Going to undergo C5-C6 fusion, need guidance
 

Just a quick background,I have been in back and neck pain since I was 15 (now 35) So for over 20 years, my life has been wrapped around my pain.
Today, I finally saw a neurosurgeon for the first time. After reviewing my MRI he told me I was lucky to have walked in on my own, that I've got a ruptured disk between my C5 and C6 and at any time with the right circumstances, I could lose the use of my arms, legs, possibly both, or even worse, be completely paralized from the neck down.
Now, i realize this is a worse case scenario, but it quickly made me realize that this isn't something to overlook. I've never had any type of surgery, I don't have anyone close to me that has went through this type of procedure, so I'm looking for some level headed people who have went through this and can try and help guide me as I undergo this life changing experience. Any help as to what I can expect post operation, would be greatly apreciated. Dr's can tell you what they've heard, but people who have experienced it, lived through it, can tell me what I really need to know, what to look out for, and most importantly, what mistakes not to make. Thank you all.
Rick

You might also get information on our Spinal disorders forum, I'll place a copy of your post over there for you.

here it is Spinal Disorders & Back Pain
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Hi Rick,

Three things:
Get a second opinion
Get a second opinion
Get a second opinion

Then, possibly, get a third.

I have cervical disc problems too. The first neurosurgeon I went to wanted to immediately cut too. I got a second, and a third, and many doctors and therapies later, I'm still a surgical virgin, and getting by. The Spine Center at my hospital told me that they don't recommend/do surgeries of certain types anymore because the ratio of bad outcomes (people winding up the same/worse after surgery) doesn't warrant the risk, even though there are other surgeons who do nothing but those procedures. I don't say this to scare you or tell you horror stories. I say it to urge you to investigate further on your own to make an informed decision. Every case is different. Posting here is a good start, but keep going. Read about the proposed procedure, check out the surgeon and his track record, get statistics - anything you can find. It may be surgery is the best option for you; it may be there is still something else (less invasive/risky) worth trying first/instead. I don't know, but if it were me, surgery (especially on my cervical spine) would be my absolute last resort after all other options had been exhausted.

Good Luck!

Doc Smith (IANAMD)
Oh, the pain... THE PAIN...