Hi Doctor
I am a 45 year old female. Last June i woke up with stiff neck. It didn't
go away after a week. I went to ER several times. Last visit they x rayed
cervical spine, said nothing was wrong. Pain worsened, neck spasms, severe
pain in upper right arm. Private dr hospitalized me after seeing x ray and
neurosurgeon was called in. Mri showed extensive degenerative changes
(i waitress most of my life and past 2 years worked at computer terminal
8-10 hours a day)Anyway, in cervical spine, with prominent right paracentral disc herniations along with ony spurring at c5-6, prominent bony spurring with central disc herniation at c6-7, impinging on ventral aspect of cord and large right central herniation at c3-4. Also impinging on ventral aspect of the cord in midline with smaller central herniation at
c4-5. I had surgery Sept 97 on C5-6 only anterior disectomy and interbody
fusion. Fragments which were pressing on 5-6 nerve were removed and spinal
canal was widened. Pain in right upper arm was immediately relieved.
After surgery, i noticed pain in lower legs and weakness. That continues.
Often my legs feel very heavy, which disturbs me, as i use to be a avid walker. I also have pulling in left leg. I also have neck pain going into
arms (upper and lower) very severe at times and shoulders, severe pain in
right index finger, wrists, left thumb. I also have arthritis and degenerative disc disease. I am afraid that i will end up in wheel chair,
Dr suggests new surgery but has warned me that i would be extensive and
we are trying to avoid it. Any suggestions? I would be very grateful for
any suggestions.
thank you
jo-ann
Dear Jo-Ann:
Any situation where the option of a second surgery is raised is a complex one and usually necessiates very careful consideration by you, often after one or two additional opinions from other neurosurgeons/neurologists. Anyone who offers you an opinion would need to examine you and go over all your records including MRI/CT/Myelogram films. Additional lests such as EMG and lumbar or thoracic MRI may be needed in your case.
I would suggest a visit to a major academic neurology department near you fos such opinions before you consent to a re-operation. In case Cleveland is a practical option, I recommend neurosurgeons (Drs Kalfas or Bingaman) and neurologists (Drs. Mitsumoto, Levin or Shields) at the Cleveland Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling (800)223-2273, or (216)444-5559 locally.
Good luck!
