Hi Susan ~ I'm a fellow spiney ~ my main problem is lumbar, although I do have a herniation in the neck.

Susan, if the cord is compressed you do need surgery I'm sorry to say. But one thing I should tell you is you may still have the pain ~ surgery doesn't mean that your pain will be relieved. I hope your doctor told you that. Many times you still have the same pain or more. So be sure to ask him about medications for post-surgery, and not just a few days worth as you're going to need meds for quite some time after surgery. So make sure he intends on giving you a good supply of pain meds post-surgery. Alsouo talk to him about your limitations and quality of life post-surgery - ask him what you'll be able to do, and if you'll need help right after surgery. make a list of questions to ask him when you go in to talk to him about the surgery itself. ask him about the instrumentation he's going to use, and what it looks likeand what it's made of. ask him if he's going to use donor bone -don't let him take bone from YOUR hip because you will have severe pain for a very very long time. make him use donor bone.

i can't think of anything else, but if i do i'll let you know. God bless and take care. you'll be just fine. i've heard good things about this doctor so don't worry. hugs, Lee