Previous Discectomy and new MRI

[Son4]

Have been to the clinic 4 years ago for a workup ! Had a triple disc removal and fusion near 4 years ago did well !! Now back to arm and shoulder pain and discomfort had a new MRI
Results

At c-1 c-2 c-3 levels no significant discogenic abnormality is indentified. At c-3 c-4 there is again indentified focal central disc bulging with compromise of the anterior epidural space At c-4 c-5 level no significant discogenic abnormality is thought present. At the C-c C-5 C-7 levels there is evidence of a previous fusion with slight compromise of the anterior epidural space present at C-5 C-6

Impression
Redemonstration of central disc bulging present at C-3 C-4 level with compromise of the anterior epidural space !

Had my surgery here in Sandusky because of family concerns but now wondering if that should change and head back to the clinic ?? Is this something that may need to be checked and taken care of ??/ I really dont want to let it get as bad as before as it took a longer time to heal ! Clinic is very close so travel would be fine

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Hard to say if the disc is the cause of your problem as I have not personally reviewed the images and am just going by a report.  Sounds like the MRI has picked up a known problem at C3-4 that's been seen on prior exams before.  If it was there prior to your surgery 4 years ago and you actually got better with the C5-7 surgery without any work on the C3-4 disc, it's possible that it may not be the cause of your symptoms although it sounds as if it may be. However, given that you're in the vicinity I would get it checked out just to make sure.  Since your last visit (he may have just gotten here at that time), we've had an addition to our spine team.  Dr. Ed Benzel is a fantastic, well-renowned and actually very kind spine neurosurgeon here at the clinic.  Dr. Kalfas is also an excellent spine surgeon here. Try to get an appointment with one of these guys and bring your films for their personal review.  Good luck.

[darlin]

If you’re considering having surgery done you may want to read this article first.  www.mindyourpsandqs.com Best of luck.  Darlin

[Son4]

Read your article and so sorry it was bad for you ! I have had the surgery before and it went very well and gave me back my life and at 50 I was ready to live a good life some more. My problem is arthritis in my spine and it has moved up and down I believe so I will do it again if neccesary and its my understanding the the Clinic is a fine place to have this done if neccesary . I am willing to take that risk again I want to be free to live pain free and have the mobilty back again ! Again so sorry that yours went bad but mine was very good and I wish that you could have had the kind of special care I had it was good !

[Son4]

Thanks I will do that ! I am not feeling as bad as the last time but dont want to allow it to progress to that point so I do want it looked at and again Thank you

[SandraBFan1984]

My name is Jordan Brooks and I am an 19 year old female and I had back surgery in 1998 to correct a herniated disc on levels L5 and L6 and I have an extra vertibrae.  I have been experiencing pain ever since. My new doctor said that I also have degeneration of the bad disc.  I am now getting ready to have a disc fusion surgery, and my doctor said it was my only hope for a meanifull recovery.  I am an odd case but I am in pain and I have been going through rough times for 5 years along with my family.

Jordan

[pommiepom]

I have had back surgery a few times, i would like to talk to you or anyone about my experiences and also your experiences, please email me ***@****  i would gadly discuss any problems i have and and you have had.

[bluecatchew]

Jordan, I hope you are still reading this forum. I have a son who is 20 with disc protrusion C3, C4, with nerve compression, and resulting nerve related symptoms. The Drs don't want to operate due to his age, he has been on low dose opiate pain medication for 2.5 years and I am very concerned for him. I would love to hear your story and any advice you have for me to him this has totally changed his life, he can't get a job, and the meds slowed his brain down so much he went from graduating 3rd in his HS class to not being able to concentrate in college so he quit. Thank-you for listening, I hope you see this post.