Need cervical surgery

[proud48]

My MRI showed severe cervical stenosis, spondylosis of C4-5 & C5-6 with disc spurs indenting the thecal sac. After exam with neuro surgeon he told me I have cervical myelopathy and to avoid paralysis I need anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and Atlantis vision plate. 3 questions: I completed 48 weeks of Interferon 2 years ago and after every injection the burning pain was very severe all through my cervical area( level 10) for at least 12 hours. Could the Interferon have damaged my cervical spine? Also, Is there any new type surgery that I could have to help me?. I am very weak from the treatment but have SVR of HCV. I am in pain 24/7 . What would be the best pain medicine? One other symptom I have is clumsy gait and severe headaches. Thank you so much for your answer.
proud48

[AlaskaJim]

A little history first. I was in a sever car accident. I had to be extracated from my vehicle. I was in a newer car and my airbags did not deploy, but I did have my seatbelt on.
This caused my C-5 to C-7 to tear and my T-1 to T-2 to dissenergrate. After many treatments and many doctors I was refered to a neurosurgeon. I had a parcial lamectomy on all my injured disks. I was very scarred and worried about surgery. I did a lot of reserch and a lot of dicussions with my doctor. I was having a continence issue olong with burining in my arms and legs, shooting pain and a loss of use of my right arm. One answer that I can give to you is that the burning sensation is the medication. It is a normal reaction. This will not harm your spine, but some people do have pain at the entry point of the injection. This will also go away. I am now 2 weeks into my recovery and I am doing very well. I have a great doctor. I will take about 3 months for a full recovery. I recommend that you talk with a Neurosugeon adout your options. There are options on different types surgery. One thing I can tell you, people that have a positive attitude and an active life style recover more quickly and with less pain. I hope this helps.

[proud48]

What spine level did you have the spinal compression and laminoplasty? Did you see a neuro surgeon?
Many Blessings to you!
proud48

[jblessed72]

I too have severe neck issues. I just recently had a laminoplasty at four levels to releave the spinal compression also to avoid paralisys. Look into other alternatives to surgery and if surgry is unavoidable, look to see what other surgical opp. you have then research the proceedures. I pray for you and I realy hope you have God in your life because He is how I get through the issues I'm experiencing. Stay happy, life happens its your perspective that makes things what they are.

God Bless!!!!!!!!!!