Results from having cervical disc replacement surgery-Good/Bad?

[ccn]

Results from having cervical disc replacement surgery-Good/Bad?
by ccn


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ccn
Female
CA
Member since May 2008
Mood: ccn is
  



, May 26, 2008 02:30PM
Tags: disc replacement, CERV. DISC REPL.SURG.
I have been told that I need to have disc replacement surgery although the clinical trials are over and now it has been approved by the FDA for cervical disc replacement (approval by health insurance only for 1st level replacement only).  I have 4 cervical discs' involved. (C3-6) and C-5 being the worst.  I was told by the spine surgeon that they would only be able to replace 1 disc and then fuse the others.  I particially do not want to have any type of fusion as I have heard that the results from a fusion are not that great.  I am hoping that the health insurance companies would relook at the need to pre-approve 2nd level cervical disc replacement surgery for many whom need this as apposed to just having the 1st level done if needed.  Doesn't make sence to have to go back and have the 2nd level done after having a 1st level.  

I have been trying to go as long as I can before I have to have cervical disc replacement surgery, until I can't take the pain any longer.  Right now I am having nerve block injections, epidurals, all which do not really help, maybe 30% relief.  I deal with pain swallowing, referred pain infrascapular and down my arm.

If anyone out there has the similar issue I have and had cervical disc replacement in combination with the fusion and had excellent results, please reply and tell me your story,.  I