Tefkat
01-27-2003, 08:33 PM
I posted this on the back board by mistake. This seems a more sensible place.
The NS was extremely dismissive when I asked him about possible negative results of a cervical fusion.
He basically said that the only real danger is paralysis - and there's less than 1% probability of that happening.
He also said "If the metal plates get infected we'll just take them out again". I'm afraid I don't find that reassuring at all.
Can anyone tell me what the dangers are?
The NS was extremely dismissive when I asked him about possible negative results of a cervical fusion.
He basically said that the only real danger is paralysis - and there's less than 1% probability of that happening.
He also said "If the metal plates get infected we'll just take them out again". I'm afraid I don't find that reassuring at all.
Can anyone tell me what the dangers are?
Sponsor
mothmin
01-28-2003, 01:41 AM
Tef, friday will be 7 week post-op for me, maybe I'm not the norm, but i felt basically fine after about ten days. as far as the plate getting infected, I think he meant post fusion, in which it's not really needed anymore, it's kind of like a cast on a broken arm, once the bone grows back together, they take off the cast. the surgery was easier than I thought it would be, my only problem was my bladder freaked out from the catheter...that hurt like hell. Now I just want to go back to work.
Tefkat
01-28-2003, 01:01 PM
A catheter. Ouch! Poor mothmin.
Are those really the only things that can go wrong though?
Are those really the only things that can go wrong though?
mothmin
01-28-2003, 02:47 PM
Taffy, I was told paralasis was more likely if you DON'T get the surgery! especially if your cord is being compressed. I tryed every alterative befor surgery including stretching (every) morning at 4 am. it helped the pain but my cord was crushed and had to be fixed. you'll be fine.
Tiphareth
01-29-2003, 05:40 PM
Hello Tefkat,
I am new to this board and don't know anything about your situation except what you have posted. I'm not sure if you are asking about possible complications during surgery or after. I am not a doctor or medical professional and my comments should not be construed as medical advise.
One of the problems that cervical fusion has caused me is that the levels above and below the fusion site take on additional stress and eventually they become problems as well. Also, I am aware that pedicle screws often used in plating can have problems later on (breaking).
I am new to this board and don't know anything about your situation except what you have posted. I'm not sure if you are asking about possible complications during surgery or after. I am not a doctor or medical professional and my comments should not be construed as medical advise.
One of the problems that cervical fusion has caused me is that the levels above and below the fusion site take on additional stress and eventually they become problems as well. Also, I am aware that pedicle screws often used in plating can have problems later on (breaking).
Tefkat
02-01-2003, 08:27 AM
That's probably what my GP meant 20 years ago when he said it wasn't worth them operating on my back beacause they'd only end up having to do it again every few years.
I was just concerned about the possibility of making matters worse in the short term. In 2 or 3 years the children will be eligible for a school taxi but until then I need to be able to drive.
Does the loss of movement in your neck affect your driving much?
I was just concerned about the possibility of making matters worse in the short term. In 2 or 3 years the children will be eligible for a school taxi but until then I need to be able to drive.
Does the loss of movement in your neck affect your driving much?
Rick13965
02-14-2003, 11:09 PM
I had extreme compression on my cord at C3-4 which caused a contusion. The surgery to correct removed the pressure resulting in a blowout. Probably rare but in my case I was left a functioning Incomplete Quad. These warnings are not to be taken too lightly since I was in excellent physical condition and no problem was expected in the OR. Good Luck.
queenofhearts
02-15-2003, 08:51 PM
I'm considering surgery for cervical disc herniations c4567 and am not looking forward to it. I'm concerned about the after effects, and going through the front of my neck really freaks me out. I can still function ok if I limit my activity, take my meds and go to therapy, so it's not urgent that I have the surgery right now, but I will eventually have to. I need some feedback, please, from everyone who knows about this surgery or has experienced it. Recovery time, after effects, etc. I have two children and I need to take them into consideration, too. How well will I be able to function after the surgery? What's the success rate? Thanx in advance!
Debbie2
02-15-2003, 09:03 PM
Longer you wait, seems around here the harder the recoup. You know I freaked when I heard that about going into the front of my neck. It's actually just a small incision and the move the throat and other lovely items out of the way and fix the discs. My doctor said there is a 20% of a failed fusion, where the bone just doesn't fuse. But most do, especially when your doctor is good at it and does it right. That is his opinion ;)
Anyway, I would never personally recommend waiting, taking meds and putting life on hold (while in pain) is not acceptable to me.
I was back at work in six weeks and nobody could even tell. Could have gone back in 4 if the doctor let me :)
Go for it when you are ready, but don't wait to long you don't want any long term affects.
Debbie
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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
Anyway, I would never personally recommend waiting, taking meds and putting life on hold (while in pain) is not acceptable to me.
I was back at work in six weeks and nobody could even tell. Could have gone back in 4 if the doctor let me :)
Go for it when you are ready, but don't wait to long you don't want any long term affects.
Debbie
------------------
Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
Dee2948
02-15-2003, 10:47 PM
Queenof hearts after reading your post I felt the need to reply this is my first post. I had anterior cervical corpectomy on C56 with donor bone titantium plate from c3 to c7 and screws. I was scared to death when NS first told me. scare is about 5 inches long stayed one night in hospital will not sugar coat had pain am now 12 weeks post op. wore aspen collar for 8 weeks.. Had no choice was told had severe cervical stenosis could wind up in wheelchair or worse at anytime even though I felt pretty much OK.. hope this helps some god bless..
Renee016
02-15-2003, 11:33 PM
Queen of Hearts, What are your symptoms and how long have you been having them? Is the disc pressing on any nerve roots and/or spinal cord? Correction is important in either case because if you let it go there could be permanent nerve damage. Also, if the disc is totally ruptured, you could develop some form of arthritis at some point in the future from the bones grinding together.
With that being said, you don't want unnecessary surgery either, which has its own risks. I strongly believe that a person should avoid surgery if they can. I have been having neck problems for four years now and am just going for surgery next week. Some people think four years is such a long time but I wasn't having any trouble with my arms or fingers - the pain I had was in my neck and right shoulder and would only flare up once or twice a year. It wasn't until recently that I developed more serious and constant symptoms. I feel comfortable about going for surgery now because I know I really need it.
I would say see more than one doctor - an ortho, nuerologist and/or nuerosurgeon depending on symptoms and get 2nd & 3rd opinions.
I wish you lots of luck and hope you feel better soon. Let us know your progress.
Renee :angel:
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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 weakness, tingling and burning - diagnosed with myelopathy and anterior cervical discectomy recommended.
Surgery finally scheduled for 2/24/03!
With that being said, you don't want unnecessary surgery either, which has its own risks. I strongly believe that a person should avoid surgery if they can. I have been having neck problems for four years now and am just going for surgery next week. Some people think four years is such a long time but I wasn't having any trouble with my arms or fingers - the pain I had was in my neck and right shoulder and would only flare up once or twice a year. It wasn't until recently that I developed more serious and constant symptoms. I feel comfortable about going for surgery now because I know I really need it.
I would say see more than one doctor - an ortho, nuerologist and/or nuerosurgeon depending on symptoms and get 2nd & 3rd opinions.
I wish you lots of luck and hope you feel better soon. Let us know your progress.
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 weakness, tingling and burning - diagnosed with myelopathy and anterior cervical discectomy recommended.
Surgery finally scheduled for 2/24/03!
BWL
02-16-2003, 06:24 PM
Tefkat - Not sure if you've already had surgery, but I just saw your post. Any surgery has risks just from the anesthesia alone. I am almost 3 weeks post-op and one aspect of my surgery that made me more comfortable was the fact that one individual was responsible for "spinal cord monitoring." He literally wired me up with electrodes after I was put to sleep and he was the surgeons early warning system of injury. For instance, he could tell the surgeon if my body was reacting to a nerve being touched before injury would occur (e.f. a foot twitching etc.). I know this additon to the procedure cost more, but I would ask your doc if they take this precaution. Best, BWL
BWL
02-16-2003, 06:26 PM
Tekat - One more thing. Not all docs catheterize for this procedure. I did not have one, so perhaps there's some hope to avoid the uncomfortable experience. BWL
Tefkat
09-08-2003, 09:36 PM
I'm going in for the op tomorrow. I shall beg them not to catheterize me. :eek:
gryffindorfan
09-08-2003, 10:56 PM
TefKat:
Good Luck! I'll send a prayer up for you tomorrow. Please let us know how you are doing.
Be positive!
Terry
Good Luck! I'll send a prayer up for you tomorrow. Please let us know how you are doing.
Be positive!
Terry
bdb
09-08-2003, 11:27 PM
Good luck tomorrow TefKat. I'm sure everythign is going to be fine. You will wake up and wonder what all the worry was about.
bdb
bdb
PainInTheNeckJackie
09-09-2003, 12:44 AM
As the story LIFE goes... there are pros and cons with everything we do!!! how do you know what is right and what is wrong,,, what will work and what will not... one wrong decision and you are DONE!!! uhgg life can be very frustrating.
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Jackie
***************
Left paramedian subligamentous herniation C5-C6 causing left foraminal stenosis and cord compression;
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Right paramedian subligamentous herniation at C6-C7, abutted against the vetral aspect of the spinal cord
------------------
Jackie
***************
Left paramedian subligamentous herniation C5-C6 causing left foraminal stenosis and cord compression;
------------------------
Right paramedian subligamentous herniation at C6-C7, abutted against the vetral aspect of the spinal cord
PainInTheNeckJackie
09-09-2003, 12:46 AM
TefKat... i posted that one too fast. I wanted to wish you the best of luck tomorrow! My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
------------------
Jackie
***************
Left paramedian subligamentous herniation C5-C6 causing left foraminal stenosis and cord compression;
------------------------
Right paramedian subligamentous herniation at C6-C7, abutted against the vetral aspect of the spinal cord
------------------
Jackie
***************
Left paramedian subligamentous herniation C5-C6 causing left foraminal stenosis and cord compression;
------------------------
Right paramedian subligamentous herniation at C6-C7, abutted against the vetral aspect of the spinal cord
Tefkat
09-09-2003, 06:20 PM
Thanks. Wish the luck had stuck. :(
After 3 hours of being driven too fast over bumpy country roads and 9½ of having to sit in a chair (not to mention all the painful examinations and missed meals/drinks) I'm not a happy bunny - all tomorrow's 'elective' ops have been cancelled because 6 emergency cases came in.
Oh well. Perhaps it won't be too much longer.
After 3 hours of being driven too fast over bumpy country roads and 9½ of having to sit in a chair (not to mention all the painful examinations and missed meals/drinks) I'm not a happy bunny - all tomorrow's 'elective' ops have been cancelled because 6 emergency cases came in.
Oh well. Perhaps it won't be too much longer.
Icaaa
09-09-2003, 10:17 PM
Tefkat,
Bummer. All ready to go and no show http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/blob_fire.gif
I am doing fine after July 18 surgery. It was my first surgery ever so I had no idea what to expect. You will read on a lot of posts that we say rest is the best thing you can do for yourself. The more you can rest and the more help you have those first 3-4 weeks the faster you will mend. This is just common sense/ Your body is going through a surgery.
Learning from our trials--mine was with my breathing after the surgery. I was given a plastic gizmo which helps rid the lungs of the anesthetic and wake them back up. Not realizing how important it was to use it every hour my family let me sleep. I had a hard time getting back on my feet because of that. My advice is to take those 10 deep breaths every hour.
I had no collar I had to wear all the time, just a soft one for protection in the car and in a crowd. Small incision in front of neck. Donor bone graph and plated. Only restriction was driving if I took pain meds and lifting over 5 lbs.
I am soooooooooooooooo glad I did not wait. I was totally out of pain before I had surgery. Thought I had been a miracle and disk had shrunk back in. Went in to see NS so he could marvel at me and tell me this. HA He calmly went to MRI and showed me bulging disk. He said it has moved off nerve. Oh yea it had!! It had ruptured into 14 pieces floating around my spine. First pain came in March after sleeping, pain stopped in June sometime, and surgery in July.
Good luck,
Carla
------------------
Ruptured retrieved 14 pieces ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7. (7/18/03)
Bummer. All ready to go and no show http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/blob_fire.gif
I am doing fine after July 18 surgery. It was my first surgery ever so I had no idea what to expect. You will read on a lot of posts that we say rest is the best thing you can do for yourself. The more you can rest and the more help you have those first 3-4 weeks the faster you will mend. This is just common sense/ Your body is going through a surgery.
Learning from our trials--mine was with my breathing after the surgery. I was given a plastic gizmo which helps rid the lungs of the anesthetic and wake them back up. Not realizing how important it was to use it every hour my family let me sleep. I had a hard time getting back on my feet because of that. My advice is to take those 10 deep breaths every hour.
I had no collar I had to wear all the time, just a soft one for protection in the car and in a crowd. Small incision in front of neck. Donor bone graph and plated. Only restriction was driving if I took pain meds and lifting over 5 lbs.
I am soooooooooooooooo glad I did not wait. I was totally out of pain before I had surgery. Thought I had been a miracle and disk had shrunk back in. Went in to see NS so he could marvel at me and tell me this. HA He calmly went to MRI and showed me bulging disk. He said it has moved off nerve. Oh yea it had!! It had ruptured into 14 pieces floating around my spine. First pain came in March after sleeping, pain stopped in June sometime, and surgery in July.
Good luck,
Carla
------------------
Ruptured retrieved 14 pieces ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7. (7/18/03)
gryffindorfan
09-10-2003, 12:08 AM
TefKat -- I am so sorry that you have had such a tough time of it today....anticipation is hard enough without having to start all over again.
I'll keep sending positive thoughts your way....hope it goes well -- and goes soon!
Terry
I'll keep sending positive thoughts your way....hope it goes well -- and goes soon!
Terry
mel333
09-11-2003, 11:33 AM
Hi,
It's a tough decision and all the risks terrified me initially. I read the whole op from start to finish in detail and basically did so much research I felt prepared and better about the risks. I did hold out before surgery as long as I could. But sometimes like others said the risks can be even greater if you don't have surgery. Good luck and take care,
Mel
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23rd July 03, ADR c5/6
It's a tough decision and all the risks terrified me initially. I read the whole op from start to finish in detail and basically did so much research I felt prepared and better about the risks. I did hold out before surgery as long as I could. But sometimes like others said the risks can be even greater if you don't have surgery. Good luck and take care,
Mel
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23rd July 03, ADR c5/6
BABS42
09-11-2003, 02:14 PM
Tefkat, I too would be a bit bummed if I was ready for the big day and something interfered to postpone it. I know I would not be a happy camper! Its hard enough to make the decision to have the surgery in the first place. Hope you get it over with soon and recover well. Babs