All treatment and scans below.

Hi everyone,

I finally got to meet with my NS after 3 months, I visited several Dr's, Physios and specialists to date. I was still pinning my hopes on Pain management at this meeting but no its surgery. It appears it will occur sometime Feb 2010 in London through NHS.

The surgeon looked at my MRI and advised that at C6 the osteophyte is narrowing my foramina causing the left arm pain and also squashing the disc into my spinal column, however it hasn't caused problems there yet, just the root nerve. He pointed out that the disc has dried out this is probably why the osteophyte could indent it. The NS stated that it would need to be done. I asked what done translates as in medical talk and he replied surgery. apparently the same problem is taking place at C5 although not causing root nerve problems, the disc is however bulging in towards the spine but not causing problems, this disc is dried out too?

He advised that he should do that one too whilst in there fixing C6 to save me having further surgery again? The surgery he recommended is 2 level ACDF but also said Lac.....Formin....otomy (sorry don't know what this is) or something could be done too but suggest the fusion as the best option. He stated that he may put a ADR in at C5 if it looks OK when he is in there but C6 will require the titanium thing?

I would like to ask any of you fine people, what your opinions are on this and also ask about recovery times or any problems from this type of surgery. I am 37 years old and always played sports and kept fit up until this, I would like to ask how long would it be until I can get back to sports e.g. soccer, squash, jogging?

I asked the surgeon also would I have movement restriction in the future he said very slight.

I asked would this allow my neck restore to full strength as before he said it would be stronger than ever if fused correct??

Also he stated problems with voice, throat may occur?

Again guys thank you for previous advice and your replies, I would be grateful on any advice on this.

Lynny

Meds: Diclofenac, Co-Drydamol, Tramadol, Ibruprofen, Co-Codamol & Parecetomol

2 Months of PT

MRI results:

There is movement artifact on several of the sequences. Alignment maintained but there is loss of the cervical lordosis.

There is a partial fusion of the posterior aspect of the bodies of C7 and T1. Degenerative disk disease is seen above this level.

At C5/C6 there is a broad disk osteophyte bar more prominent on the right but with narrowing of both exit formina again more prominent on the right. Canal dimensions are adequate.

At C6/C7 there is again a broad disk osteophyte bar with narrowing of both exit formina but adequate canal dimensions.