numbness after anterior cervical discectomy

[Belle1]

I had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion last November 2006 due to constant neck problems but worse terrible nerve pain down my left arm and numbness in index finger and constant shocking sensations in my left arm.  Straight after the 'op' the nerve paid had gone in my arm and hand.  It wasnt a nice op at all and I dreaded the thought that I wouldnt be able to swallow properly or worse that I wouldnt be able to breath properly.  
The thing is everything was fine, still have painful neck, but can put up with that after having it for years but two weeks ago my left index finger and thumb started going numb again.  I also have a terrible sensation in my arm when walking ( I wonder if because arm is obviously hanging down when walking) and terrible shock like feelings when trying to brush my hair.

Has anyone else ever had this op and had symptoms come back this long after the operation.  I cant bear the thought of hving to go through it all again.

[Belle1]

Thank you for your reply.  Im so sorry nothing can be done for you and hope things ease up soon.  I am seeing the surgeon that operated on me on Friday so I will let you know what he says.
Take care

[unionlady]

Belle,

I had the same surgery in October 2000.  I have had numbness and pain down my arm.  The surgery was great for about 6 months and since then I have had nothing but pain in my neck and down my arm.  I have been losing the feeling in my arm and hand.  I hope that the doctor's can help you but since my surgery was so long ago none of my doctor's are willing to do anything.

I have been threw several mylograms, MRI's, epidural shots in my neck, PT, and pain medications and nothing has helped me at all.  Sorry to hear that the surgery didn't help.  I know exactly what you are going through and found out just yesterday from my doctor that there is probably nothing the doctor's can do to help me and that I will just have to live with the pain.  Sorry that I can't be of any better help.