OfflineWell. It was so nice to finally meet with a neurosurgeon to get so many of my questions answered. First he did a thorough exam. Then he explained to me that while my symptoms were not severe, they were mild to moderate in regard to lack of reflexes, loss of strength in left arm, and of course my pain level, etc. etc. However.......because the herniation I have at C6/C7 is significant and IS sitting right on my spinal cord he informed me it if I didn't choose to get it fixed I run the risk of being "at risk" of becoming paralyzed if I were ever to be hit from behind in a vehicle or a very bad fall. There is no room for error there - anything with an impact could paralyze me. Sooo. he of course is recommending ACDF one level - but that's according to my 10/07 MRI findings.
I have to go in for another MRI next Monday then the next Monday after that I meet with him again to discuss MRI findings and surgery date and of course what type of surgery.
He agreed, I've tried and been through everything to try to relieve my symptoms and agreed this was the best route.
He was so VERY nice and sat and listened to all my concerns and such. He did mention about the bone spurs and that was a concern too, but we just can't decide or plan on anything yet until we have a new MRI.
So, that's that, I'll keep you all posted Thanks for all your support everyone!
Sandra (39) ACDF C6/C7 with PEEK cage system - Nov. 6, 2008. Disk was found to be severed in half-NS said it was good we did this when we did.
Osteoarthritis/DDD. Spine is a mess Cervical MRI-C6/7 significant herniation impinging spinal cord-impingement on left C7 or C8 nerve and bone spurs; Thoracic MRI - Small protrusion T7/8 impinging spinal cord; Lumbar MRI -2 protrusions sitting on R&L S1 exiting nerve roots. YIPPY!
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oh and GUESS WHAT - this NS said he has seen many patients with this C6/C7 herniation and BURNING FEET - Hmmm, I've been dealing with this for a year and was told over and over there was NO connection (from the Dr's). Now I finally have an answer on that too. He obviously couldn't guarantee it would go away though But hey, we'll just have to see. It's something I can live with
Sandra (39) ACDF C6/C7 with PEEK cage system - Nov. 6, 2008. Disk was found to be severed in half-NS said it was good we did this when we did.
Osteoarthritis/DDD. Spine is a mess Cervical MRI-C6/7 significant herniation impinging spinal cord-impingement on left C7 or C8 nerve and bone spurs; Thoracic MRI - Small protrusion T7/8 impinging spinal cord; Lumbar MRI -2 protrusions sitting on R&L S1 exiting nerve roots. YIPPY!
I certainly hope that your surgery is successful. It sounds like you've got a great neurosurgeon. Do you mind if I ask you what your symptoms are and what types of conservative treatment you've done? I'm pretty sure you mentioned it quite recently but my brain is fried today.
So glad you appointment went good with N.S.
I will be looking for your update with new MRI.
keeping you in my thoughts.
Cervical Stenosis with Myeolopathy.
C-3-7 Herniations Impingement on Cord several areas.
C6-7 is worse with Large Herniation with over 50% Impingement.
Possible M.S "Only Possible".
Myeolpathy symptoms seem to be getting worse. So time is important to me.keeping a positive attitude and holding head high.
Feel Free To Check Out My Websites: Patsy Now And Hunt Pix
hi, wish u luck next monday and hope your new mri gives u a well defined path to take for your problems. in the mean time, please be careful like your docs said.
God bless all
kc
GOD BLESS ALL, KC
On 08/2007, I had 10.5 hour surgery for Cervical Stenosis & Myeolpathy just 5 days after MRI. It included ACDF c3-c7, with Titanium Plate & Screws at c3-c7, c5 Corpectomy with Metal Cage. Post op care: 2 days ICU, +4 days NS ward. Wore hard collar 24/7 for 3 months & part time for 4th month. Physical therapy for 3 months (months 5,6,7). 1 yr post op still have numbness/ arms, hands, & fingers plus cold feeling in hands & fingers. Still have swallowing problems, very limited ROM, & chronic pain in neck. But everyday I wake up & thank GOD that I am alive & still walking! Thats my story and I am sticking to it.
Wow- you really had some surgery! Thank you god you are walking as your siggy says
Do you have a copy of your MRI report by any chance? I am curious to see how it read and what the problem was prior to your surgery. I am so anxious about getting an updated MRI cause I would be any money it's definately worse than the 10/07 MRI. Well, thanks for replying to my post and I am being careful.
My neck is very stiff too by the way - ALWAYS is stiff. I'm always turning it this way and that way to try to loosen it up or stretch the muscles on the sides. I always hear a lot of crunching when I do that and a lot of times it cracks (you know like some people crack their knuckles). It has been doing that for years and years. I just wonder what the crunching sound really is? Air?
Anyhow, thanks again and take care!
Sandra
Sandra (39) ACDF C6/C7 with PEEK cage system - Nov. 6, 2008. Disk was found to be severed in half-NS said it was good we did this when we did.
Osteoarthritis/DDD. Spine is a mess Cervical MRI-C6/7 significant herniation impinging spinal cord-impingement on left C7 or C8 nerve and bone spurs; Thoracic MRI - Small protrusion T7/8 impinging spinal cord; Lumbar MRI -2 protrusions sitting on R&L S1 exiting nerve roots. YIPPY!
Things to think about prior to surgery. I see that you have tried all other methods with no relief but surgery (any type) should be the very last resort. I just had my second surgery on my neck and this one was due to the stress caused by a ACDF surgery that I had back in the late 90's (seems like surgeons forget to tell about possible future complications). I know you had a list of questions for the surgeon regarding your symptoms when you went to talk with him/her but make sure you have a list also regarding all options, recovery, and what the future might bring to you if you go through with the surgery. So I guess what I am trying to say is make sure you get a second and even third opinion and then sit down with your family to discuss things before rushing into surgery. I do understand the pain and discomfort you are living with. Make sure you also check into other types of surgeries prior to choosing ACDF. Discuss this with your surgeon. Best wishes to you and your health/pain relief and good luck if you go through with the surgery.
Rob
Sept 12, 1997 - ACDF @ c4-5 & c5-6 levels
Sept 16, 2008 - ACD w/ADR @ c6-7 level (The cause for this surgery was due to stress put on the disc below the fusion that was done in '97)
Thanks for updating us. Interesting you mentioned that about the feet, I've had burning like sensations in my right foot quite often! Someone mentioned neuropathy but I have yet to see the NS.My bones are "encroachiing" on my spinal chord lying down but I suspect its up against my spinal cho9rd sitting. Pain gets much worse.
DDD all cervical discs-dessication, spondylosis involving multiple levels, stenosis,ALL cervical discsare dessicated, ophytesfrom C3-C7 encroaching upon the spinal chord, bursitis, chronic pain for 20 years, fractured c6, spurring at multiple levels, radiculopathy in right arm for years, now left arm, hyper reflexes in knees, loss of balance and fibromyalgia
I had an ACDF on Sept 9th. I was in excrutiating pain prior to it, with numbness and weakness. When I awoke from surgery the pain was gone.