cervical spine spondylosis and myelapthy

[jpaul119]

I had an mri which showed 7 herniated disc, some in the thorasic and some in the c3-c7 range.  My neurosurgen showed some compression in the thorasic area, but the worst was the severe compression in the cervical area to the point that the spinal is flatted out.  He recommends surgery right away which includes a cage, new spacer pieces and fusion.  Will this fix most of my symptoms of numbness in leg, waist and fingers, slow urination, balance problems, short periods of dizzyness and headaches.  I have had some anxiety and depression since these problems have started about 7 months ago.  I also have had periods of light sensitivity and sound sensitivity.
Thanks.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The spinal compressions may really explain the symptoms that you are experiencing and hopefully the surgery will help lessen the symptoms, if not totally eradicate all of them.  I suggest you discuss with your neurosurgeon the success rate of operations like this to the spine, as well as the risks involved using the surgery.  Another point to discuss with the surgeon is regarding the length of recovery and need for physical therapy after the surgery.  I hope that your surgery will be as uneventful as possible, and a full road to recovery will be en route.  Regards and God bless.

[jpaul119]

Had a second opinion and they left me with no option but sugery.  Completed surgery, replaced 3 discs and fused c3-6.  12 hr after surgery, was feeling well.  The next 4 days, lots of pain and swallowing issues.  Hope to get those resolved

[boycee]

re. your reply to jpaul119. I too have spinal cord compression in my C spine (c456). My cord is compressed to the thickness of ballpoint pen refill in two places. how urgent would you say is the need for surgery? At the moment i am awaiting a pre..op asessment to check my fittness for surgery do you think I should try to hurry things up a little I am finding walking almost impossible & have very little use in both hands. I do get very worried about my condition. My surgeon has said it may not improve my condition but will stop it from getting worse Do you think this prognosis is worth undergoing risky surgery? thank you in advance for your time    regards boycee u.k.

[jpaul119]

I am not a doctor, but my doctors said my compression was becoming debilitating.  I completed surgery May 23, last Friday.  Recovery is challenging.  Today, I feel pretty good, but have a ways to go.  My doctor said everything went well.  I have a lot of trouble swallowing, but it is slowly getting better.  I am seeing a neurosurgeon for this.  I am 47 years old.

I was told by the NeuroSurgeon (second opinion) that if my condition was left untreated I would most likely be in a wheelchair by the end of summer and that I would certainly become more disabled without the surgery.  That is very scary.  I know that it is a tough decision either way.  A friend of mine had the same surgery about 3 months ago.  He is slowly recovering.  It is not a quick fix.  That was difficult for me because I have been so active with things like jogging, which I had to quit.  Another friend of mine has had 4 fusion operations.  He had done pretty well with it.  I think I could be back for a second one in a few years because of problems with my lower back.  

My compression showed similar results.  I showed bad compression (about 50%) in one spot and a one that was about 30% (directly into the Spine not the nerves surrounding it).  The diagnosis and surgery all happened fast for me.  I am still praying and hoping for a good outcome.  Let me know how things go.  I can keep you updated on my progress.  Take care.