Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive May 2008:
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?
Anyone ever had one? I went to the Neurosurgeon today and that is what he told me I need. He said I could go through physical therapy and steriod shots but the pain would always come back until I have this proceedure.
I don't know what to do. I am scared but really sick of the pain. I would appreciate any advice.
Haven't had neck surgery, but will have to in the next year or so. I'll be having the cervical discectomy, but I'm not sure about the fusion part - that is something I *really* don't want.
I have 3 herniated disks and bone spurs at all 3 levels - two of the bone spurs (or osteophytes) are putting pressure on the cord - plus degenerative disk disease & arthritis, and spinal stenosis. I get frequent *bad* headaches, and a lot of neck pain. I'm also told this is *one* of the causes of the numbness and weakness in my hands and arms.
Do you have herniated or ruptured disks???
I've been having injections almost monthly in my neck, but they are just to relieve the spasms caused by all of this. My osteopath has given me stretches and exercises to do in the meantime and I use ice a LOT.
I know a few people who've had neck surgery and all of them are better off now, and the recuperation period wasn't bad.
I was going to deal with both of my hands this year, and now it's running into next year as well. Then I was going to deal with the neck. However, I am getting those headaches a lot more frequently now, so I'm wondering if I should do the neck before I do the other hand???
What specific symptoms are you having? Has your doctor told you anything specific about the surgery and/or the recovery?? I would be really interested to hear from you about this.
I have a degenerative disc at C6/C7. I am not really sure what the fusion part is, that is just what they told me I needed. They said that they would go in through the front of my neck and clear out part of the disc and replace it with a bone chip from a cadavar or my hip then put a metal plate over that and a few screws to hold it in place.
My symptoms are numbness/tingling/aching pain from my neck down my right arm to the tips of my middle/ring/pinky fingers on my right hand. It is to the point of making me cry almost daily. I have had the steriod injections and they lasted for a little while but not long enough for my tastes. and it will cost almost the same for me to get the surgery as more injections.
I have a friend who had the exact same surgery and he said that it wasn't too bad and he is just fine now. I just have never had surgery before and I am terrified of it.
I was really wanting to see if anyone could tell me really how long they were in bed. My friend can't remember it was a few years ago. I go stir crazy when just sitting home for a few hours with nothing but the tv.. what will i do with 2 weeks of not being able to go anywhere (no car rides unless medically neccessary).
He also said that I have another disc C3 that is starting to degenerate. He didn't say anything about degenerative disc disease but now I am going to have to ask.
At this point I am pretty sure I am going to have the surgery. I am just trying to figure out when. I will have to coordinate work and kids and such before I decide.
I may be rambling now because I took my pain meds a little while ago.
My sister had this done in September and she said it's the best thing she's ever done. She is now pain free.
From what I know, you aren't usually in the hospital more than 2 or 3 days, and they normally get you up the first day, or at least the first 24 hours. You wear one of those collars for a few weeks. I worked with a women who had this exact surgery done, there were 3 disk levels involved, and she did have a fusion. She actually came back to work the 3rd week after her surgery.
The fusion you are describing is exactly what they did with her too.
My cousin's DH just had back surgery and they installed a dynamic stabilization device to his lumbar vertebrae. It works sort of like a fusion, in that it stabilizes his spine, but allows him to keep some flexibility. I don't think that's an option for what you are talking about.
If you are just having fusion at one level, it really shouldn't limit your mobility or flexibility. I'm afraid of fusion because my herniated disks are 3 in a row, and if I end up fused, my neck won't bend at that location. But at some point, like you, I'm going to have to deal with this, because allowing it to get worse is just miserable.
Well, I scheduled it for 5/8. I think it is the right thing for me. Hopefully everything will go well.
I'm sure it will. I really hope you get relief from it. And I am VERY interested to hear how it goes, and how your recovery period goes, since I'm *supposed* to have something similar. Good luck with it. Be sure to let us know how you are doing, as soon as you are able!!!
Good luck with your surgery! We can recover online together!
Good luck with yours too Collette!
I just happened to talk to my sister yesterday and she had her six month check up and x-ray of her neck and the doctor was very pleased it is now completely healed and the best thing is she is PAIN FREE. Good Luck 
|
Members
