ACDF 10 months ago, issues now
 

Hello. My name is Lydia. I had an ACDF C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 May 2012. I have had tingling down both arms to my fingers. I just had an MRI this week my 3rd one. I had a FacetBlock done this week too. I still have pain in the back of my head/neck area with crunching and snapping sounds. I have the MRI report in front of me saying I have multiple Perineural Cysts, protrusions at C3-4, C6-7 and T1-2 with overhang osteophytes. Can a Neurosurgeon help me or can an Orthopedic Doc help me? I have impingement at my elbow and Carpal Tunnel on the right side. I think I could use an encouraging word right about now. Looks like I'll have to have another surgery. Help please?

Nice to meet you!!
 

Hello pompoo419 and welcome!
The link that Darlene posted puts you in the spinal/back disorders board where there are some wise people who have or had similar issues, I also had the same 3 level ACDF as you, I still experience the radiculopathy in both arms, due to ostoephytes (not familiar with cysts tho)at the C4-5 C5-6 and C6-7 levels in which I get severe headaches arm/hand numbness and tingling and etc...I could go on and on. I am sure that if Ginnie or Leesa sees your post they may be able to share some good knowledge and experiences. My opinion only but I am not going to have surgery again unless it affects the spinal cord in a serious manner and would have no choice.
I wish you luck and check out the spinal board lots of good info there.
Bunz

Hi pompoo
 

I sure hope you don't have to have more surgery. It isn't any fun is it....
Try all conservative things before you agree to it. I am fused C3-7, and go back into PT therapy next week. I sure hope it works out the best for you. NT will be here to support you no matter what. Glad you found us, and a big welcome to you. ginnie

Neurosurgeon all the way .....

How long after surgery for an ACDF multi level does it take for a fusion? I was told by my Or tho Doc that he saw movement with flexion and extension xrays. What does that mean? Sounds like a Nonunion to me. I haven't gotten the official report yet from my recent MRI from the Doc. I do have the report but I have to wait for another appointment to discuss the findings. My Doc says "he's not sure" if I am fused or not. Not sure???? How and what determines if there is a fusion? I've had xrays and an MRI. He also did mention that he would know for sure if he "went in and explored".What? This is what I have found out: when you are told something then the Dictated report comes back, there is quite a difference in the translation. If there was a mistake made, own up to it. Don't hide or try to make excuses for it. This is my interpretation only. It's time to sever this relationship and find someone who can fix his mess. More info when it is available to me. Thank you for being there!

Hi pompoo
 

If there is any question about what your doctor is doing, get another opinion. If non fusion occured, going "IN" isn't going to do much. Exploring can be done with MRI. I wouldn't go that route unless another doc. concured with this dx, that surgery was necessary. Do you have a bone grown stimulator?
Did you have doner bone put in? Keep in touch. You can PM me anytime. Will give you my # if you need to talk. ginnie:grouphug:

Hi Ginnie and thanks for your help. I did use the Bone Growth Stimulator for 4 months 4 he's. A day. This is workers comp. I have had 3 opinions thus far. I didn't have any donor bone. He used the fragments from the ACDF. I had a facet block done on wed which was terrible! It was done at C3-4 level. For the first time in 10 months, yesterday wasn't too bad! Today, the crunching is back along with the tingling. My surgery was May 3,2012. C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7. I have been having snapping and crunching. My right arm and hand gets very cold. I still have tingling going down both arms to my fingers. EMG report found Carpal Tunnel and
Cubital Tunnel. I guess there is one nerve trapped in my elbow and.
two at my wrist. I went for an IME independent medical exam. That Doc won't do a Carpal
Tunnel surgery until the neck is addressed. I now have to wait and see if they will send me to a Neurosurgeon. Something just isn't right. I have a 4" scar that looks bad. I have been taking pictures with my web can every month. Some days the scar gets purple. I have seen a few people after their surgery with a much smaller scar! That is all for now. More next time. Thanks again!

Hi Ginnie and thanks for your help. I did use the Bone Growth Stimulator for 4 months 4 he's. A day. This is workers comp. I have had 3 opinions thus far. I didn't have any donor bone. He used the fragments from the ACDF. I had a facet block done on wed which was terrible! It was done at C3-4 level. For the first time in 10 months, yesterday wasn't too bad! Today, the crunching is back along with the tingling. My surgery was May 3,2012. C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7. I have been having snapping and crunching. My right arm and hand gets very cold. I still have tingling going down both arms to my fingers. EMG report found Carpal Tunnel and
Cubital Tunnel. I guess there is one nerve trapped in my elbow and.
two at my wrist. I went for an IME independent medical exam. That Doc won't do a Carpal
Tunnel surgery until the neck is addressed. I now have to wait and see if they will send me to a Neurosurgeon. Something just isn't right. I have a 4" scar that looks bad. I have been taking pictures with my web can every month. Some days the scar gets purple. I have seen a few people after their surgery with a much smaller scar! That is all for now. More next time. Thanks again!

Hi pompoo
 

You know your body better than anyone else. If you think there is a problem get to another NERUO surgeon. You are still having some neurological problems. I remember that pain very well. Hope that the doc. can address your concerns and figure out just what is wrong.
The facet block can help, but it is only temporary. I declined most of the injections as they were a bandaid only. I had Ketamine infustions before my last spinal surgery.
Your scar, sounds like it isn't healing right. For me within 6 weeks, it looked good. I had internal stitches that really blended in with the creases in my neck. Maybe you should go in, and make sure there is no infection.
I am here to listen anytime. I hope sincerely, that you can get an answer, and maybe some better pain control. Be assertive, as you are your own best advocate with the doctors. you are in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie:hug: