Quote:
Originally Posted by ginnie
My second was C3-7 also. Have you asked your doctor why posterior rather than anterior? Going from the front in most cases is less traumatic. I would ask about this.
This surgery isn't easy, but it can and does get good results. I hated to go through another one too. Make sure you are on the same page with your doctor about after surgery medications. Also while in recovery, make sure they know what you were taking before the surgery. They did not do this for me, and I wound up for 24 hours not having enough pain medication. What I was taking at home was not accounted for.
Do you have help at home for awhile? If you have any specific questions, I sure will try to answer them for you. I hope that your surgery is successful and that you get the relief you need. ginnie  |
Thank you, the support has been helpful, truly. As for posterior-actually, I am getting both. I have multilevel spinal stenosis, several osteophytes, and severe foraminal narrowing-mostly right, but also left. I have suffered for many years (over 20-with the last 2 just becoming unbearable to the point of no longer wanting to live) while listening to doctor after doctor tell me there was nothing wrong with me (being misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia did not help). None would do an MRI- said I did not need one and insurance would not pay.
Finally found one to listen and get me the testing I needed. The surgeon says I have the worst compression he has ever seen. I have a syrinx that runs from C2-T9 that he believes is a result of the compression. My understanding is they are doing the ACDF from the front to release the compression and then doing a posterior foraminotomy to release the nerve roots and to provide additional stability to my messed up cervical spine. He wont guarantee any relief, but believes I should get some, based on what he sees. Regardless, the progression has to be stopped as I am already having pretty bad symptoms including difficulty walking, coordination, and incontinence.
I have been told to expect to have to deal with chronic pain management with narcotics for the rest of my life. I just pray I get some relief from all the neurological issues and some of the pain. At least I am no longer being accusing of faking it to get drugs. Trying not to be bitter, but it is hard. Tempted to revisit every one of those doctors who said there was nothing wrong with me and slap them! Grateful though, that someone finally figured it out.
Surgeons office has been very compassionate and are going out of their way to make me more comfortable. I am sure I will have no problem getting the pain meds I need now. I have a wonderful support system in my family and they plan on looking out for me for as long as it takes to get back on my feet.
It is super awesome to be able to talk to and read about others who have gone through this, not that I would wish this on anyone, but it helps. I have felt alone for so long. Thank you for responding.