I have 3 levels of protruding cervical discs indenting my spinal cord. HAve had this for many years but the "indenting" is a recent developement.There is pain, tingling, numbness in my arms and hands. I also have osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia so I pain and I are "old friends"!
My doctor in Manila has recommended I explore Cervical Nucleoplasty. I've researched the procedure and like what i read. I do not want fusion or replacement surgery and will avoid them at all costs.
I have stayed active thru all this as I find activity helps the pain. I have had to stop my pilates but continue my ballroom dancing. But now I am not able to stand or sit for more than an hour at a time.
I take 25mgs of nortriptoline and 2mgs of valium at night for the fibro and glucosamine for the arthritis. I am allergic to so many medicines the doctors are afraid to offer me any new ones. I am even allergic to antihistamines so if i have an allergic reaction I have to take a cortisone.
My husband and I will be going to San Francisco mid March and I'm looking for help in finding a doctor and, PLEASE, any advice is also very welcomed!! Also, has anyone had the nucleoplasty procedure?
Thank you for reading my msg and thank you in advance for any advice you may have! Keep Smiling!
I wish I could help you. I had a C5-C7 fusion in May of 2006 and if it's any comfort it went relatively well and my pain level went from a 10 to maybe a 2 if at all (and that's on a bad day).
hey im going through cord compression to, and fusion is permanent and if you have other options go ahead. ill tell you one thing though i had a 2 level 360 lumbar fusion and i am glad i did, im not 100 percent but my pain did go down dramatically that is until a year later when my cord is compressed. as far as neucloplasty it is still considered an experimental procedure by many insurance companies and doctors.... i was going to do that when i hurt my lumbar spine before things got worse but insurance would not pay for it.. i heard from oposite ends of the spectrum by many a doctor that its a good idea and some say do not do it ..... well good luck with everything and make sure you do your homework and dont be affraid to get a second and third opinion......
Thank you, both, for your replies.
Yes, I am getting more than one opinion...I'm actually working on my 8th opinion! The first 6 were in Manila where I was told there weren't any doctors trained to handle cervical spine. I was then refered to a doctor in San Francisco. Tried accupuncture, didn't work well. I'm consulting a doctor friend in Germany (surgeon) and will definately go to San Francisco and maybe start again with the specialist I saw there.
The innsurance bit is interesting...my innsurance is an International firm and I haven't had any problems so far with any of the files I've made with them.
One of the biggest stumbling blocks is, tho I am an American I am not an American resident. It is impossible for me to get a doctors appointment without a doctors referal!! I have to ask my doctor friends in Manila to ask thier collegues in the States to make appointments for me! When I phone personally (long distance, mind you!) I am refusssed appointments! Instead of being frustrated, I'm amussed by this.
So, thank you and keep smiling!
Scared! Have to make a decission! Pls Help! 
