dcoday

Hi! I am new to this board. I have been reading a lot of the postings and have found them very helpful. Back in April after an episode of vomitting from a stomach bug i had extreme pain In my neck. I went to my GP and she suggested Physical Therapy. My xray showed cervical straightening. The Orthopaedic Dr said it was due to muscle spasm. about one month later i went for a follow appt. i also had PT during this time. i started having arm pain so i went for an MRI. the results were a large cemtral disc extrusion herniation at C5/C6 with cord compression. As my symptoms were getting worse I decided to get a second opinion (from a Neursurgeon this time) the NS reviewed my MRI and said my spinal cord was shaped like a boomerang. He gave me the analogy that I was walking above Niagra Falls on a tight rope! he informed me if i have a fall or get in accident i will most likely be paralyzed from the neck down! The neurological testing he did showed hyperreflexia and a positive result for Hoffman's. He wanted me to see his partner immediately. So the very next day i did. this NS described my MRI pictures as "bright" and that the disc was quite impressive. Im not sure what "bright" means. Does anyone? He also confirmed i needed surgery immediately. I am having ACDF this Wed. 7-11-12. Everything is happening so fast. i have had my preop done and am going for a CT Scan on Monday. my pain is now much worse. i have right shoulder and arm pain and dimimishing hand dexterity. I am also having pain down both legs and the headacches are terrible. the shoulder blade pain just never goes away. I was wondering if anyone could give me.their opinion or experience. I havent had much time to.prepare or process this. I would.love to hear of any suggestions on what to expect. thanks.so much..sorry it is so long