Any suggestions as to where i go from here?

[JO-AN]

  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
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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 [phone], or [phone] locally.
Good luck!