Renee016

Hi, Sherry - sorry to hear about your insurance headache. It's got me thinking now that maybe I'd better have the surgery now so I don't have any problems being covered in the future.

I would have a one-level (C5-6) fusion with donor bone and a metal plate. At least, that's how the two doctors I've seen say they would do it but I'm still looking for a surgeon. I lost confidence in my orthopedist (long story) and I'm being told that a nuerosurgeon should do it anyway. The one I saw was recommended by a friend who knows like three people he has operated on but I found him to be "cold". Not that that makes him a bad surgeon but I want to talk to a couple more doctors.

My concern is that I have another disc (C4-5) that is torn and I'm worried about it getting worse and needing surgery again in the future. Also, I don't want to go now for surgery on C5-6 and still be in pain because of the other disc. The two doctors I've seen don't want to fuse more than one level unless it's absolutely necessary but it makes you wonder - are they being sincere or is it the money?

Anyway, are you not working by choice or because of pain? I haven't experienced any arm pain but it must be difficult to work with. Did your MRI show any nerve root compression? Also, did you ever have an EMG?

Take care
Renee

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1982 Fusion surgery for scoliosis with stainless steel Harrington Rod (T5 - L3) using pelvic bone for grafting
1999 Neck problems began
2001 Cervical Kyphosis
2003 3 Herniated Cervical Discs - C4 thru C7. One disc (C5-6) pressing on the spinal cord (no nerve root compression) causing leg weakness, tingling and burning - diagnosed with myelopathy and anterior cervical discectomy recommended.
Still looking for surgeon.

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1982 Fusion surgery for scoliosis with stainless steel Harrington Rod (T5 - L3) using pelvic bone for grafting
1999 Neck problems began
2001 Cervical Kyphosis
2002 Diagnosed with Epstein-Barr (level was 7+) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
2003 3 Herniated Cervical Discs - C4 thru C7. One disc (C5-6) pressing on the spinal cord (no nerve root compression) causing leg weakness, tingling, burning and numbness - diagnosed with myelopathy and ACDF recommended.
2/24/03 One-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy with donor bone and titanium plate (C5-6)
Post 2/03 - Symptoms returned and worsening. Weakness in my legs is like walking against a 50 mph wind - pain in lower back and all the way down my right leg to the ankle - vertigo, muscle spasms in trunk and legs
7/03 EEG, BAERS and MRI of brain all normal
7/03 MRI of lumbar spine showed mild herniated disc (L4/5) with moderate to severe DDD and edema in the endplates. HOLDING OUT FOR ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENT!