commute both ways can be over 3 hours. My pain is worse when I drive (I guess its the seated position). On 2/8/05 I woke up and was in severe pain. My right arm felt numb and was painful. I shrugged it off because I had to testify in court that day. After finally being able to get to sleep the that night, I woke the next morning and I was in unbearable pain with my neck, shoulder, upper and lower arm and my entire hand was numb (feeling like its sleeping). Although the pain has subsided, my right thumb is still numb and has been since February 9th.
Treatments/Testing:
*2003 nerve conduction test (needles in the back and shoulders, showed some carpal tunnel type symptoms in LT hand )
* 2004 First MRI (showed misalligned discs)
* 2004 Second MRI (after 2/9 and awaking to severe pain) Showed degenerated discs, sitting on a nerve causing pain/numbness in rt arm/hand
* 3/05 doctor treated me with steroids for my neck. Seemed to have helped some w/pain and releaved some pain/numbness with rt arm
* 03/05 Numbness in RT thumb remains. No change. Doc starts to treat me with Carpal Tunnel treatments (steroid injections and splits)
* 04/05 treats the carpal tunnel with neurotin. All to no avail. Numbness remains unchanged.
* 04/05 Doc now believes that I do not have carpal tunnel and all my hand problems are a direct result of my neck injury (disc pressing on a nerve). He abandons the Carpal Tunnel theory.
* 05/05 Doc is sending me for Cervcal Epidural Blocks
My questions are this:
* The epidural blocks simply treat the symptoms right and not treat the injury itself causing the problem?
* WHat are normal treatments? Docs office says I need 1 treatment each week for three weeks.
* SIde effects of the proceedures? Death in a small percentage??? Yikes!
* How long do they last? I assume this will be a repeat treatment if I am to keep the pain in check right?
* ALso, does anyone know the specific steroid that is injected? Is it the same that they put in my wrist to try to treat me for carpal tunnel?
Thanks guys. Sorry it's so long winded.
Bobby
I am new to this board and find it facinating with the information that is being shared among the users. Thats why I decided to join and ask a few questions.
My back ground: I am a police officer and I suffered a neck injury from an accident while in a cruiser in November 2000. With minor but steady pain, I was sent to PT for a while. After the couple of years my neck pain worsened, finally to the point where I had to see an orthopaedic surgeon. I have had two MRIs. One about 14 mos ago and one about 3 months ago. The first one showed a problem (misallignment) with c4-c5 and c5-c6. It has progressively worsened since I drive a minimum of 2 hours each way to and from work. On a bad day my commute both ways can be over 3 hours. My pain is worse when I drive (I guess its the seated position). On 2/8/05 I woke up and was in severe pain. My right arm felt numb and was painful. I shrugged it off because I had to testify in court that day. After finally being able to get to sleep the that night, I woke the next morning and I was in unbearable pain with my neck, shoulder, upper and lower arm and my entire hand was numb (feeling like its sleeping). Although the pain has subsided, my right thumb is still numb and has been since February 9th.
Treatments/Testing:
*2003 nerve conduction test (needles in the back and shoulders, showed some carpal tunnel type symptoms in LT hand )
* 2004 First MRI (showed misalligned discs)
* 2004 Second MRI (after 2/9 and awaking to severe pain) Showed degenerated discs, sitting on a nerve causing pain/numbness in rt arm/hand
* 3/05 doctor treated me with steroids for my neck. Seemed to have helped some w/pain and releaved some pain/numbness with rt arm
* 03/05 Numbness in RT thumb remains. No change. Doc starts to treat me with Carpal Tunnel treatments (steroid injections and splits)
* 04/05 treats the carpal tunnel with neurotin. All to no avail. Numbness remains unchanged.
* 04/05 Doc now believes that I do not have carpal tunnel and all my hand problems are a direct result of my neck injury (disc pressing on a nerve). He abandons the Carpal Tunnel theory.
* 05/05 Doc is sending me for Cervcal Epidural Blocks
My questions are this:
* The epidural blocks simply treat the symptoms right and not treat the injury itself causing the problem?
* WHat are normal treatments? Docs office says I need 1 treatment each week for three weeks.
* SIde effects of the proceedures? Death in a small percentage??? Yikes!
* How long do they last? I assume this will be a repeat treatment if I am to keep the pain in check right?
* ALso, does anyone know the specific steroid that is injected? Is it the same that they put in my wrist to try to treat me for carpal tunnel?
Thanks guys. Sorry it's so long winded.
Bobby
Scorpio24
06-01-2005, 12:43 PM
I have the same questions as leatherman. Hopefully somebody will have info about it.
Thanks :confused:
Thanks :confused:
dennisgb
06-01-2005, 01:10 PM
I have severe disk degeneration of C5-C6 and C6-C7, and what little is remaining of the 2 disks is bulging back into the spinal column, putting pressure on the spinal cord. For about 18 years I have had progressively increasing neck stiffness and pain, followed by varying numbness in my right fingers and hand, and then whole arm for about the last 4 years. Now my shoulder hurts continuously, my neck is in constant pain, and the migraines feel as though they may very well blow my head off my shoulders! I had 2 MRI's, a year apart, which confirmed the above, and showed significant changes in just one year (for the worse). The orthapedic (spine) surgeon is well respected and I trust him. He has sent me first to a pain management doctor and I am scheduled for 3 sessions of epidural injections/nerve blocks, with hopes that there is a 50% chance of avoiding anterior cervical diskectomy on the 2 disks. This pain management doctor also has me on naproxen and neurontin (1200mg per day). This seems to help me ignore the pain very well, but I'm ini a fog most of the time now. Fortunately I have an understanding boss, but I'm not interested in being like this for a long period of time. Is 50% a reasonable percentage to expect for positive results, or is this just prolonging the inevitable to appease the SOBs running the HMO? Also, is there a better alternative to neurontin? I guess 25 years of working with computers wasn't such a good idea.
Keith,
In my opinion, you hit the nail on the head in the last few sentences. My situation sounds very similar to yours. I lived with it for 20 years. I had the shots, and they lasted about a month. Eventually I had ACDF on C5-6 and C6-7 last June. I feel great.
Consider, your disks have degenerated pretty far. In my case it was bone on bone. The shots are only going to kill the pain, not fix the problem. Once the shots wear off...
BTW, I hated the neurotin, and fought with my docs, because I couldn't do my job while taking it.
Dennis
Keith,
In my opinion, you hit the nail on the head in the last few sentences. My situation sounds very similar to yours. I lived with it for 20 years. I had the shots, and they lasted about a month. Eventually I had ACDF on C5-6 and C6-7 last June. I feel great.
Consider, your disks have degenerated pretty far. In my case it was bone on bone. The shots are only going to kill the pain, not fix the problem. Once the shots wear off...
BTW, I hated the neurotin, and fought with my docs, because I couldn't do my job while taking it.
Dennis
Scorpio24
06-01-2005, 01:59 PM
Having a level 2 cervical problem; what are the consequences or long term effects if a person does not have the ACDF surgery? Do I loose the use of my left arm or more neck problems?
Thanks,
Frank :confused:
Thanks,
Frank :confused:
dennisgb
06-02-2005, 11:08 AM
Having a level 2 cervical problem; what are the consequences or long term effects if a person does not have the ACDF surgery? Do I loose the use of my left arm or more neck problems?
Thanks,
Frank :confused:
Frank,
It really depends where you are at. In my case, I would get up in the morning and feel fine until I drove to work, and then the pain would start. If the disks are shot over time you will irritate and possibly damage the nerves due to the rubbing of bone on them, etc.
Really need more info on your situation to tell.
Dennis
Thanks,
Frank :confused:
Frank,
It really depends where you are at. In my case, I would get up in the morning and feel fine until I drove to work, and then the pain would start. If the disks are shot over time you will irritate and possibly damage the nerves due to the rubbing of bone on them, etc.
Really need more info on your situation to tell.
Dennis
chitowngl
06-02-2005, 11:24 AM
Bobby,
First of all welcome to the boards, but sorry for the problems!! I had a ACDF on C5-C6 back in January. My symptoms prior to that: woke up one morning and could not raise my left arm over my head. I had all the tests: MRI, XRrays, EMG, CT myelogram. My ortho (who has a spine fellowship-Very Important) suggested the steroid shots in my neck along with PT. I had one shot and definately would not do that again! For me it was incredibly painful and did not relieve my symptoms at all. However I will point out that EVERYONE is different. Some people have found incredible relief with these shots, though you are only allowed 3 in a six month period. I was on neurontin which didn't help and vicodin for the pain. The physical therapy didn't really help me and after much discussion with my doctor we decided to go ahead with surgery. I had a severly pinched nerve along with bulging and stenosis. My doctor felt that I stood a chance of permanent nerve damage, which of course I did not want. However, I will point out again that everyone is different, as you will find out from the members of this board. What was right for me may not be right for you.
I wish you good luck and take care.
Carrie
First of all welcome to the boards, but sorry for the problems!! I had a ACDF on C5-C6 back in January. My symptoms prior to that: woke up one morning and could not raise my left arm over my head. I had all the tests: MRI, XRrays, EMG, CT myelogram. My ortho (who has a spine fellowship-Very Important) suggested the steroid shots in my neck along with PT. I had one shot and definately would not do that again! For me it was incredibly painful and did not relieve my symptoms at all. However I will point out that EVERYONE is different. Some people have found incredible relief with these shots, though you are only allowed 3 in a six month period. I was on neurontin which didn't help and vicodin for the pain. The physical therapy didn't really help me and after much discussion with my doctor we decided to go ahead with surgery. I had a severly pinched nerve along with bulging and stenosis. My doctor felt that I stood a chance of permanent nerve damage, which of course I did not want. However, I will point out again that everyone is different, as you will find out from the members of this board. What was right for me may not be right for you.
I wish you good luck and take care.
Carrie
Scorpio24
06-02-2005, 01:13 PM
Frank,
It really depends where you are at. In my case, I would get up in the morning and feel fine until I drove to work, and then the pain would start. If the disks are shot over time you will irritate and possibly damage the nerves due to the rubbing of bone on them, etc.
Really need more info on your situation to tell.
Dennis
Dennis,
I have C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7 herniated disks with bone spurs, moderate flattening of the nerves and reduction of the spinal canal in those areas. So far I have seen one NS with a second opinion schedule for June 14 and my regular Neurologist on the 10th. My symptoms started about 8 months ago with a stiff neck then later developed a dull pain and numbness to the left arm and thumb. The pain and numbness are not constant and only get more intense at the end of the day but nothing excruciating. I have taken medications and physical therapy for about 2 months but the pain and numbness level are about the same after all the treatments. My NS wants to do a level 2 ACDF with a plate as my only option because I have tried the other methods with no change. I mentioned the steroid injections and he said that is a temporary solution. I’m concerned about the loss of range in motion of my neck and the surgeon scaring the nerves during surgery. So I was not sure if waiting to have the surgery it was going to have more irreversible damage or continue to have the same pain for rest of my time on earth. Of course the NS did say that it would damage the spine but I’m always cautious about the sales pitch.
Thanks for your words,
Frank
It really depends where you are at. In my case, I would get up in the morning and feel fine until I drove to work, and then the pain would start. If the disks are shot over time you will irritate and possibly damage the nerves due to the rubbing of bone on them, etc.
Really need more info on your situation to tell.
Dennis
Dennis,
I have C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7 herniated disks with bone spurs, moderate flattening of the nerves and reduction of the spinal canal in those areas. So far I have seen one NS with a second opinion schedule for June 14 and my regular Neurologist on the 10th. My symptoms started about 8 months ago with a stiff neck then later developed a dull pain and numbness to the left arm and thumb. The pain and numbness are not constant and only get more intense at the end of the day but nothing excruciating. I have taken medications and physical therapy for about 2 months but the pain and numbness level are about the same after all the treatments. My NS wants to do a level 2 ACDF with a plate as my only option because I have tried the other methods with no change. I mentioned the steroid injections and he said that is a temporary solution. I’m concerned about the loss of range in motion of my neck and the surgeon scaring the nerves during surgery. So I was not sure if waiting to have the surgery it was going to have more irreversible damage or continue to have the same pain for rest of my time on earth. Of course the NS did say that it would damage the spine but I’m always cautious about the sales pitch.
Thanks for your words,
Frank
dennisgb
06-02-2005, 02:39 PM
Frank,
You are a candidate for surgery, but, with the level of pain you have, you can go for a while. I lasted for about 8 years from the point you are at before my surgery. The last 2 years were pretty bad. Listen to your docs...and your body.
My pain was pretty much constant left shoulder, left arm and hand. It got to where it was difficult to sleep at all. I have allergies to many pain meds, so I lived with the pain.
I had basically the surgery that you are talking about on June 30, 2004. I had donor bone.
I have zero pain with the exception of muscle spasms when I overdo things. I also have a very slight tingle in the tip of my left index finger that I feel in certain positions. This I think might be permanent nerve damage.
I can hardly see the scar from the surgery. I don't know about internal scaring, but I don't feel anything.
While you may read a lot of negatives on this and other boards, consider, that most who come here are looking for answers to problems. Once people are "fixed" they have no need to come back. I am one of the exceptions, because this board helped me so much prior to my surgery and during recovery, I feel I owe it to others who need the same help.
One thing that I am coming to understand, is that it's important to make some lifestyle changes in order for this surgery to work. I quit smoking 8 weeks before the surgery and have not had a cigarette since. I have been doing my excercise routines, a dicipline that I never was good at before. I also have changed my diet, and drink lots of water. I know this sounds like some sort of soap box I'm up on, but my docs were straight with me and said you do not have to do these things, but you will have a much higher chance for success if you do them.
When I came out of the surgery, I felt so much better, that the pain from the surgery wasn't that bad. I never took any morphine in recovery or in my room, and went straight to oral meds. and home. While I was laying there, I said to myself that this was a miracle (after living with the pain for so long, it was like being given your life back), so I decided, I was going to do everything I could to make sure this lasted.
Dennis
You are a candidate for surgery, but, with the level of pain you have, you can go for a while. I lasted for about 8 years from the point you are at before my surgery. The last 2 years were pretty bad. Listen to your docs...and your body.
My pain was pretty much constant left shoulder, left arm and hand. It got to where it was difficult to sleep at all. I have allergies to many pain meds, so I lived with the pain.
I had basically the surgery that you are talking about on June 30, 2004. I had donor bone.
I have zero pain with the exception of muscle spasms when I overdo things. I also have a very slight tingle in the tip of my left index finger that I feel in certain positions. This I think might be permanent nerve damage.
I can hardly see the scar from the surgery. I don't know about internal scaring, but I don't feel anything.
While you may read a lot of negatives on this and other boards, consider, that most who come here are looking for answers to problems. Once people are "fixed" they have no need to come back. I am one of the exceptions, because this board helped me so much prior to my surgery and during recovery, I feel I owe it to others who need the same help.
One thing that I am coming to understand, is that it's important to make some lifestyle changes in order for this surgery to work. I quit smoking 8 weeks before the surgery and have not had a cigarette since. I have been doing my excercise routines, a dicipline that I never was good at before. I also have changed my diet, and drink lots of water. I know this sounds like some sort of soap box I'm up on, but my docs were straight with me and said you do not have to do these things, but you will have a much higher chance for success if you do them.
When I came out of the surgery, I felt so much better, that the pain from the surgery wasn't that bad. I never took any morphine in recovery or in my room, and went straight to oral meds. and home. While I was laying there, I said to myself that this was a miracle (after living with the pain for so long, it was like being given your life back), so I decided, I was going to do everything I could to make sure this lasted.
Dennis
Scorpio24
06-02-2005, 03:39 PM
Dennis,
Thanks for the information and your support.
That is the part I have concerns about the waiting or procrastinating but I will over this when I go to see the other Docs to double check my options. Currently my left arm is a little weaker than the right and I guess that is the reason why the NS wants to do the surgery soon rather than wait for further damage.
If I have this procedure done I will also come back from time to time to this board to offer my experiences to others. Is the right thing to do.
Thanks Dennis and take care.
Thanks for the information and your support.
That is the part I have concerns about the waiting or procrastinating but I will over this when I go to see the other Docs to double check my options. Currently my left arm is a little weaker than the right and I guess that is the reason why the NS wants to do the surgery soon rather than wait for further damage.
If I have this procedure done I will also come back from time to time to this board to offer my experiences to others. Is the right thing to do.
Thanks Dennis and take care.
dennisgb
06-02-2005, 03:58 PM
Dennis,
Thanks for the information and your support.
That is the part I have concerns about the waiting or procrastinating but I will over this when I go to see the other Docs to double check my options. Currently my left arm is a little weaker than the right and I guess that is the reason why the NS wants to do the surgery soon rather than wait for further damage.
If I have this procedure done I will also come back from time to time to this board to offer my experiences to others. Is the right thing to do.
Thanks Dennis and take care.
It's a really hard decision to make. I know I tried everything I could before doing the surgery. It won't be so scary once you get there. You and your docs will know when the time comes.
BTW, my left arm was about 40-50% weaker than my right. Now, it's as strong if not stronger, and I'm right handed.
Take care, and let us know what you find out.
Dennis
Thanks for the information and your support.
That is the part I have concerns about the waiting or procrastinating but I will over this when I go to see the other Docs to double check my options. Currently my left arm is a little weaker than the right and I guess that is the reason why the NS wants to do the surgery soon rather than wait for further damage.
If I have this procedure done I will also come back from time to time to this board to offer my experiences to others. Is the right thing to do.
Thanks Dennis and take care.
It's a really hard decision to make. I know I tried everything I could before doing the surgery. It won't be so scary once you get there. You and your docs will know when the time comes.
BTW, my left arm was about 40-50% weaker than my right. Now, it's as strong if not stronger, and I'm right handed.
Take care, and let us know what you find out.
Dennis
goawaypain
06-07-2005, 08:27 AM
Hey, I have the same thing going on with my neck, but just c5-6. I have tried the shots, did not work. Did the nerve burning thing, did not work. Did the neucleoplasty, did not work. Surgery is last hope except the said don't expect too much pain relief, just that it would stop the progression at that level, but could cause the levels above it and below it to go bad from the fusion. Ask about Topamax, much better than neurontin imo, and I take fioricet for the headaches. good luck.
t
t
dennisgb
06-08-2005, 11:05 AM
T,
I don't agree that you will not get relief from the pain after surgery. In my case I had two level ACDF C5-6 and C6-7, and I feel great. 95% of the prior pain is gone.
As far as the problem with adjacent levels going bad. My docs said to continue the strenghtening excercises to keep the neck muscles strong, so that there is better support.
Dennis
I don't agree that you will not get relief from the pain after surgery. In my case I had two level ACDF C5-6 and C6-7, and I feel great. 95% of the prior pain is gone.
As far as the problem with adjacent levels going bad. My docs said to continue the strenghtening excercises to keep the neck muscles strong, so that there is better support.
Dennis
oldncold
06-18-2005, 09:05 PM
I found this post very helpful. I am now being diagnosed polyneuropathy. I had cervical spine fusion done 2 times ----developed total neuropathy, --now and they are trying to test for hereditary neuropathy. Has anyone had any experience with this? I have not history of neuropathy in my family--if any info on this -- If so I would appreciated any info you can give me.
mirty1011
07-13-2005, 01:29 AM
This is for Bobby and anyone out there who would like to respond.
Hi, Bobby. Thanks for the information. I've been reading the messages and replies and was looking for someone who had the surgery. My husband is contemplating the surgery (anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion c5-6) and we would like information on what after affects you had after the surgery and your current status. It sounds like it worked for you.
We would like to hear from others who have had the surgery.
Thanks,
Iris & Felix
Hi, Bobby. Thanks for the information. I've been reading the messages and replies and was looking for someone who had the surgery. My husband is contemplating the surgery (anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion c5-6) and we would like information on what after affects you had after the surgery and your current status. It sounds like it worked for you.
We would like to hear from others who have had the surgery.
Thanks,
Iris & Felix
Mary.T
07-13-2005, 07:40 PM
Hello everyone - :wave: I have not been on here for some time, but have spoken to Dennis and Keith Eugene going back a long ways - Well I finally did it . I had a two level c5/6 and c6/7 disc replacement done on Saturday - July 9th at Kings College Hospital in London. I came home last night with a soft collar, and I had 2 artificial discs inserted ( PCM), I will be under close monitoring by my neurosurgeon for the next two years, this disc is made by Cervitech. I am in a bit too much pain too type anymore now, but will be back over the next few days/weeks hopefully to let you know how things progress. Like Dennis and Keith I had major problems for a long time, and think that I gave all things a good try before going for the surgery - Meds - physio, cervical epidurals - acupuncture. When I came round in the High dependancy unit on Saturday, my NS said that when he actually got in there, the damage was more than my most recent MRI had shown and that was only done on June 7th. I feel very relieved that it's over, and glad that i hadn't been imagining things, which I think sometimes when you're at your lowest you do. He says I have done absolutely the right thing, and I trust him. He hopes I will have at least an 80% improvement im symptoms, we will see. Arms are aching now, must go. Regards to everyone.
Mary T.
Mary T.
faubs110
07-26-2005, 08:09 PM
this isn't a reply to the specific issue......just a new post........i know most of the good stories move on but i felt i owed it to the rest of you to drop a line.......i wish these i had found these message boards b4 my surgery.......been active all my life......martial arts.......heavy weightlifting etc......woke up one morning with a stiff neck (not unusual right????) went on for about a month......went to the gym could barely lift any weight with my right arm......went to the doc...sent me to a neuro the same day.....went for an mri.....sent to the neurosurgeon all in a matter of 2 days....(these nyc dr's dont play around i guess???)......surgery scheduled within 2 weeks of the visit.....c 5-6 pushing on the spinal cord........doc told me that any little bump would leave me in a wheelchair............should have gotten a 2nd opinion or at least tried the endoscopic go around........wish i knew about it.....anyways had c 5-6-7 removed.......cadaver bone and a titanium plate to aid the fusion...........left the hospital 1 day after procedure.....no neck brace.......but i must say even though the road to recovery has been quite long i am feeling pretty good......i still go to physical therapy once a week but that's mostly for my back .....good ole l5-s1............other than stiffness after i work out or play ball i have all my stregth back...................the key is to practice the good posture/exercise and stay strong........forget all the meds they'll do nothing but destroy your liver/kidneys.........i don't know about future problems.......but i'm sure they'll continue to advance in the spinal field.....if anyone has any?'s feel free to get at me faubs110@aol.com...................i'm not a complete success story because i had little pain/stiffness b4 the operation but my nuerological function was severly compromised and later cured so i guess that qualifies
Scorpio24
07-27-2005, 06:34 PM
Hello to everyone,
It’s been a while since I’ve been here but I had computer problems and I was out of the country for a while. I’m schedule for surgery for ACDF for C4-5 & C5-6 in about a week but I’m still concerned about the range of motion of my neck once I have the plate. That is really my only worry when it comes to my surgery. I know that we hear horrible stories on most of the boards but I still would like to hear from someone who has a titanium plate in the same location and in their mid 40’s. I want to know the quality of life that I will have with that plate. I know that many of you like Dennisgb or faubs110 are a great support but most of the time people don’t refer to that part of surgery or the post-operation way of life with the plate. Thanks.
Frank.
It’s been a while since I’ve been here but I had computer problems and I was out of the country for a while. I’m schedule for surgery for ACDF for C4-5 & C5-6 in about a week but I’m still concerned about the range of motion of my neck once I have the plate. That is really my only worry when it comes to my surgery. I know that we hear horrible stories on most of the boards but I still would like to hear from someone who has a titanium plate in the same location and in their mid 40’s. I want to know the quality of life that I will have with that plate. I know that many of you like Dennisgb or faubs110 are a great support but most of the time people don’t refer to that part of surgery or the post-operation way of life with the plate. Thanks.
Frank.
faubs110
07-28-2005, 09:06 PM
well i can't comment on life in the 40's since i am only 28..........i do get a tight feeling in the throat sometimes but nothing too severe......just be careful how much u bite and chew......it was a week b4 i could eat solid food......also i have to chew larger pieces a little bit more these days........my range of motion took a hit on looking upwards.....can only look straight up.....i cant really hang my head back.....side to side was limited at first but several months of physical therapy took car o f that.....the plate is only to aid fusion so it can be removed at a later date should u choose....rumor has it that that operation is much less severe and alot easier to deal with
Scorpio24
07-28-2005, 10:39 PM
Sorry about the age…. I was thinking about people that heal at a slower pace. That was my concern, how much life is going to change with the limitations. But if the plate is removed how much range of motion is regained? :confused:
chitowngl
07-29-2005, 09:50 AM
I am 47 and had a one level cervical fusion is Jan (C5-C6). The doctor used screws and a titanium plate. After I went through pt I must say that I don't feel I have lost any range of motion. Of course I only had one level done and everyone is different--so I am not sure if two levels would make a big difference. Hope this helps!
Carrie
Carrie
Scorpio24
07-29-2005, 10:45 AM
Thanks for the input. And that is the question I want my NS to answer but his secretary never return my calls. I have a pre-op appt on Mon with a nurse from the same office and may have to cancel my surgery because I’m not 100% sure if I want to live with the neck stiffness. I have learned a lot more about this condition and the surgery after I made my surg appt and after I talked to my NS which went over all my options and I mentioned to him that nothing helped my symptoms. All I have is a dull pain in my neck and numbness in my left arm on occasions. If I manipulate my neck to a certain position my numbness goes away. I thought I was sure about the surgery but now I have doubts and don’t know how to proceed.
Cindee 2
07-29-2005, 03:52 PM
Well I'm 40 and just had ACDF 567 on July 12th so I'm still an early out.
The range of motion was my least worry. Before surgery motion to the left was pretty good, right was about 20-30 percent limited, down not to bad but couldn't touch chin to chest(if I forgot and tried it hurt like no other), looking up was just uncomfortable.
Just a little more than 2 weeks out I have no collar. I was told to start looking a little to the left and right, and some bending over just be careful. I mostly still squat when I can. Things are tight and stiff....moving oh so slowly.
Movement to the left is easier than the right, in fact the other night I woke up and my head was turned all the way to the right. Freaked me out, I slowly moved it back where I thought it should be. The doctor told me pior to surgery I shouldn't lose much ROM being it is 2 lower levels. I will just have to do my exercises when he releases me to start those to get good ROM. Not sure when that will be yet.
The range of motion was my least worry. Before surgery motion to the left was pretty good, right was about 20-30 percent limited, down not to bad but couldn't touch chin to chest(if I forgot and tried it hurt like no other), looking up was just uncomfortable.
Just a little more than 2 weeks out I have no collar. I was told to start looking a little to the left and right, and some bending over just be careful. I mostly still squat when I can. Things are tight and stiff....moving oh so slowly.
Movement to the left is easier than the right, in fact the other night I woke up and my head was turned all the way to the right. Freaked me out, I slowly moved it back where I thought it should be. The doctor told me pior to surgery I shouldn't lose much ROM being it is 2 lower levels. I will just have to do my exercises when he releases me to start those to get good ROM. Not sure when that will be yet.
Cindee 2
07-29-2005, 03:52 PM
Well I'm 40 and just had ACDF 567 on July 12th so I'm still an early out.
The range of motion was my least worry. Before surgery motion to the left was pretty good, right was about 20-30 percent limited, down not to bad but couldn't touch chin to chest(if I forgot and tried it hurt like no other), looking up was just uncomfortable.
Just a little more than 2 weeks out I have no collar. I was told to start looking a little to the left and right, and some bending over just be careful. I mostly still squat when I can. Things are tight and stiff....moving oh so slowly.
Movement to the left is easier than the right, in fact the other night I woke up and my head was turned all the way to the right. Freaked me out, I slowly moved it back where I thought it should be. The doctor told me pior to surgery I shouldn't lose much ROM being it is 2 lower levels. I will just have to do my exercises when he releases me to start those to get good ROM. Not sure when that will be yet.
Cindee
The range of motion was my least worry. Before surgery motion to the left was pretty good, right was about 20-30 percent limited, down not to bad but couldn't touch chin to chest(if I forgot and tried it hurt like no other), looking up was just uncomfortable.
Just a little more than 2 weeks out I have no collar. I was told to start looking a little to the left and right, and some bending over just be careful. I mostly still squat when I can. Things are tight and stiff....moving oh so slowly.
Movement to the left is easier than the right, in fact the other night I woke up and my head was turned all the way to the right. Freaked me out, I slowly moved it back where I thought it should be. The doctor told me pior to surgery I shouldn't lose much ROM being it is 2 lower levels. I will just have to do my exercises when he releases me to start those to get good ROM. Not sure when that will be yet.
Cindee
Scorpio24
07-29-2005, 05:21 PM
Thanks Cindee, I have pretty good ROM with some discomfort when I move my head towards my back. I’m pretty active and like to play golf a lot. I understand when it’s only the lower discs but a little concerned when it comes to the others. How is does it feel? Is it painful if you force the head the move towards the chest? I know it’s too soon after surgery but I was wondering about driving.
Thanks.
Thanks.
wimpette
07-29-2005, 08:45 PM
In my fifties and having gone through both a two level acdf and three level posterior fusion I am surprised to find how good my neck movement is. After my anterior fusion I really didn't notice much problem side to side, my main limitations were holding a phone to my ear and really tucking my chin to my chest. Looking up was initially a problem but that turned out to be due to failed fusion and bone formation causing additional problems.
The posterior fusion was initially more restricting but with a great physical therapist my neck rotation left to right is only about 5 degrees off normal, my extension (looking up) almost baseline with no pain and chin to chest and ear to shoulder the same as after the first surgery.
So, from my point of view, mobility has not been a problem - the most important is not to rush your recovery no matter how good you feel when you wake up!
All the best,
W
The posterior fusion was initially more restricting but with a great physical therapist my neck rotation left to right is only about 5 degrees off normal, my extension (looking up) almost baseline with no pain and chin to chest and ear to shoulder the same as after the first surgery.
So, from my point of view, mobility has not been a problem - the most important is not to rush your recovery no matter how good you feel when you wake up!
All the best,
W
Scorpio24
07-29-2005, 11:34 PM
Thanks W, it was reassuring to hear about what you have experienced.
Frank
:wave:
Frank
:wave:
notpain
07-30-2005, 10:26 PM
For those of you reading this post, although it is a bit old, I came across a physician in New York that does an interesting procedure and it wasn't Dr. Jho, I think his name was Dr. Chow honestly. It's a 45 minute procedure, you are under local anesthetic and guided flourscopy just like the Cortico Steroid or Facet Joint blocks I had.
In the procedure a hollow needle is inserted into the center of the disc, a laser is then threaded inside the needle. The laser vaporizes the water content immediately shrinking the disc, the effect is for the herniated portion to get sucked back inside relieveing the pressure.
Discs also have fat inside them and I do not know if it vaporizes the fat, so everyone may not be a candidate. But from the videos of people who had this procedure they were very happy and avoided full blown surgery and fusion. Fusion scares me because it puts pressure on the remaining discs, and I have a multi level problem so I don't need any more discs to blow. It's alsom my understanding that by the time you are 65 there is so little water or fat content in the disc that herniation is virutually impossible. You just get to enjoy the oestephytes and the bone on bone pain. Yikes.
In the procedure a hollow needle is inserted into the center of the disc, a laser is then threaded inside the needle. The laser vaporizes the water content immediately shrinking the disc, the effect is for the herniated portion to get sucked back inside relieveing the pressure.
Discs also have fat inside them and I do not know if it vaporizes the fat, so everyone may not be a candidate. But from the videos of people who had this procedure they were very happy and avoided full blown surgery and fusion. Fusion scares me because it puts pressure on the remaining discs, and I have a multi level problem so I don't need any more discs to blow. It's alsom my understanding that by the time you are 65 there is so little water or fat content in the disc that herniation is virutually impossible. You just get to enjoy the oestephytes and the bone on bone pain. Yikes.