[Ondeegirl]

Hello to all of you! I have been on a search to find a supportive, genuinely caring, group to be a part of. I have been lurking and reading posts, and am very impressed with the amount of kindness and thoughtful replies to others.

I am a 39yr old mom of 6. My kids are aged 2-22! As a kid, I was thrown from a few horses, and did some other fearless stupid things. I have suffered from significant back pain since I was a teenager. Along with this pain, numbness tingling, burning would intermittently appear. After awaking about 6 months ago with my hands completely unable to feel anything, I was finally offered a cervical MRI.

It was found that I already have significant DDD with osteophytes. I also have a few mild disc herniations, and one very large extrusion at c5-c6 causing cord compression. This has led to pain, numbness, and varied symptoms everywhere. A year ago I could have run a 5k in about 22mins as a 38 yr old woman, but now I have trouble walking up the stairs.

So, I am looking at surgery. I am also being considered as a candidate for the M6 artificial disc FDA trial. I have had other surgeries, and even a planned homebirth, but have never been frightened by them. But this one scares me. Nerves are so delicate, and one mess up in the spine can be disastrous.

Thanks for reading and for creating such a warm environment here!