DebbieMc
06-07-2003, 01:21 AM
Hi! I was searching the internet for information on ACDF when I found this message board and I'm so glad I did. My doctor told me yesterday I needed ACDF and I was shocked. After all these years of pain and discomfort, I guess I kind of halfway expected it, but it was surreal sitting there in his office listening to him say it out loud! Reality is still setting in and I'm scared. I feel like I'm going through this alone but now I see I don't have to! I'm so happy I found you all.
My spinal cord is compressed at C4-C5 & C5-C6 5mm & 7mm respectively, as the result of arthritis in my neck. I've been suffering for many years but my doctors never seemed overly concerned about it. I took a turn for the worse a couple of months ago and finally my new MD sent me to get MRI's. When she got the results, she referred me to a neurosurgeon. I saw him yesterday and that's when I got the news. He offered me cervical epidurals as an option but said at some point, I would be having the surgery. It's just a matter of how much longer I want to put up with the pain. When he put it that way, I almost signed up on the spot, but then I decided I'd better get a second and third opinion ;-) He said my cervical spine had actually lost it's curve and was straight in a certain area. I think it was C3-C4 and above. He said that is the result of many years of chronic pain. He went on to say my MRI's revealed "compulsive evidence" that surgery is necessary. So anyways, I think he's right and I'm going to have this done after I get a second opinion (which he encouraged me to get.) I've had chronic headaches for years, I can barely turn my head from left to right and it's especially painful to tilt my head up and turn it. I can't lift my arm up and out and I hold it close because the swinging motion while walking is killer. I could go on and on...I have a tightness in my throat that won't quit and I'm not sure if that's a sympton or just fear!
I don't think anyone around me really understands what I'm going through and they don't really want to talk about it much. The internet says you're off work for a week or two but my doctor said minimum 5 weeks. Now I'm reading on the internet that if you have it done once, you'll probably need it again at the next level. I need it at 2 levels now. But it really sounds like my only option. I'm aware of the decreased mobility but even with that, it would be an improvement. I know I'll be glad I did it but I'm not thrilled about the idea of having my neck cut open...yikes! One slip of the knife...
So if anyone has had this done, please share your experience with me. I'd sure appreciate it ;-)
Many thanks!
Debbie
My spinal cord is compressed at C4-C5 & C5-C6 5mm & 7mm respectively, as the result of arthritis in my neck. I've been suffering for many years but my doctors never seemed overly concerned about it. I took a turn for the worse a couple of months ago and finally my new MD sent me to get MRI's. When she got the results, she referred me to a neurosurgeon. I saw him yesterday and that's when I got the news. He offered me cervical epidurals as an option but said at some point, I would be having the surgery. It's just a matter of how much longer I want to put up with the pain. When he put it that way, I almost signed up on the spot, but then I decided I'd better get a second and third opinion ;-) He said my cervical spine had actually lost it's curve and was straight in a certain area. I think it was C3-C4 and above. He said that is the result of many years of chronic pain. He went on to say my MRI's revealed "compulsive evidence" that surgery is necessary. So anyways, I think he's right and I'm going to have this done after I get a second opinion (which he encouraged me to get.) I've had chronic headaches for years, I can barely turn my head from left to right and it's especially painful to tilt my head up and turn it. I can't lift my arm up and out and I hold it close because the swinging motion while walking is killer. I could go on and on...I have a tightness in my throat that won't quit and I'm not sure if that's a sympton or just fear!
I don't think anyone around me really understands what I'm going through and they don't really want to talk about it much. The internet says you're off work for a week or two but my doctor said minimum 5 weeks. Now I'm reading on the internet that if you have it done once, you'll probably need it again at the next level. I need it at 2 levels now. But it really sounds like my only option. I'm aware of the decreased mobility but even with that, it would be an improvement. I know I'll be glad I did it but I'm not thrilled about the idea of having my neck cut open...yikes! One slip of the knife...
So if anyone has had this done, please share your experience with me. I'd sure appreciate it ;-)
Many thanks!
Debbie
Sponsor
Catherine with a C
06-07-2003, 02:03 AM
Debbie!
Oh, how I wish i could jump into the screen & give you a big ol' gentle hug!! I want to welcome you with open arms & an open heart!!
You have certainly found the place to be.
be prepared to call it your 2nd home!!
There are so many stories here.....so much info....
so many frinedships!!!!
I too was told by my NS. that surgery was my choice.
I could elect to do "all" the conservative methods, but I would, & I stress WOULD, one day end up having surgery!! I told him if he was free that afternoon, we had a date!!
I ended up having surgery a couple of weeks later.......I have no regrets!!!!!!!~~~~~` I do have residual post-op "schtuff" going on!! And this too, I hope shall pass.
I don't want to freak you out or even deter you from having surgery; but,,,,,,,,,,,I am rather shocked that you were told you could return to work so quickly.
I do not know what you do~~~~~~~none of my business really!~~~~~~~~`I am 2 months post -op & I hav a hard time getting through a day! I manage!! but, hey!!
I am a stay at home mom with 2 kids under 5! I have no other choice!
Hang in there.
Welcome again!
Feel free to ask away! get your Ya-Ya's out!
But most of all~~~~~~~be yourself~
you will certainly find like minded people here!
Until later,
don't be a stranger.
Catherine
------------------
ACDF C6-7 with doner bone & hardware April 2/03
Laminectomy-Discectomy
L2-3-4-5 Dec. 1985 Complete Success!!!!
Oh, how I wish i could jump into the screen & give you a big ol' gentle hug!! I want to welcome you with open arms & an open heart!!
You have certainly found the place to be.
be prepared to call it your 2nd home!!
There are so many stories here.....so much info....
so many frinedships!!!!
I too was told by my NS. that surgery was my choice.
I could elect to do "all" the conservative methods, but I would, & I stress WOULD, one day end up having surgery!! I told him if he was free that afternoon, we had a date!!
I ended up having surgery a couple of weeks later.......I have no regrets!!!!!!!~~~~~` I do have residual post-op "schtuff" going on!! And this too, I hope shall pass.
I don't want to freak you out or even deter you from having surgery; but,,,,,,,,,,,I am rather shocked that you were told you could return to work so quickly.
I do not know what you do~~~~~~~none of my business really!~~~~~~~~`I am 2 months post -op & I hav a hard time getting through a day! I manage!! but, hey!!
I am a stay at home mom with 2 kids under 5! I have no other choice!
Hang in there.
Welcome again!
Feel free to ask away! get your Ya-Ya's out!
But most of all~~~~~~~be yourself~
you will certainly find like minded people here!
Until later,
don't be a stranger.
Catherine
------------------
ACDF C6-7 with doner bone & hardware April 2/03
Laminectomy-Discectomy
L2-3-4-5 Dec. 1985 Complete Success!!!!
Memer
06-07-2003, 02:30 AM
Hi Debbie M.,
Welcome. You've come to the right place.
I had the same surgery you are going to have. My NS told me he has had patients go back to work in the next one to three days after surgery. That's what I told my employer when I scheduled the surgery, so I had to go back to work (part-time) a few days after surgery. It was absolutely horrible. If I had it to do over again, I'd take off a minimum of two months.
On the other hand, there's a guy on the board who just had surgery two or three days ago. He posted the day after surgery, saying that he was feeling great and there was nothing for the newbies to worry about. He said something about getting himself all worked up over nothing. [all paraphrased here]
As you can see, each person is different. You'll find many stories here. There are some C4-C5 and C5-C6 problems/postops on this board. This place has been a great help for me, since even before I joined it. I was just following in the beginning.
If you can, go back and read some old threads. I know it takes a lot of time, but it's worth it.
Again, welcome.
[This message has been edited by Memer (edited 08-05-2003).]
Welcome. You've come to the right place.
I had the same surgery you are going to have. My NS told me he has had patients go back to work in the next one to three days after surgery. That's what I told my employer when I scheduled the surgery, so I had to go back to work (part-time) a few days after surgery. It was absolutely horrible. If I had it to do over again, I'd take off a minimum of two months.
On the other hand, there's a guy on the board who just had surgery two or three days ago. He posted the day after surgery, saying that he was feeling great and there was nothing for the newbies to worry about. He said something about getting himself all worked up over nothing. [all paraphrased here]
As you can see, each person is different. You'll find many stories here. There are some C4-C5 and C5-C6 problems/postops on this board. This place has been a great help for me, since even before I joined it. I was just following in the beginning.
If you can, go back and read some old threads. I know it takes a lot of time, but it's worth it.
Again, welcome.
[This message has been edited by Memer (edited 08-05-2003).]
RATHER BE FISHING
06-07-2003, 03:39 AM
Hello and welcome aboard!
I just had my ACDF w plating weds nite and the surgery wasnt bad overall the first few days, but since Im into my 3rd and 4th day, things are extremely tender at this point. Ive had to call the docs office to have him give me some better pain meds also.
One thing you want to make sure to do is to research the procedure, research your options, and without a doubt research all of your Docs. There are all kinds of online info available on your docs training and screwups also.
Ask a few of your trustworthy drs that you already have who they would want to work on thier mother's and kids.
Also use your gut feeling when deciding on which doc to choose. I knew right off the bat! The staff is awesome and they will take some time with you to explain things to your satisfaction. Also you want to be able to get ahold of these people in a timely manner for a quick question or new meds.
I hope that this has helped you out some, and Ill be back (its freeze pop time!) Feel free to ask ANY questions, as there is an exceptional group of compassionate people here who have helped me tremendously! I'll be back posting as I start to feel more normal! Remember, Knowledge is power!!
------------------
"I rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy" -Dr. Demento
I just had my ACDF w plating weds nite and the surgery wasnt bad overall the first few days, but since Im into my 3rd and 4th day, things are extremely tender at this point. Ive had to call the docs office to have him give me some better pain meds also.
One thing you want to make sure to do is to research the procedure, research your options, and without a doubt research all of your Docs. There are all kinds of online info available on your docs training and screwups also.
Ask a few of your trustworthy drs that you already have who they would want to work on thier mother's and kids.
Also use your gut feeling when deciding on which doc to choose. I knew right off the bat! The staff is awesome and they will take some time with you to explain things to your satisfaction. Also you want to be able to get ahold of these people in a timely manner for a quick question or new meds.
I hope that this has helped you out some, and Ill be back (its freeze pop time!) Feel free to ask ANY questions, as there is an exceptional group of compassionate people here who have helped me tremendously! I'll be back posting as I start to feel more normal! Remember, Knowledge is power!!
------------------
"I rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy" -Dr. Demento
magtize
06-07-2003, 03:50 AM
A great big WELCOME Debbie
It was nice to hear from Dr right up front that you need surgery even though you scared.And that is normal.I have gone through the ropes Massages,6 wks PT
epidorals since Sept only to find out that they knew all along I needed surgery
I wish I would have found this board sooner like the rest. I would have then known what to ask and what to expect.
You will get information and support.This is a very understanding ,GREAT GROUP of people who have been there and done that
Wecome again will be looking to hear from you soon
Elaine
------------------
car accident 72 S2 fused 76 Surgery 96 c5-6 fused
aug pains in neck started with pain meds. had X-rays MRI Mylagram
c2-3 c3-4 broadbase buldge c6-7 buldge.pinched nerve,arthritis,spinal stenosis.Meds.Celebrex200mg 1 a day Lexapro 10mg 1 day apap/codeine 300mg as needed oxycod/apap 500 mg as needed neurontin 300mg 2 xs a day Massages,PT,PM SO FAR NO RELIEFLost job as have been off work since Sept 02 3 good days since then
It was nice to hear from Dr right up front that you need surgery even though you scared.And that is normal.I have gone through the ropes Massages,6 wks PT
epidorals since Sept only to find out that they knew all along I needed surgery
I wish I would have found this board sooner like the rest. I would have then known what to ask and what to expect.
You will get information and support.This is a very understanding ,GREAT GROUP of people who have been there and done that
Wecome again will be looking to hear from you soon
Elaine
------------------
car accident 72 S2 fused 76 Surgery 96 c5-6 fused
aug pains in neck started with pain meds. had X-rays MRI Mylagram
c2-3 c3-4 broadbase buldge c6-7 buldge.pinched nerve,arthritis,spinal stenosis.Meds.Celebrex200mg 1 a day Lexapro 10mg 1 day apap/codeine 300mg as needed oxycod/apap 500 mg as needed neurontin 300mg 2 xs a day Massages,PT,PM SO FAR NO RELIEFLost job as have been off work since Sept 02 3 good days since then
donteventhinkaboutit
06-07-2003, 05:56 AM
hi debbie
i am glad you found this place. it is great here. i had surgery in 98 on c5-6 and c6-7. i had no idea that there was a place like this. because you are right people just don't seem to understand when you talk about it. but here you can have any question answered and you see that someone has gone through it. finding this board is the best thing that happened to me cause i went along time without having anyone to really talk to about my surgery. it was like you said they just didn't seem to understand. well welcome and i hope you feel better soon.
:wave:
andrea
i am glad you found this place. it is great here. i had surgery in 98 on c5-6 and c6-7. i had no idea that there was a place like this. because you are right people just don't seem to understand when you talk about it. but here you can have any question answered and you see that someone has gone through it. finding this board is the best thing that happened to me cause i went along time without having anyone to really talk to about my surgery. it was like you said they just didn't seem to understand. well welcome and i hope you feel better soon.
:wave:
andrea
Midge130
06-07-2003, 10:41 AM
Welcome Debbie!!!
This is an awesome place!! Lots of info and caring people! I have cord compression at C4-C5 from bone spurs, just had my myelogram, and will find out my surgery date on June 16th!
Again, Welcome, and ask away!!
Midge
------------------
-Born a premie in 1964-8 wks early
-C-section 1990
-C-section 1992
-C-section 1995
-Shoulder pain since 2000
-C4-C5 bone spurs causing central canal stenosis. Annular tear.
-C5-C6 mild narrowing of canal.
-C6-C7 disc bone spur and annular tear.
-C7-T1 bone spur and annular tear.
-Myelogram 6-5-03
-Surgery-unknown yet, probably in 7-03
This is an awesome place!! Lots of info and caring people! I have cord compression at C4-C5 from bone spurs, just had my myelogram, and will find out my surgery date on June 16th!
Again, Welcome, and ask away!!
Midge
------------------
-Born a premie in 1964-8 wks early
-C-section 1990
-C-section 1992
-C-section 1995
-Shoulder pain since 2000
-C4-C5 bone spurs causing central canal stenosis. Annular tear.
-C5-C6 mild narrowing of canal.
-C6-C7 disc bone spur and annular tear.
-C7-T1 bone spur and annular tear.
-Myelogram 6-5-03
-Surgery-unknown yet, probably in 7-03
DebbieMc
06-07-2003, 01:09 PM
Well thank you all very much for the warm welcome and words of encouragement. I do appreciate it. I guess the reason I'm so freaked out about this is because it happened so suddenly. I didn't have the benefit of years of treatments with the inevitable end being surgery. I walked into a doctors office one day and he told me I needed what sounds like a major surgery! Maybe it's better that way, but I sure didn't get much time to prepare for it mentally...or financially. When a doctor tells you it's simply a matter of how much longer you want to deal with the pain, it's really a no brainer...you have the surgery. Or you walk around with a pharmacy in your purse until you do have it.
I'm really concerned about losing my voice, has anyone had problems with that? I am a smoker and I read the risk is higher for smokers. I expect to be a non-smoker after the surgery though.
Where exactly do you check out a doctor's credentials and history? I feel very comfortable with this doctor but common sense tells me to check him out. Is there a place where you can read patients comments about a doctor?
I'm also concerned with the length of disability. I have a desk job and spend long hours in front of a computer but it is sedentary work however, I always thought those long computer hours were the root cause of all my problems. I don't think it's a coincidence that my spinal cord is compressed more on the right side, since I use my mouse with my right hand and have had that arm extended in front of me for the better part of 40 hours a week for the past 20 years. (I was looking at the birthdays of the members and I fit right into the largest age group, I'm 42)
To the lady who is a stay at home mom and just had the surgery, I admire you ;-) I know from experience that caring for small children can be very strenuous work. My kids range in age from 15-23. I only have the 15 year old at home now. So my situation may be a little better than yours from that perspective. My kids can take care of me instead of me taking care of them ;-)
Once again, thank you all for the words of encouragement and I look forward to the day when I can be the one offering the words of comfort to others. I'd much rather be on that side of the fence :-)
And to the lady that wanted to reach through the computer and give me a hug...I accept that hug and I feel it. Thanks.
I'm really concerned about losing my voice, has anyone had problems with that? I am a smoker and I read the risk is higher for smokers. I expect to be a non-smoker after the surgery though.
Where exactly do you check out a doctor's credentials and history? I feel very comfortable with this doctor but common sense tells me to check him out. Is there a place where you can read patients comments about a doctor?
I'm also concerned with the length of disability. I have a desk job and spend long hours in front of a computer but it is sedentary work however, I always thought those long computer hours were the root cause of all my problems. I don't think it's a coincidence that my spinal cord is compressed more on the right side, since I use my mouse with my right hand and have had that arm extended in front of me for the better part of 40 hours a week for the past 20 years. (I was looking at the birthdays of the members and I fit right into the largest age group, I'm 42)
To the lady who is a stay at home mom and just had the surgery, I admire you ;-) I know from experience that caring for small children can be very strenuous work. My kids range in age from 15-23. I only have the 15 year old at home now. So my situation may be a little better than yours from that perspective. My kids can take care of me instead of me taking care of them ;-)
Once again, thank you all for the words of encouragement and I look forward to the day when I can be the one offering the words of comfort to others. I'd much rather be on that side of the fence :-)
And to the lady that wanted to reach through the computer and give me a hug...I accept that hug and I feel it. Thanks.
IonMan
06-07-2003, 01:15 PM
Debbie,
I want to welcome you to this great place.
I am in a bit of a hurry now, but wanted to welcome you. Talk to you later.
Cheers
Cliff
I want to welcome you to this great place.
I am in a bit of a hurry now, but wanted to welcome you. Talk to you later.
Cheers
Cliff
melanie dawn
06-07-2003, 03:48 PM
Hi Debbie,
Welcome to our spiney family. this is a great board.
I too have spinal compression, and a few years ago I swore I would never have any kind of surgery again. But now that my cord compression is symptomatic, I am fighting tooth and nail to get my surgery as soon as possible. Get the second and third opinion, and definatly check out the doc.
But remember the purpose of surgery for compression is to halt the progression of symptoms. So probably best not to wait until you are multisymptomed and dysfunctional.
The time it takes to get the second opinion will also give you time to do the reseach on stenosis and to get your head around this.It is alot to take in and think about.
Know that we will help you with as much info and support as we have.
Good luck, welcome, I look forward to hearing from you; Mel
------------------
Congenital Cervical Stenosis,complicated by:
Paracentral Disc herniations ,bone spurs C4/5,C5/6,C6/7
Advanced myelopathy inc. walking difficulty, loss of gag reflex with swallowing problems, neurogenic bladder, occipital neuralgia, spacticity
Welcome to our spiney family. this is a great board.
I too have spinal compression, and a few years ago I swore I would never have any kind of surgery again. But now that my cord compression is symptomatic, I am fighting tooth and nail to get my surgery as soon as possible. Get the second and third opinion, and definatly check out the doc.
But remember the purpose of surgery for compression is to halt the progression of symptoms. So probably best not to wait until you are multisymptomed and dysfunctional.
The time it takes to get the second opinion will also give you time to do the reseach on stenosis and to get your head around this.It is alot to take in and think about.
Know that we will help you with as much info and support as we have.
Good luck, welcome, I look forward to hearing from you; Mel
------------------
Congenital Cervical Stenosis,complicated by:
Paracentral Disc herniations ,bone spurs C4/5,C5/6,C6/7
Advanced myelopathy inc. walking difficulty, loss of gag reflex with swallowing problems, neurogenic bladder, occipital neuralgia, spacticity
janie francine
06-07-2003, 03:57 PM
Welcome Debbie,
You've definitely come to the right place. I'm truly sorry about your news. It can be very scary. It's also very tough when you don't have much moral support from those around you. The good news :D is that we're here for you! Tons of great info, suggestions and moral support. Just "Call us, don't be afraid, you can call us, call us and we'll be around." (I'm really showing my age - thank God you don't have to hear me singing. :)
Jeanine
You've definitely come to the right place. I'm truly sorry about your news. It can be very scary. It's also very tough when you don't have much moral support from those around you. The good news :D is that we're here for you! Tons of great info, suggestions and moral support. Just "Call us, don't be afraid, you can call us, call us and we'll be around." (I'm really showing my age - thank God you don't have to hear me singing. :)
Jeanine