New with Spinal stenosis and possible lumbar instability
 

Hi everyone, Im new here and was diagnosed with severe cervical spinal stenosis superimposed on a congenitally small spinal canal. Back in April they did an ACDF at the c5-6 c6-7 on a friday then 2 days later a laminectomy of the c6-7. Also we are looking into possible instability of my lumbar spine. I have one question, are the ACDF and laminectomy considered one surgery since of the same area and done during same hospital stay? Or are they 2 seperate surgeries? Im asking as this could affect the likelihood of further surgery if my lumbar spine is unstable. Oh Im a 45 yr old male and my primary care is dealt with at the PHX VA hospital, tho thankfully the surgeries were NOT done there.....lol

Hello SeanKasey!
 

WELCOME to NT! :hug:

You've found a fantastic place for support and understanding!
Make yourself right at home! People are easy to talk to and the atmosphere is down-to-earth. Look through all the different forums and post anywhere you'd like.

Check out the Spinal Disorder forum, I'm sure you'll get some good feedback there. Here's the link to take you there:

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

There's always a friend around every corner :)

Just holler if you have any questions or need help in finding your way around!

It's great to have you!

Caring,
Rae
:grouphug:

Greetings!!
 

SeanKasey,

:Wave-Hello: It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you. :smileypray:

:hug:

Hi ~ I'm really surprised they didn't do the laminectomy while they were in the process of doing the ACDF, but I don't know. I find it unusual that they had to go back in 2 days later to do the laminectomy. :confused:.

A laminectomy and ACDF ARE 2 different surgeries. Perhaps that's why they did them at 2 different times because you'd be in the operating room too long. It takes awhile to do a laminectomy, and the ACDF takes quite awhile!! So they didn't want you under anesthesia that long. That's the probably reason I can come up with. You would be "under" for quite awhile. So I think they used good judgment. ;)l

If you do have problems in the lumbar spine, use ALL CONSERVATIVE METHODS before you have surgery. You will not be the same after surgery. Surgery should be a last resort. Also surgery will NOT remove pain. Usually you're left with the same pain if not worse. Also you have to be careful about the "Domino" effect. The levels above and below the surgery site will fail because they have to take on more of the load. Physical therapy would be better for your lumbar spine. Studies have shown that people who had physical therapy have the same results as those who had surgery!

God bless and take care. Hugs,Lee