Couldn't turn alarm clock off! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Deb F · 01-27-2004, 07:45 AM

Hi all -
My alarm went off this a.m., and I couldn't feel the button to turn it off! Both hands were gone (numb) today! (Usually, it's been one at a time.) My husband had to reach over and take care of it after I just couldn't shake them out!!
I guess it's the abundance of LITTLE things that are really wearing me out right now. The list of can'ts seems to be getting a bit longer. Or is it, yes I can, but it's going to hurt like ****!
I was willing to take the meds and try to get by at least until October. Keep up with my neighbor, who got and artificial disc in the trials in November, and see how she does. Hoping that the FDA will approve the ADR in the meantime.
Stories like the one re: domino effect are frightening. The first NS that I saw said I would likely have problems down the road if I had ACDF. The 2nd NS didn't mention the possibility. Trying to figure out which is the RIGHT thing to do is such a bear sometimes!
Just getting impatient, frustrated, and needing to vent to a lot who knows what it's like.
Thanks -
Deb

Rolex · 01-27-2004, 11:05 AM

Deb,

My Neurosurgeon is also involved in the artificial disk study and
this is what he told me. They are installing 450 AD. They should have
that number by spring. After those are all installed, they are going to study them
for two years to see how they do compared to fusion. After 2 years from
this spring the info will then be evaulated. It will then be sent to FDA for approval
That could take another 2 years. Maybe longer. My Doctor said I couldn't wait that
long. I should know by this Friday if I am getting the disk. If I don't, I will have to
start saving my money to go to Canada or Australia. Have you considered doing that?

Deb F · 01-27-2004, 12:23 PM

Rolex -
Thanks for responding.
Didn't realize that it would take that long - pretty disheartening!
Hadn't considered the "out of the country option."
I will keep it in mind as another alternative.
Deb

irish34 · 01-27-2004, 08:18 PM

Well Deb--
Hopefully I'll be able to give you some more solid advice after my surgery. It could prove helpful since he is local for you as well. Funny thing here too--my right thunb and pointer finger went numb yesterday...all the numbness has been on the left so far.
I have been MIA....HORRIBLE tooth pain--they had to cut my jaw bone. What a life!
Take Care--
Irish

Deb F · 01-28-2004, 09:39 AM

Cj -
Glad to hear from you.
As much as I hate to say it, I'm looking forward to your surgery and the outcome (sorry you have to go thru it though!)
Read up on your MD - sounds impressive. We have a friend who will be having a lumbar disc surgery at St. Lukes the end of Feb., so I will have even more info on the hospital, etc.. first hand from people who have actually been there. My day yesterday was such a bummer. I had tried not taking pain meds or muscle relaxers for 4 days - oops! Still hoping I just slept wrong, but am back on meds for the time being. Oh well -
Really sorry about the additional misery you are suffering now. Do take care, I'm thinking about you.
Deb