Doc gave Surgical References - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

cotal · 04-01-2003, 10:03 PM

I've put off surgery for 5 years, but realize that it is inevitable.

What are people's experiences asking their Neurosurgeons for past patient references?

Mine gave me two references. Both though he was top notch, one patient he helped immensely, the second patient liked the Doc and the facility in NYC, but after 2 fusions questioned whether he had helped her or hurt her. Ergo my reluctance...

On my last visit, I've asked the Doc and his staff again for a 2 level fusion referal from someone he operated on at least a year ago.

-BJ

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1993 C5-C6 compression noted in Xray
1995 Forearm soreness observed, attribute to RSI
1997 Jammed finger in Sports Accident, numbness never goes away
1998 numbness and parathesia in middle finger attribute to carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel surgery ineffective
2000 Acupuncture, Acupressure, massage, PT, Yoga
2001 Neurologist orders MRI, diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy and spondylosis
2002 Conservative therapies continued, condition persists, 5 neurosurgeons consulted
2003 Artificial disc prosthesis considered and rejected, 2 level fusion scheduled

BWL · 04-02-2003, 05:21 AM

Cotal,

Welcome to the board.

The problem with fusion is that there no guarantees that it will work. On the other hand, I was lucky and did get immediate relief. Some of my friends on this board have similar success stories. I am only two months post-op for a single level, but am cautiously optimistic about my long-term prospects.

I am in NYC and my surgeon is considered one of the pioneers here in Ny and one of the best. He can be difficult to see and there is no guarantee that he personally will take your case. Even if he operates on you he does not take care of your post-op care. His team takes care of follow-up, however he reviews all records and films. This isn't ego, he is a workaholic and focuses his time on surgery. He does get involved if there are any issues. My hospital experience was less than stellar because of a roommate situation and my room was depressing, but I would go back for my docs skill.

I was at Lenox Hill and can give you my surgeon's name if you like. If you follow football at all, he was the guy that fixed Dennis Byrd of the Jets a few years back when he made his miraculous recovery from expected quad to walking out for a coin toss less than one year later (not as a player). There is also a top notch guy at Hospital for Special Surgery who was my other consideration.

I admire the depth of your research. Patient references. Well done.

Feel well,
Bruce

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ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)

cotal · 04-02-2003, 09:37 PM

Thanks for sharing your story Bruce.

Actually I am in contact with the Doc from the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. Over the past 5 years, I have interviewed 5 different Neurosurgeons. Having some medical training myself and two advanced degrees, I actually spent several days pouring over medical journals and wrote a paper on the topic (not published).

I've also been following advances in prosthetics and consulted with a physician in Europe, and have spoken to other practitioners who are advancing the technology in the US. My own condition appears to be too involved to attempt two prosthetics, however.

Of the 5 surgeons I met, this doctor is by far the most practiced and articulate and have no reservations about his abilities whatsoever. There was one other exceptional surgeon I met in Springfield, Mass who had an unfortunate airplane accident which took his life.

This board offers a great service in that it allows people like us with similar ailments to share our stories.

I've read a lot of posts here. Most are from people like us who are about to undergo surgery, or are newly post-op. In other places, I've read a lot of "operations gone bad" stories too. While it's probably true that mostly the people with negative experiences write in, I'd like to hear from people who had fusion, especially multiple level fusions a year or more ago who have positive things to say.

I guess what I'm saying is that I trust my Doc 100%, but the procedure itself may just offer marginal improvement at best, even with the best surgeon under ideal conditions.

I've put off surgery for 5 years so far and do not regret the decision so far. I hope I can write back in a a couple of months post-op and say "Why did I wait so Long!".

BJ

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1993 C5-C6 compression noted in Xray
1995 Forearm soreness observed, attribute to RSI
1997 Jammed finger in Sports Accident, numbness never goes away
1998 numbness and parathesia in middle finger attribute to carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel surgery ineffective
2000 Acupuncture, Acupressure, massage, PT, Yoga
2001 Neurologist orders MRI, diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy and spondylosis
2002 Conservative therapies continued, condition persists, 5 neurosurgeons consulted
2003 Artificial disc prosthesis considered and rejected, 2 level fusion scheduled

BWL · 04-02-2003, 09:44 PM

Hi BJ,

Just curious who you're speaking with at Special Surgery. Camissa? It's great that you're that comfortable with your choice. It makes all the difference.

I can understand your hesitancy and I feel for the fact you've gone through 5 years of this. I'm lucky in that I was quick from start to finish with no real choice in the matter.

I too hope you will soon be posting some record setting recovery stories.

Feel well,

Bruce

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ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)

[This message has been edited by BWL (edited 04-02-2003).]

cotal · 04-04-2003, 06:00 PM

I've heard a lot of reports and stories from people who have had surgery years ago and are worse off than ever, who have gone back for follow up operations,etc.

I've never spoken to anyone or read any stories that read like this: "I had a 2 level ACDF in 1995 and felt better ever since." Has anyone?

BJ

re: surgical references, I don't feel comfortable mentioning the names of specific practitioners in a public forum. For all those interested however, keep in mind that most cervical surgical teams operate in two, a neurosurgeon prepares the site, and an osteopathic surgeon implants the corrective measures. Some Doctors take on both roles. Most consultations are conducted with the Neurosurgeon but IMHO, the Osteopath may have the more critical role.