NYFUSED
05-08-2003, 07:37 PM
Hi all,
NS called today. June 4 is the date for my posterior foraminotomy c6-7. I am having it at NYU in Manhattan. For those of you that haven't read my posts, I had ACDF c5-6-7 w/titanium plate in October 2002. The fusion level was at c6-7. 2 weeks after surgery I again was in complete pain 24/7 STILL with no relief. Original NS said it was all healing pain. I sought another opinion and was sent for a myelogram. I was told that I did not fuse and the bone had actually grown over and causing spinal stenosis w/myelopathy. I also have stenosis at the c4-5 level due to a bulging disc that was supposed to be addressed at my October 2002 surgery but NS forgot!!!!! That is why I stress to everyone...get a second, third opinion. Not to many people on this board has had this procedure. If anyone has any info please respond. I would like to know how that pain level after surgery is compared to the ACDF.
Thanks to all for reading this post and I hope you are all pain free soon.
Lori
Laminectomy L4-5 2/2001
ACDF C5-6-7 10/2002
Posterior Foraminotomy June 4, 2003
All due from 3 mva's ( all whiplash, stopped at red lights)
I need a bumper sticker or somthing that warns people to keep away from me. lol
NS called today. June 4 is the date for my posterior foraminotomy c6-7. I am having it at NYU in Manhattan. For those of you that haven't read my posts, I had ACDF c5-6-7 w/titanium plate in October 2002. The fusion level was at c6-7. 2 weeks after surgery I again was in complete pain 24/7 STILL with no relief. Original NS said it was all healing pain. I sought another opinion and was sent for a myelogram. I was told that I did not fuse and the bone had actually grown over and causing spinal stenosis w/myelopathy. I also have stenosis at the c4-5 level due to a bulging disc that was supposed to be addressed at my October 2002 surgery but NS forgot!!!!! That is why I stress to everyone...get a second, third opinion. Not to many people on this board has had this procedure. If anyone has any info please respond. I would like to know how that pain level after surgery is compared to the ACDF.
Thanks to all for reading this post and I hope you are all pain free soon.
Lori
Laminectomy L4-5 2/2001
ACDF C5-6-7 10/2002
Posterior Foraminotomy June 4, 2003
All due from 3 mva's ( all whiplash, stopped at red lights)
I need a bumper sticker or somthing that warns people to keep away from me. lol
Sponsor
franjo
05-08-2003, 07:53 PM
Lori,
Congratulations on the date being set. Sounds like you've been through it. We'll both be re-couping about the same time. My surgery is June 5th to untether my cord. Let the party begin!! :D
Your NS FORGOT???!!! Now THAT'S scary!! I've often been tempted to place post-it notes on my body before a surgery, it sounds ridiculous, but it makes perfect sense to me! They once almost operated on my left hip, when it was the right one slated for surgery. Even on the OR table, they were still saying 'left hip'.
I'm sorry you've had to go through all this. Hopefully, relief is in sight. And, hopefully, you have a different NS who isn't quite as forgetful! GEEEZ! Your advice to seek 2nd or even 3rd opinions is well taken.
Good Luck to You...June seems to be comin' in fast for me. Like you, I'm sure, I just want to put this "baby to bed".
~Teri
Congratulations on the date being set. Sounds like you've been through it. We'll both be re-couping about the same time. My surgery is June 5th to untether my cord. Let the party begin!! :D
Your NS FORGOT???!!! Now THAT'S scary!! I've often been tempted to place post-it notes on my body before a surgery, it sounds ridiculous, but it makes perfect sense to me! They once almost operated on my left hip, when it was the right one slated for surgery. Even on the OR table, they were still saying 'left hip'.
I'm sorry you've had to go through all this. Hopefully, relief is in sight. And, hopefully, you have a different NS who isn't quite as forgetful! GEEEZ! Your advice to seek 2nd or even 3rd opinions is well taken.
Good Luck to You...June seems to be comin' in fast for me. Like you, I'm sure, I just want to put this "baby to bed".
~Teri
Midge130
05-08-2003, 10:37 PM
Lori,
I can't believe that!! How awful for something like that to happen! I wanted to get a 2nd opinion but my insurance won't cover it. The only way it will cover it is if my PCP doesn't agree with the first opinion.
You'll be having surgery when I get my myelogram! And maybe at the end of June I'll be in surgery.
Midge
I can't believe that!! How awful for something like that to happen! I wanted to get a 2nd opinion but my insurance won't cover it. The only way it will cover it is if my PCP doesn't agree with the first opinion.
You'll be having surgery when I get my myelogram! And maybe at the end of June I'll be in surgery.
Midge
melanie dawn
05-09-2003, 02:33 PM
HI Lori,
well I have not had surgery yet, you know long story. However, my NS first talked to me about having, 5 level posterior laminectomy(with bone removed instead of hinged), with herrington rods, cage and 3 level fusion. I like you have stenosis and myelopathy.The recovery for posterior is definately more painful and longer than the anterior procedures.
My NS finally decided to go with 3 level anterior, based on my age and desire to work. However this is done with the knowledge that I will need more surgery in the future, but hopefully the far distant future.
I myself would prefer to have the 5 level done and get it over with. One of the benifits to the posterior surgery is that it truly opens up the spinal canal, moreso than anterior approach. I felt that if I had the 5 level done now, I wouldn't have to worry anymore about cervical stenosis. But the NS feels that the 3 level fusion will adress my problem and with a much shorter and less painful recovery.
Well once more I just made a short answer into a novel
Hopefully Nicki will get in touch with you, she has had the posterior surgery.
I hope someone soon comes online who can answer your questions. What did your NS say about the bladder spasms when you lay down?
Please keep in touch, my thoughts are with you
Mel
well I have not had surgery yet, you know long story. However, my NS first talked to me about having, 5 level posterior laminectomy(with bone removed instead of hinged), with herrington rods, cage and 3 level fusion. I like you have stenosis and myelopathy.The recovery for posterior is definately more painful and longer than the anterior procedures.
My NS finally decided to go with 3 level anterior, based on my age and desire to work. However this is done with the knowledge that I will need more surgery in the future, but hopefully the far distant future.
I myself would prefer to have the 5 level done and get it over with. One of the benifits to the posterior surgery is that it truly opens up the spinal canal, moreso than anterior approach. I felt that if I had the 5 level done now, I wouldn't have to worry anymore about cervical stenosis. But the NS feels that the 3 level fusion will adress my problem and with a much shorter and less painful recovery.
Well once more I just made a short answer into a novel
Hopefully Nicki will get in touch with you, she has had the posterior surgery.
I hope someone soon comes online who can answer your questions. What did your NS say about the bladder spasms when you lay down?
Please keep in touch, my thoughts are with you
Mel
Debbie2
05-09-2003, 02:40 PM
Lori,
I too only had one level done and it was anterior. But I am sure someone here will come along and let you know. Good luck and I'm glad you have the date. Sorry you had to go through this twice, but it will be over with here soon.
Were you on the boards here back in October?
Debbie
------------------
Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
[This message has been edited by Debbie2 (edited 05-09-2003).]
I too only had one level done and it was anterior. But I am sure someone here will come along and let you know. Good luck and I'm glad you have the date. Sorry you had to go through this twice, but it will be over with here soon.
Were you on the boards here back in October?
Debbie
------------------
Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
[This message has been edited by Debbie2 (edited 05-09-2003).]
NYFUSED
05-11-2003, 01:02 AM
Hi to all,
Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my post. This is such a great site.
TERI- What type of surgery are you having??? Yes, we will be in hospital at the same time. To bad you weren;t in NY LOL.
MIDGE- I hope you haven't read the horror stories posted about myelgrams. I did and was scared out of my face. I did have the test and it was a breeze. Only had a headache for about 1 hour. I am grateful for this test as they would not have found my problem without it!!!!
MELANIE- Have you had the posterior approach??? Just wondering after reading you reply thaT posterior was more painful. My NS said I would be up and around in 1 week!!!! Do you think that is true?? I do chat with someone on-line and she had both surgeries and said the same thing.
DEBBIE--- I was not aware that these boards existed in October. After my surgery I needed some info and started searching and found this Terrific, wonderful website. I wish I would have found it sooner.
Thank you all for your well wishes, and I wish the same to all of you. It is a good feeling to know you can talk to people that understand what you are going through. I have a great Hubby but sometimes he just doesn't understand. I can vent on this board and you all understand me.
May you all have pain free days soon.
My prayer are with you.
Lori
Laminectomy L4-5 2001
ACDF c5-6-7 10/2002
Posterior foraminotomy June 4, 2003
w/ stenosis
Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my post. This is such a great site.
TERI- What type of surgery are you having??? Yes, we will be in hospital at the same time. To bad you weren;t in NY LOL.
MIDGE- I hope you haven't read the horror stories posted about myelgrams. I did and was scared out of my face. I did have the test and it was a breeze. Only had a headache for about 1 hour. I am grateful for this test as they would not have found my problem without it!!!!
MELANIE- Have you had the posterior approach??? Just wondering after reading you reply thaT posterior was more painful. My NS said I would be up and around in 1 week!!!! Do you think that is true?? I do chat with someone on-line and she had both surgeries and said the same thing.
DEBBIE--- I was not aware that these boards existed in October. After my surgery I needed some info and started searching and found this Terrific, wonderful website. I wish I would have found it sooner.
Thank you all for your well wishes, and I wish the same to all of you. It is a good feeling to know you can talk to people that understand what you are going through. I have a great Hubby but sometimes he just doesn't understand. I can vent on this board and you all understand me.
May you all have pain free days soon.
My prayer are with you.
Lori
Laminectomy L4-5 2001
ACDF c5-6-7 10/2002
Posterior foraminotomy June 4, 2003
w/ stenosis
winged phantom
05-11-2003, 01:19 AM
Hey Lori,
Good luck with this difficult surgery; I've heard that posterior is more radical (muscles are much more affected), and I would guess you will have some difficulty raising your arms, etc. afterward. I wish I could help you with some of your issues, but I don't know enough about those procedures (and hopefully will not have to experience them, at least not in the near future). All I can offer is my shoulder to cry on and my arms for a big hug.
wr :wave:
------------------
12/29/89 C5-6 Microdiskectomy (no fusion)
4/9/03 ACDF C4-7 with plating and donor bone
Good luck with this difficult surgery; I've heard that posterior is more radical (muscles are much more affected), and I would guess you will have some difficulty raising your arms, etc. afterward. I wish I could help you with some of your issues, but I don't know enough about those procedures (and hopefully will not have to experience them, at least not in the near future). All I can offer is my shoulder to cry on and my arms for a big hug.
wr :wave:
------------------
12/29/89 C5-6 Microdiskectomy (no fusion)
4/9/03 ACDF C4-7 with plating and donor bone
Eugene2003
05-11-2003, 11:55 AM
Lori,
I have been lucky with the two fusions that I have had. Both fusions took hold with no complications. The last fusion was with a titanium plate and screws. I made sure that I had a second opinion before each surgery. It was added security for me. I wish you luck with your next surgery and keep in touch with us on your recovery!
------------------
EH
I have been lucky with the two fusions that I have had. Both fusions took hold with no complications. The last fusion was with a titanium plate and screws. I made sure that I had a second opinion before each surgery. It was added security for me. I wish you luck with your next surgery and keep in touch with us on your recovery!
------------------
EH
franjo
05-12-2003, 03:32 AM
Lori,
I'll be having a tethered spinal cord release, then later, a possible fusion with instrumentation. I don't know which I'm dreading more. At the same time, I don't know which I'm looking forward to the most! Ahh, life is such a paradox! :D
Take Care,
~Teri
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Spina-bifida occulta; Congenital Scoliosis (dextrorotatory and 'S' curve, 42 and 57 degrees); Meningomyelocele (split cord @ L1); Diastematomyelia (re-sectioned at L2-3); tethered cord @ S-3; various developmental abnormalities of the spine.
Surgeries include, but not limited to:
Lumbar fusion-1968
Fusion with Herrington Rod instrumentation-1970
Femoral osteotomy-1971
Tethered cord release-1987
Rod removal-1987
Chiari-type pelvic osteotomy-1988
Trochanteric osteotomy-1989
I'll be having a tethered spinal cord release, then later, a possible fusion with instrumentation. I don't know which I'm dreading more. At the same time, I don't know which I'm looking forward to the most! Ahh, life is such a paradox! :D
Take Care,
~Teri
------------------
Spina-bifida occulta; Congenital Scoliosis (dextrorotatory and 'S' curve, 42 and 57 degrees); Meningomyelocele (split cord @ L1); Diastematomyelia (re-sectioned at L2-3); tethered cord @ S-3; various developmental abnormalities of the spine.
Surgeries include, but not limited to:
Lumbar fusion-1968
Fusion with Herrington Rod instrumentation-1970
Femoral osteotomy-1971
Tethered cord release-1987
Rod removal-1987
Chiari-type pelvic osteotomy-1988
Trochanteric osteotomy-1989
Memer
05-12-2003, 09:11 AM
Lori,
Regarding your forgetful NS, it seems like these guys concentrate so much on becoming a wonderful surgeon that they lose some very important stuff in the process (bedside manner, common sense, memory--something). I think many of us found out the hard way.
As far as the posterior approach, I didn't have it but a family member had both the anterior and posterior approach for his entire C-spine, working on different parts with each surgery. Believe it or not, he didn't complain at all with either procedure. To me that's amazing. I do hear that posterior is worse, but he says it was the best decision he ever made and he has never regretted it.
I only have theories as to why he had almost no pain with either surgery. It may simply be that he had a great NS who did the surgery exactly right and then medicated him exactly right afterward. I really don't know, but I wish the same for you.
[This message has been edited by Memer (edited 08-04-2003).]
Regarding your forgetful NS, it seems like these guys concentrate so much on becoming a wonderful surgeon that they lose some very important stuff in the process (bedside manner, common sense, memory--something). I think many of us found out the hard way.
As far as the posterior approach, I didn't have it but a family member had both the anterior and posterior approach for his entire C-spine, working on different parts with each surgery. Believe it or not, he didn't complain at all with either procedure. To me that's amazing. I do hear that posterior is worse, but he says it was the best decision he ever made and he has never regretted it.
I only have theories as to why he had almost no pain with either surgery. It may simply be that he had a great NS who did the surgery exactly right and then medicated him exactly right afterward. I really don't know, but I wish the same for you.
[This message has been edited by Memer (edited 08-04-2003).]
joprud
05-12-2003, 04:47 PM
Hi Lori,
Sorry I can't answer your question...I just wanted to wish you well on your upcoming sugery.
Take Care :wave:
Joanne
Sorry I can't answer your question...I just wanted to wish you well on your upcoming sugery.
Take Care :wave:
Joanne