Surgery or Not??? Please Advise... - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

PastorRobbie · 03-23-2009, 09:41 PM

Hi,

I'm a 40 year old male from South Mississippi. I pastor a church full-time. I was diagnosed through MRI last year with disc herniation at the C5 - C6 and C6 - C7 levels with Spinal Cord Compression. My pain has progressed, as well as problems with my left hand. Lately I've begun having problems with my grip. I've dropped small things such as a microphone, drinking glass, etc with that hand. My pain is the worst problem. As of late it's increased greatly. I do not like taking pain meds, but I've had no choice over the past couple of weeks. I've about made up my mind to proceed with the Fusion Surgery, however I've heard some pretty bad stories and I'm really wanting to make the right decision in this matter. I have a Fused Right Hip from an accident as a teenager, so I completely understand the concept of joint fusion, but I don't want to do something that's going to cause me to be worse off then than I am now.

Can anyone give any insight into this situation. As of now, due to the pain, I'm leaning hard toward the fusion perhaps as early as April.

I look forward to your input.

Thanks & God Bless,
Pastor Robbie

PNo · 03-23-2009, 09:47 PM

Pastor Robbie - pain shouldn't be your driving force for your case, the mere fact that you have spinal cord compression and are already losing function is what you should focus on! I am not a doctor and don't see your MRI here, but if you have spinal cord compresion and the surgeon is saying fix it, then get going!

PastorRobbie · 03-23-2009, 09:52 PM

Thank you for your reply.

Perhaps I have ignored the seriousness of it until now. I've been battling it for sometime, but now the symptoms are progressing. The doctor has informed me that I am running the risk of permanent nerve damage, but I've been so busy that I just haven't taken the time to do it. I'm ready to make the time now, as I can't function like this.

Can anyone give me realistic insight into what recovery will be like and what to expect? How long is an average recovery in a case like this? How long before I can preach again?

PastorRobbie · 03-23-2009, 10:18 PM

Well, after spending a few minutes on this board and reading some of the threads, I realize now more than ever that I need to proceed with the surgery. I don't want any further damage. I'm thinking about all of the risks during surgery and the recovery, but I know I'll be fine. My faith is strong!

PNo · 03-24-2009, 03:15 AM

Do you have the name of the surgery? Perhaps ACDF? At what levels? If this procedure- it is a very common surgery.

Your health comes first, you cannot be of help to your church if you do not take care of you. If you are generally healthy you could possibly be up and doing Sunday services within a few weeks a little longer to resume all duties.