Surgery? I am terrified...

[jrosecrans]

Have been told I need a double level fusion at c4/5 and c6/7.  I am scheduled for next week.  I just don't know about this....everything I am reading seems to suggest that this operation is really not that successful.  Most still have pain, and a huge percentage of people have worse pain/symptoms than prior to their surgery.  While I do have pain right now, and it isn't pleasant, at least I KNOW what it is.  I feel like I am deciding between pain I am familiar with and pain that I am not familiar with....make sense?  Hell, I'd rather just keep the pain I have and not have anyone cut me open.  I am also a singer and actor- all this stuff about sore throats and laryginal troubles has be scared out of me socks.  I am amazed at all I have read- the largest percentage of stories are not of good outcomes.  Why then, is this considered a "minimally invasive procedure" and done so often?  I am just terrified.  I understand that with my level of disc issues (both herniated and causing symptoms), I risk permanent damange to the nerve.  However, it seems, with everything I've read that this is the outcome most of the time anyway.   Help.  Does ANYONE have some hopeful news about this surgery?

[michelleric]

I am having the exact same surgery as you next week, Jan 26. Double fusion for the same discs as you. I too, am terrified. I wish you luck as well as myself.

[jrosecrans]

Thanks for all the input everyone- I appreciate the various points of view.  

I certainly realize that it is people looking for help that generally post on these sites, thus the larger percentage of negative results are discussed.  I get that.  I am also realistic that this back problem of mine is degenerative in nature, and will continue to cause some issues for me.  I guess I am at the place now where the idea of the surgery doesn't concern me as much as what type of surgery.  The whole idea of fusion is repulsive to me.  That just seems really extreme.  Did any of you look into the laser/endoscopic forms of this surgery and if so, what made you decide they were not right for you?  

Michelle- I am so sorry you are scared, and I certainly understand.  Have you had pain for a long time?  How much research have you done?

[michelleric]

Hi,
Well, as far as research goes, I had 3 opinions about it. I basically didn't have pain at the time, but the last few months, I have had tingling/numbness in arms and hands, and having balance issues. Got sent to a neurologist who thought MS was the culprit, due to many issues with my gait, reflexes, and other things. After MRI's they saw the 2 hernaited discs and I got sent to a neurosurgeon. He wanted to do surgery ASAP, due to my exam and cord compression. I was shocked, it was hard to take in all the information. That was about a month ago, and since then I can tell my hand is weakening, and I am now in really bad pain in my neck. They told me not to exercise, and basically the pain is affecting my life. Hard to work, drive, etc. I went to 2 more docs, a physical therapist and they all said I need surgery and the sooner the better. Even the PT told me there wasn't anything he could do for me at this point. So, that is what I am doing. Surgery next Monday, and yes, it sounds awful. They cut through the front part of my neck, take the 2 discs out, replace with cadavar bone, put plate and screws and let me fuse. I will wear a collar for 6 weeks. I am petrified. I am also on blood thinners, which is why I need to wait a week for surgery. Need to come of the coumadin. I am afraid after surgery for blood clots, and hate hospitals. I have accepted the fact this needs to be done though, and am trying to get a better attitude. Apparently I was born with a small spine, so the herniated discs are even doing more damage then they would have.
Thanks,
Michelle

[jrosecrans]

Sounds like you have been through the ringer.  I am so sorry.  You must be scared.  Looks like you've done all your research though, and have found a good answer for you.  Yep- that is the exact same surgery they are telling me I need.  I have had one ortho person and a neurosurgeon tell me I need this.  I am getting another opinion tomorrow and have looked into a couple of places that do these procedures without fusion and with laser.  I am not sure they are anoption for me, but feel like I need to at least investigate.  I don't have all the symptoms you have, thankfully- although the doctors did seem to think this was an urgent situation.  I saw the first doc at the end of last week and I am scheduled to have surgery on Wednesday.  Talk about not having time to catch up!!  I am still in shock.  I went to see the ortho guy because my neck hurt a little and ended up scheduled for a life altering surgery.  Sheesh!

One thing I was not told, which really is an issue with my doc, is ANYTHING related to recovery.  They make it sound like I'll be up and around in a couple of days.  NOTHING I have read suggests this recovery is that easy.  Sounds like you were given a 6 week time frame.  I've even read months- and often with a c-collar (something else I wasn't told).  So, even if I do the surgery eventually, I have to be better prepared by the docs.  Most people can't just alter their lives on the spur of the moment and I know I can't.  Right now I am caring for my mother who has cancer and is in treatment.  If I can even wait a month, it will be a significant help to me.  

I wish you the best with your surgery and outcome.  Get up and moving ASAP and clots won't be a factor!!

Blessings,
Jean

[michelleric]

Hi Jean,
Yes, I was told the recovery can be rough. I was told I would most likely have a TERRIBLE sore throat, and have trouble talking, swallowing for a couple of weeks. (could be sooner, but could take that long).l The collar is to stay on 24 hours a day, with the exception of a quick shower starting @ day 5 after surgery. I am to get into the shower, than take the collar off, not bend my head, as soon as I am done, collar goes back on. I am not to drive, vaccuum, laundry, walk outside, pretty much do nothing for 6 weeks. I have 4 little boys, so will be quite taxing. My motherinlaw is coming for 2 weeks, so that should help. I was also told to sleep in a recliner.
Well, I am quite nervous, but praying all goes well.
Thanks for your good wishes,
Michelle

[jrosecrans]

wow.....I was not told ANYTHING like that.  Makes me wonder what kind of surgery I am having....lol.  In fact, I was told that there is likely to be no need for pain meds after surgery.  Just more cause for me to move slowly with this.  I am certainly not in a position to deal with that kind of recovery right now.  I wasn't even going to tell my family or anything, thinking it was such a small surgery that no one would notice!  Since my mom is so sick, I didn't want them to worry about me.  Sheesh....I really need to have a good talk with this surgeon.  Thank you for sharing your story.  If anyone else can tell me waht their recovery was like- at least I'll have some good information!  

Michelle- you take care!  And, keep me posted.  You have your hands full- I am glad to read that you'll have some help coming.  

Jean