Surgery in 2 days need advice! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Unbearable · 10-18-2005, 02:31 PM

I am hacing my 2nd cervical fusion on Friday, Oct 21st. Had one in May 2003, disc C-6-7 ruptured from the pressure of the fusion. Question: MRI said that my C-3-4 discs were dessicated. This means no fluid around them. This is what led me to my first fusion. Can he do a multi level fusion at the same time? Meaning, if I will need surgery on these in the future, why can't he take care of them all at once??? Anyone know? Thanks!!! Very nervous, no matter how many times we go through this, it is still nerve racking isn't it!
Thanks in advance!

hugo eve · 10-18-2005, 04:51 PM

Hi, second surgery was a breeze compared to the first for me. I was paronoid about the drains being removed tho and told the surgeon and he must have arranged them so they came out easily this time as I felt not a thing. First time was awful <shudder>. Still reckon the sticky plaster removal was the worse bit tho!

Didn't have to shave my beard off this time just trimmed it high.... maybe not a prob for you! All the best of luck to you.

Hugz

wimpette · 10-19-2005, 03:08 PM

Good luck on Friday, hope you breeze through this one. It is more nerve wracking when you've been through it before but knowing you're fearing the worst you'll find it much better than anticipated.

Although the MRI shows a problem higher up they probably don't want to fuse you unless you have significant symptoms at C3-4 - the more extensive your fusion the less mobility you might have and it'll also increase the risk of the domino effect spreading. You might never have a problem at that level so that' why they want to leave well alone rather than making this a more extensive procedure.

Good luck, we look forward to hearing how you've done.
W