?s Surgery ? ; exp. w/ Dr.Shyam Shridharani

[msgimp2b]

I am about to have surgery for Cervical Spondylatic Myelopathy/Severe Stenosis of C3-4,C4-5,& C5-6.  I have a little numbness & tingling in my hands.  After reading some of the posts, the prospect of this surgery is frightening-esp. in view of how good I feel(I usually walk 3-5 miles/day). My MRI showed narrowing around the spinal cord.   I also have osteoporosis, a-fib, & have difficulty taking medications.  Will I be able to tolerate this surgery.  Finally, if any of you have had experience with Dr. Shridharani in Tucson or Washington, how did you do?  

[msgimp2b]

Your suggestions were extremely valuable.  You have no idea how much I appreciate them.  I have been worried about my neck muscles with constant use of the collar.  I have been told by the 1st Dr. that I would have to wear it 24/7 for 3 months.  He even told me that I should be wearing it 24/7 now.  The 2nd Dr. said that I wouldn't have to wear a collar at all afterwards due to the use of plates.  I have done research and the medical profession is divided on the issue.  Perhaps the good Drs. should give them a try!
Thank you again--

[caregiver222]

A "little" numbness  and tingling is not necessarily an indication for immediate surgery.  Pain symptoms are the primary reason for immediate surgery. MRI findings alone and mild numbness are not. The fact you "feel good" leads me to suggest you defer this procedure. I suspect you are being placed under pressure.  Avoid a cervical collar and muscle relaxants. They degrade muscle tone.  I have no opinion, good or bad about this particular physician, but surgeons are salesmanen who sell their product - which is surgery. Get a second opinion And have the surgery done by a physician at a teaching hospital who has done many procedures of the exact kind in the last six months. Don't be afraid to ask this question.

[msgimp2b]

Thank you so much for your analysis of options.  I will certainly inquire if those that do not involve surgery are options.  I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

If there is ongoing compression on the nerves, like persisting pain or numbness or weakness, it needs to be relieved. NCS, nerve conduction studies may show the effects on the nerve. The compression on the nerves needs to be relieved. Therapy for spinal disorders can be conservative (nonoperative) and surgical (operative) management. Non operative therapies are ultrasound application, spinal traction, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation and spinal injections. If conservative therapies are not giving relief from symptoms then surgical management may be the option. I would still advise you to discuss various options with your doctor and initiate the right therapy for relief from your symptoms.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.