Cervical Diskectomy

[Ginger1953]

My Doctor has suggested that I have a Cervical Diskectomy due to I have two herniated disks in my neck that is pushing up against the ventrical cord. I have headaches all the time and a lot of pressure. This has been going on for a year now. I've been through physical therapy and injections and it has helped a little but I'm still unable to do anything. I've had to stop working and can no longer do the things that I enjoy. I'm really affraid of having this surgery and I keep putting it off but I'm also affraid of not having it because of what may happen if I don't. Is there good outcomes with this kind of surgery, he wants to go through the front of my neck and remove the disks that are causing the problem and replace with donor bone due to I have Bursitus in my hips, than use a plate and screws. I've read theres a possibility of infection and also that it may not take, is this due to thats its donor bone and not mine. And how long does it take to recover from this kind of surgery? I'm only 51 and used to be so active and now I feel so helpless. I'm really scared, can you get parallized from this surgery?  Please any input would be greatly appreaciated. Thanks Jan

[Ginger1953]

Michelle thanks for responding its nice to hear from someone whos already had the procedure? Did you have the numbness and tingling before the surgery or did you get it after? I myself don't have any of that but my Doctor is still recommending the surgery because of my situation. You have a lot of help and thats good. I'm in a different situation. I won't have that much help which is also an issue with me. I know this is a long recovery time and everyone I know works and my husband can stay home sometimes but not all the time. I also worry about my 16 year old, he has a lot of health issues and totally depends on me for a lot. If I have the surgery I'll have to find someone to do for him. Will you always have to keep the metal plate or is that something that can be removed at a later date? I've heard that winter time is hard, you need to wear a scarf around your neck because of the aches. I'm not due to see my Ortho. till mid March so I don't know for sure when I'll be having this surgey. Please keep me posted on your recovery and I wish you all the best.
Jan  

[Ginger1953]

Thanks I think I'll do that ( see a Neuro.) I just need to feel comfortable before I go through with this. You have a great sucess rate, I think I'd feel a little more comfortable with those. I'm from Md. and my Dr. is out of John's Hopkins which is a very large hospital. I think the fact that hes a little young frightens me too, even though that shouldn't have anything to do with his expertise. Please let me know how things goes with you surgery. I wish you all the best.

Jan

[RunningMom]

I'm in the same boat you are in.  I'm seeing a surgeon today after trying all the conservative methods with no success.  I, too, am very active and I use to run 36 miles a week until I injured myself.  My fear with the surgery is being in more pain afterwards then before, even though this pain is severe, even on pain medications.  The headaches are awful!  They end up being full blown migraines and I get them almost everyday!  I have 3 disc herniations and my C5-C6 is pressing against my spinal cord.  I've been to several doctors for their opinion.  I wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing.  I'm seeing an ortho surgeon today.  I did have an opinion with a neurosurgeon, but I did not like him in the least bit.

[michelleric]

By the way, find a doc who does LOTS of these surgeries, that is another key. The doc I chose does about 300 per year of the anterior cervical discecetomy fusion,( Not sure of the spelling, but that is the surgery I had and the one recommened to you). I had 2 discs removed, and by the way I am 41 and this came on from arthritis and apparently congenital stenosis. ( born with a small spine)
Ok, thanks,
Michelle

[michelleric]

On Jan 26th, I had to herniated discs removed from my neck, c5-6, and c 6-7. They were replaced with cadaver bones, then with plates/screws. I am now wearing a neck collar for 4 weeks and able to drive after 6 weeks. I was having tingling in my arms/hands, and neck pain. I went for 3 opionions, and a physical therapist opinion on my own. (he only does necks). I wouldnt tell any doc what any other doc said, told them I wanted an unbiased opinion, which none objected to. I saw 2 neurosurgeons and 2 orthopedic surgeon. I since learned it doesnt matter which doc you pick as long as they are SPINE surgeons and that is the main surgery they do. Well to make a long story short, they all said EXACTLY the same thing, even down to the exact same surgery and they all recommended it ASAP, due to my spinal cord was being compressed. I chose the Orthopedic surgeon and so far so good I guess. I have most of the feeling back in my arms and hands now, but lots of muscle spasms in my upper neck. This is a big recovery for me, due to the fact I have 4 small children and I am not "good at doing nothing". It is very hard, and I require lots of help. My mother in law just left yesterday, and I am missing her hugely, My husband goes on call tomorrow for a  week, so I am nervous to see how this will all play out. Fortunately, I have wonderful friends and they are bringing me dinner, started tonight, and will continue for the next 4 weeks. I also have a list of names and numbers I can call for help, so I am hugely fortunate, Even my work has been great, and whenever I return is fine with them. All in all, I am truly a lucky person, and so far the surgery has gone well. After being told my so many docs to do this ASAP to risk any further permanent damage, I went ahead and did what I was told to do.I was scared to death, but so far so good, am even back on the computer, although this was it for the day. I can do about 10 minutes a day on the computer, and just have to learn to take it easy.
I wish you tons of luck, and ask any questions you might have,
Michelle

[kittyluv1]

I recommend a neurosurgeon for this type of procedure.  Primarily because it involves the nerve roots and spinal cord compression.  An ortho is good for fractures and bony problems, but a neurosurgeon is more likely to have experience with this surgery.
Keep in mind that a lot of the "experiences" people write about on the Internet are from those having a negative outcome.  The ones who have a positive outcome are too busy living a more normal life to write about it!  The success rate quoted by my neurosurgeon is 90 - 95% which are outstanding odds in my opinion.
The only reason that additional disc surgery might be needed is that once a lower level of disc is repaired (fused) the weight and movement of the neck is then displaced to higher levels.  It would depend primarily on the extent of disc disease present and the rate of degeneration.  Most docs say additional disc surgery may not be needed at all.
As far as your doctor only having done 100 operations of this type --- that is still a large number if based on the population he is treating.  You have to feel comfortable with his answers to your questions and his style of medicine and treatment.  If you don't feel comfortable with him, you should keep investigating for another doctor until you find one that is able to alleviate your concerns.  I don't know how large a city you are from or how many neurosurgeons are available --
Keep asking questions, but don't delay the surgery too long as permanent damage can not be undone.
Good luck!

[Ginger1953]

Thanks for yor comments. I to have been doing a lot of research on this but I'm still afraid to have it done even though I know I really need it. Theres so much negativity as well on the subject by different ones that have had this procedure is why I'm so afraid to have it done.  I've also had a second opinion from another Ortho. Dr. and he told me as long as I'm not having any numbness or tingling in my arms I could hold off. But my Dr. is reccomending surgery. I keep such headaches and pressure all the time. What is the difference between a Neuro. Dr. and a Ortho. Dr. and which one is doing your surgery?  I just want my life back. I also read that you could end up with other disk problems once you have this kind of surgery what is your opinion on that?  What success rate did your Dr. give you? Mine told me 80% is that good from the research that you have done? I think also I'm worrying a little because my Dr. has not done many of these procedures hes only did about a 100. Thanks again for responding. Jan

[kittyluv1]

Your current physical condition is quite compromised -- you aren't able to work and can not do things that you enjoy.  The surgery does appear to be the best option for you because the herniated discs are causing pressure on your spinal cord (hence the headaches/pressure).  Other symptoms from this type of herniation could include neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness and tingling in the arms and weakness of your hands/arms.  Because you have not responded to conservative treatment with physical therapy and injections, surgery is being recommended (and wisely) by your doctor.  
The anterior approach and use of cadaver bone is the accepted method and has had very good results.  The potential for infection exists not because of the use of donor bone, but exists from any type of invasive procedure which penetrates the skin.
The probability of non-fusion is small, but the full fusion process can take up to 6 months.  The risk of paralysis is greater if you do not have the surgery as opposed to paralysis from the surgery.  The longer the pressure exists on the spinal cord the greater the chance for progression of your symptoms and possible paralysis.  The danger of permanent nerve damage is also possible without surgery.
Surgery can be very scary -- if you would like to do so, I recommend getting a second opinion from a neurosurgeon.  That may ease your concerns.
I am scheduled for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion C4-C7 on 2/17 and after very thorough research, I feel the probability of a good outcome is higher and is worth the procedure and recovery time involved.  The decision for surgery is yours -- I wish you the best.