c6-c7 anterior cervical fusion

[Bruce]

I am a 39 year old male, 170 pounds, who works at a computer.  I have experience pain since last december in my left arm, shoulder, and neck.  Back in April, 2000 I experienced numbness and tinkling in my left arm.  I lost strength also.   My doctor sent my to PT, and I got better.  Most of my strenght returned, but not like before.  This condition has continued to nag me, and I decided to go back to the doctor who recommended I have a MRI.  I did.  The results showed a herniated disk at C6-C7.  I he referred me to a neurosurgeon.  The neurosurgeon after introductions said that I needed to have surgery, and that my condition would not improve only become worse. He said that I had spinal compression that would begin to affect other areas.  I was shocked, but I went ahead and scheduled the procedure for early December.  But I have reservations due to the fact that I do not hurt as much as before.  I am afraid that the surgery will open up complications that will be worse than my present condition.   Should I wait, and have surgery when this is unbearable or should I get this corrected now early on in the game?  I only have about 10 days before going to the hospital.  
Would more PT be effective, and as long as I'm not suffering much do I really need to go under the knife?  My doctor said see me now or see me later.  

Bruce

[Bruce]

TYPKitty:

My throat also gave me grief for the first two weeks.  It was
swollen, and I experienced difficulty eating and talking.  I expected it after talking to a surgical nurse, and my case didn't seem as bad as I expected it to be.  My throat got much better after the second week.  

My doctor warned me to view the results of this surgery one day at a time.  He said that I should look at how I feel three months after the procedure as compared with before surgery.  The recovery time will present its own problems that will be overcome with time.  I have days that slip me back a notch, but overall I see a progression of healing that will soon return me back to my original health.  It is just going to take a while--maybe up to 3 to 6 months.  

Don't give up.  Look for the little improvements.  One day at a time.  

Bruce

[Bruce]

Joe:

I have noticed that many of my symptoms are beginning to go away. I had my surgery on December 5, 2000.  I seem to be getting much better every day.  The scar is quite beautiful, but it is also looking much better.  Taking it easy is the best answer for a great recovery.  

Thanks for the update.  

Bruce

[Joe]

Hi Gang:  Time for an update...it's been about three weeks since surgery.  Returned to work Jan 3rd after having the C4-5 and 5-6 microsurgery/fusion done on Dec. 13th.  Wearing the soft collar most of the time, except when just sitting.  Will have to wear it about another two weeks or so.  Have been driving after first week of operaton and able to get around pretty good.  Still have some numbness in shoulder and arm, but not as bad as before.  Continue to have muscle spasms in shoulder area and neck where incision is remains tight and sometimes hard to swallow.  Have only taken pain pills a couple of times when the neck really bothers me.  Hope the fusion is going ok,but it sure feels strange.  Will see Neurosurgeon in about two months, when he'll take an x-ray and see what going on.  Hope all goes well for those who had the operation.  For those considering, weigh all aspects and make sure you get several opinions.  I really can't say I've been relieved of all the symptoms, but they do not seem to be as bad as before the surgery.  Some of the pains in the neck/shoulder area are new, and I'm hoping are just from the fusion process that will go away with time.  

Joe

[Kathy T.]

I had my surgery Dec.5th,2000.
Iwas diagnosed with Brown Seguard Syndrome, no idea what that meant, only that I needed to get out of pain. My c-5 blew out and my symptoms were numbness from my rt. armpit down to the bottom of my rt. foot. The numbness involved my whole rt. side. stomach,breast even only my rt. butt cheek was numb.
This was really freaky for me.
Then I was losing strength in my left hand. Iwas dragging my rt. foot. I looked like I had a stroke.
I am an active 44 year old woman, who is a work aloholic, so the idea of surgery,at a very busy time of the year (I am a restaurant manager) was shocking and scary.
Still, walking like I was and being in intense pain was not how I wanted to live my life.
I am still in my hard collar and see my Doc. for post-op MRI and consult for my future.,Jan.9th.
I returned to work Dec. 26th, light duty, 40 hours for me.
I know it was probably too soon, but I work for a mom and pop corp., that I, think want to weed me out, because I no longer have the desire to put my health last.
Oh well, there are better days a coming.
Any comments?
To those who are in pain but dragging their feet because of fear
Be brave and find a good Neuro Guy who listens, you won't be sorry.
Kathy T.

[Bruce]

To Pam R:

The surgery that I had could be classified microsurgery, but the incision is about an inch and one-half long in the front of the neck just above the collar bone.  I had a problem between c-6. c-7.  It has been about 4 weeks since the procedure, and I am beginning to return to normal.  I go for a follow up at six weeks.  I will let everyone know how the fusion is going.

Bruce

[PAMR]

Hi Bruce, et al.

Are you guys talking about a microsurgery procedure?  I have been referred to a neurosurgeon that was involved in the pioneering of an outpatient surgical treatment for these pesky herniated cervical discs, and was wondering if any of you have had experience with this. I am supposed to have a cervical myelogram to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies (pretty certain that C6 is the culprit).  From what I've read, the myelogram procedure is more involved than what the surgery will be!  Any comments on either?