Surgery now or later? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Anchortown · 03-05-2007, 12:19 PM

Hi folks, been a lurker here for a while now, soaking up all I could but now I need some specific help. About a month or so ago I had an MRI of the c-spine and got the diagnosis of severe spinal stenosis at two points, and need to have a 2-level discectomy and fusion (acdf; c5-c7). I went to see an orthopedic surgeon, he looked at me and said I'll need surgery someday and to go away until I have more problems walking. Then I went for a second opinion with a neuro surgeon; he disagreed with the ortho and said that I should do it sooner than later.

Here is my situation: right now I have a surgery date of March 12 in Alaska, but I just got a job in Colorado and will be moving there, we report to work on April 17. We're right in the middle of trying to sell our house. I'm having real second thoughts on getting the surgery done right now as we have two small kids and it will be a huge burden on my wife to deal with the kids, me, selling a house, and organizing a move. Plus, I won't be able to lift a finger to help with the move (but we do have movers coming to do all the packing and loading). The other part is it is really hard to walk here with all the ice around, dangerous to crazy to walk on the sidewalks covered in ice - so how would I walk my 2 miles per day?

I need advice on whether to just go for it and do it now or wait. I'm not in pain at all, I do have some limited numbness and hyper reflexes and some clonus (sp?) in my feet. If I wait until I get to Colorado I can have a more relaxed recovery, but will be in the middle of starting a new job.

Ideas?

SKZ · 03-05-2007, 04:13 PM

I live in Colorado, by the way (suburb of Denver)). I think it all depends on how urgent the need for surgery is. Some people on this board said they could end up paralyzed if they didnt have the surgery right away. What did the NS say as far as your situation? You definitely wont be able to lift anything after the surgery. I am 8 weeks post op, and I would say it took me minimum, 6 wks. to feel even close to my old self again. (I had C5-C7 like you). I am now feeling alot of muscle spasm, which isnt exactly fun, and in a stressful thing like a move, might even be worse. Stress can really add to the spasms. So are you saying you cannot take off work when you move to Colorado. If that is the case, you may need to get it overwith sooner than later. Its a real tough call.

smiley94 · 03-05-2007, 04:26 PM

Welcome! That is a tough call! Do you know if you have any spinal cord compression. I am 7 wks post-op ACDF C5-C6. I had severe cord compression so the surgery for me was something that couldn't wait. My NS explained to me when there is cord involvement it is a much more urgent need. If there isn't cord involvement and you aren't having much pain maybe you could get a 2nd opinion in CO. I also have 2 small children and it has been a rough road post-op. I can't even imagine having to sell and move on top of that so I understand that it is a hard decision. What kind of work do you do? How much time would you be able to take post-op? This is a great place to come to gets lots of info and support. Best of Luck!

SpineAZ · 03-05-2007, 07:30 PM

Let your symptoms be your guide. I finally chose to do the surgery once my left arm was weak and I had numbness in my fingers and the palm of my hand. If I had fewer or less severe symptoms I would have continued down the conservative route, including epidural injecitons, before I would go for surgery.

A key point here is though many of us have recovered well each person is different. There is no guarnatee you'll be ready for a new job on April 17th. Then what if that occurs? I was in a neck collar (aspen collar) for 6 weeks and couldn't return to work until after the 6 week point.

ember919 · 03-05-2007, 07:40 PM

Anchor,
If you were staying in one place, I'd advise you to go ahead with the surgery. (and I'd shoot the surgeon who told you to wait until you had 'more problems' walking - geesh!) However, in your current situation, unless the surgery is considered an emergency, I'd definitely wait.

I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it would be for you to travel so soon after the surgery. I don't care if you're flying first class with bearers to loft you through each airport - you'd still be one very miserable guy. In my mind, it would not be worth the pain and stress and potential harm the travel and moving could cause you. Really. *shudder*

Not to mention the fact that you are going to want to curl up at home, sweet home, after that surgery. Comfy bed, chairs, pillows, etc., will all seem very important to you during your recovery.

The other thing for you to consider, though, is how soon after you start the new job you can reasonably have the surgery. The average recommendation is six to eight weeks off work. Not everyone necessarily does that, but it's kind of the standard. Will you be able to do that?

If you do decide to wait, do take it as easy as you can between now and whenever you have the surgery. No sense in further aggravating or injuring the parts that are already causing you problems.

I sure hope everything works out to the best possible advantage for you. Good luck!