Do rule out EDS b4 surgery and ask what type of dura patch will be used if they plan on using one, it is very important in how u feel and heal post op.
I think surgery because it went from 5mm to 13mm in a year an have breathing an swallowing problems and of couse a number of other symtoms i have no gag reflux at all i didnt even ferl the cotton swab in my throat an i can barley drink w out cjoking or not being able to swallow at all and i do jave a lot of dosc herniations in neck and back.he also said it was very close to being obstruted .dailey life is hell
Did u have a MRI of the thoracic and lumbar spine? This will help rule out disk issues, tethered cord, and syrinx as they can be found newhere in the spine many Drs only look at the cervical spine.
May I ask y the Drs suggest surgery if u do not have an obstruction, surgery only helps restore flow when obstructed, so if there is no obstruction how do they feel it will help?
Also get tested for ehlers-danlos. If u have this and do not know it can affect how u feel and heal post op.
ICP and POTS should also be ruled out.