terrified Re: upcoming three level cervical fusion
 

Hi, My name is Susan and I am scheduled for a three level cervical fusion next week. I am terrified. I do not have any significant neurological deficits on evaluation by 4 different doctors (neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, ortho/neuro surgeon, and physiatrist) but I have one level (I think it's C56) that looks like the cord is compressed. I have tingling in my left arm and hand (not fingers) that comes for a day and then goes for a week or more. I have some low level aching in the back of my head. I have a problem with my lumbar/sacral spine that developed four years after my original whiplash, but I have not done an MRI and don't know what it looks like.

I have read about Dr. Jho, both good and bad, and am not sure how to proceed, especially because no one seems to be able to replicate his technique (and because some of you seem to hate him). Everyone of the MDs has said that I will need a fusion, but that I do not need to do it ASAP. I have had a number of hits to the neck (whiplashes, etc). One surgeon is sure this is genetic; one is sure it is not. I would like to hear what others think who have been in a similar situation.

Thanks so much,
Susan

Hi Susan

Welcome to Neurotalks. I see that you have only one post, but you must have been reading some posts because you indicate that people hate this doctor. I have no idea if you've been to our Spinal forum but I'm providing the link.

Here it is

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=22

I know you are frightened. Keep posting, others will come along more knowledgeable than i am and they will give you good advice.

Take care,

Melody

Great to have you!!
 

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

There are great number of fellow members here to assist as possible. Looks like Melody gotten you started. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene :hug:

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

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