myelomalacia

My doctor has diagnosed me with Myelomalacia and said he needs to fuse C2 thru C7  and T1,2 and3. That to me involve 9 discs.  He said he will remove the bones and put rods and screws along the sides of my spine.  My spinal cord is being pinched off by my degenerative discs.  Is this a surgery that is done a lot for this condition?

[kittyluv1]

Myelomalacia is a thinning of the spinal cord with loss of nerve tissue.  This is a very serious situation and the goal of any surgery is to try and preserve function and avoid permanent damage.
The surgery your doctor is proposing sounds extensive and is probably being recommended based on how much your spinal cord is presently compromised.  Your situation is not going to improve without surgery and may continue to progress with significant neurological deficits.  I would not hesitate to have the surgery done, but you are able to obtain a second opinion if needed to reassure yourself that this extensive surgery is warranted.
Post again with an update and let us know what you decide.

[Punkin44]

Thank you for your answers.  I have decided to go ahead and have the surgery.  I have seen the MRI and my doctor said my spine is in terrible shape.
He said he will go through the back as opposed to the front because the surgery is so extensive.
This is a great site!

[kittyluv1]

Best wishes as you proceed with surgery and may you have a good recovery.  Please keep us updated and let us know how you progress!
Keep using the site --- lots of good information can be found here.

Take care ----