porkyappleyard
05-08-2003, 12:45 PM
Hi Board...hope you guys can help me.
I have degenerative discs in C5 and C6 with some bone spurs per the MRI. Due to a thin spinal cord wall, this condition is making my life miserable. I have severe spasms as well as general neck "lock" which occurs every day. I am currently going to a chiro-neuro (he has extra 2 years training than normal chiro...a great guy) and have been doing PT for a couple months. So far, the PT has NOT helped my severe spasms. Perhaps since there has not been a material improvement, he is sending me to a NeuroSurgeon later this month for an evaluation. Yet, the chiro tells me I am NOT a good candidate for surgery! What should I expect from the NS?? Will he try meds first (which I hate and avoid...it just masks the problem)or consider surgery? I am 49 years old.
I really appreciate all comments!!!
I have degenerative discs in C5 and C6 with some bone spurs per the MRI. Due to a thin spinal cord wall, this condition is making my life miserable. I have severe spasms as well as general neck "lock" which occurs every day. I am currently going to a chiro-neuro (he has extra 2 years training than normal chiro...a great guy) and have been doing PT for a couple months. So far, the PT has NOT helped my severe spasms. Perhaps since there has not been a material improvement, he is sending me to a NeuroSurgeon later this month for an evaluation. Yet, the chiro tells me I am NOT a good candidate for surgery! What should I expect from the NS?? Will he try meds first (which I hate and avoid...it just masks the problem)or consider surgery? I am 49 years old.
I really appreciate all comments!!!
Sponsor
funchick
05-08-2003, 01:09 PM
I broke c5-c6 in 1986, and i also suffer from severe spasms. I also did the PT thing for months and saw very little improvement. I went to a new doc and he stopped PT and put me on a med called Zanaflex. My symptoms had improved within 24 hours. I am not saying that I am 100% better, but I am better. I would consider meds if the spasms are bothersome enough. Why can't they do surgery on you?
Good luck!
Good luck!
Debbie2
05-08-2003, 01:18 PM
I don't understand why your Chiro says you are not a good canidate for surgery... unless he is going to miss your business monitarily.
I was 49, had spurs and the same disc problem area you have... I did not want to live like you are trying to do...
I had surgery, and was a canidate the minute the neuro saw my MRI and my pain.
You need to wait (hard as it may be) and talk to the neuro, if you need, always get a second opinion.
Good luck,
Debbie
------------------
Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
I was 49, had spurs and the same disc problem area you have... I did not want to live like you are trying to do...
I had surgery, and was a canidate the minute the neuro saw my MRI and my pain.
You need to wait (hard as it may be) and talk to the neuro, if you need, always get a second opinion.
Good luck,
Debbie
------------------
Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
winged phantom
05-08-2003, 01:24 PM
Hey Porky!
It's about time somebody nearly as old as I am has come along! ;)
First off, I do not know what the NS may recommend to you, but I would NOT take your chiro-neuro's word that you are not a candidate for surgery. I hope that is not why you have put off seeing one for 2 years. And be sure to get at least two professional opinions from either NS's or orthopedic surgeons about your condition.... I feel I should point out that there are some really great ortho guys out there, but that most of us here have ended up going to an NS for our cervie problems.
It's my feeling that you should exhaust more avenues before looking to surgery to help you.... i.e., give some meds a chance, depending, of course, on what your doc's recc. is... Like I read on another site, one doctor's comment was, "No matter how much pain you are in, we can always make it worse." And unfortunately, that is what happens to some patients. Or it may take several years for your body to heal properly and for your pain to go away post-op. So, you see that surgery may not be the best way to avoid the pain we all have felt at some time or other...
Note that I am not a qualified professional, and that this is my feeling of the moment... :eek: Sometimes my feelings change, and it's my right as a woman to be able to change my mind.
Welcome to the boar,... er, board, porky. It's a great place to visit, and even to live, during this troublesome time in your life. Feel free to vent frustrations; we all have our pity parties, and that's ok. In fact, I'm just getting back from a tough time.
wr :wave:
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12/29/89 C5-6 Microdiskectomy (no fusion)
4/9/03 ACDF C4-7 with plating and donor bone
It's about time somebody nearly as old as I am has come along! ;)
First off, I do not know what the NS may recommend to you, but I would NOT take your chiro-neuro's word that you are not a candidate for surgery. I hope that is not why you have put off seeing one for 2 years. And be sure to get at least two professional opinions from either NS's or orthopedic surgeons about your condition.... I feel I should point out that there are some really great ortho guys out there, but that most of us here have ended up going to an NS for our cervie problems.
It's my feeling that you should exhaust more avenues before looking to surgery to help you.... i.e., give some meds a chance, depending, of course, on what your doc's recc. is... Like I read on another site, one doctor's comment was, "No matter how much pain you are in, we can always make it worse." And unfortunately, that is what happens to some patients. Or it may take several years for your body to heal properly and for your pain to go away post-op. So, you see that surgery may not be the best way to avoid the pain we all have felt at some time or other...
Note that I am not a qualified professional, and that this is my feeling of the moment... :eek: Sometimes my feelings change, and it's my right as a woman to be able to change my mind.
Welcome to the boar,... er, board, porky. It's a great place to visit, and even to live, during this troublesome time in your life. Feel free to vent frustrations; we all have our pity parties, and that's ok. In fact, I'm just getting back from a tough time.
wr :wave:
------------------
12/29/89 C5-6 Microdiskectomy (no fusion)
4/9/03 ACDF C4-7 with plating and donor bone
KeithEugeneW
05-08-2003, 05:25 PM
Porky,
I'd have to agree, let the Neuro make the decision on whether or not surgery is recommended. They are best qualified to look at your MRIs, X-rays and any other tests and tell you if you are in immediate danger of any kind, or if it is something that can be treated non-surgically. Often the non-surgical treatments don't do the job, and surgery may end up being the right choice, but unless there is imminent danger, the non-surgical options are worth the time and effort to try. I tried PT, epidural shots and am on neurontin and relafen myself. The plan was that if this didn't do the trick (it hasn't so far) that I'd be a strong candidate for surgery. Unfortunately, over the time that passed, my other discs (in addition to the orginal ones at C5-6-7) are now degenerating rapidly, and surgery is now not a good option unless I want to do 5 levels at once, or 2 now followed by one more each successive year until they are all done. I'm going to get a second opinion even though I have great faith in my surgeon, as you should even after seeing your neuro. In my case, it is looking like managing the pain for 3-5 years with drugs until the discs are done degenerating, at which time the pain is supposed to subside, is likely to be the only real option I have. I'd bet you have more options, especially if you have only one level of degeneration. Check out http://www.spineuniverse.com for a lot of great information to educate yourself as much as possible on your condition prior to your neuro visit, so that you will both understand what he discusses better, and be able to formulate questions (write them down!!) before you see him. I wish you the best luck in the world.
Keith
I'd have to agree, let the Neuro make the decision on whether or not surgery is recommended. They are best qualified to look at your MRIs, X-rays and any other tests and tell you if you are in immediate danger of any kind, or if it is something that can be treated non-surgically. Often the non-surgical treatments don't do the job, and surgery may end up being the right choice, but unless there is imminent danger, the non-surgical options are worth the time and effort to try. I tried PT, epidural shots and am on neurontin and relafen myself. The plan was that if this didn't do the trick (it hasn't so far) that I'd be a strong candidate for surgery. Unfortunately, over the time that passed, my other discs (in addition to the orginal ones at C5-6-7) are now degenerating rapidly, and surgery is now not a good option unless I want to do 5 levels at once, or 2 now followed by one more each successive year until they are all done. I'm going to get a second opinion even though I have great faith in my surgeon, as you should even after seeing your neuro. In my case, it is looking like managing the pain for 3-5 years with drugs until the discs are done degenerating, at which time the pain is supposed to subside, is likely to be the only real option I have. I'd bet you have more options, especially if you have only one level of degeneration. Check out http://www.spineuniverse.com for a lot of great information to educate yourself as much as possible on your condition prior to your neuro visit, so that you will both understand what he discusses better, and be able to formulate questions (write them down!!) before you see him. I wish you the best luck in the world.
Keith
HERMIT
05-08-2003, 06:32 PM
I have had severe neck spams since age 24 after spinal cord surgry and laminectomy. I find valium would loosen me up. Also take large doses of dilaudid for pain and eems to keep it under control. At night when my neck locks up, just concentrating on relaxing that area helps too--I can actually feel my head move up my pillow as muscles relax. Don't know if this helps you but th info may help.
porkyappleyard
05-12-2003, 10:43 AM
Thanks for those who responded. Today is the day for the NS visit. I think best case- he gives me meds to control spasms while I do PT which eventually will help. Worst case could be- must live with it/surgery too risky. Really dont know what to expect...but I will post later after the visit.
melanie dawn
05-12-2003, 01:48 PM
Hi Porky,
Welcome to the board and our spiney family.
I want to wish you luck today with the appointment with the NS. Remember, always get a second NS opinion,
and if you don't agree, get a third. I am a firm believer in options, and not accepting limitations without a fight.
I also don't understand why a chiro would tell you , that you are not a good surgical candidate. That is something for a surgeon and other medical practioners to decide.
Good luck today, and once again welcome aboard! Keep us posted on your progress.
Mel
Welcome to the board and our spiney family.
I want to wish you luck today with the appointment with the NS. Remember, always get a second NS opinion,
and if you don't agree, get a third. I am a firm believer in options, and not accepting limitations without a fight.
I also don't understand why a chiro would tell you , that you are not a good surgical candidate. That is something for a surgeon and other medical practioners to decide.
Good luck today, and once again welcome aboard! Keep us posted on your progress.
Mel
porkyappleyard
05-12-2003, 02:19 PM
Well, a good news/mixed bag visit to the NS...the GOOD NEWS is no surgery- in fact, he said- "why did the chiro send you to me"?? I think the chiro wanted me to have piece of mind that surgery was not needed. Yet, the mixed bag is- the NS offered no real clue as to the spasms. Basically said my buldging disc/bone spurs were not that unusual...go to your regular MD for meds and perhaps massage therapy. So, while am very happy no surgery, yet...will the meds provide the solution for the spasms? is it simply taking meds and continuing my PT?? Any comments, Board?? THANKS.
winged phantom
05-13-2003, 12:00 AM
Porky, I'm waiting with baited breath to see what the NS said! I hope it was good news, or at least something optimistic in some way.
wr
wr