Saw a neurosurgeon yesterday
 

I saw the neurosurgeon yesterday and I was very comfortable with his recommendation. He recommends a "laminotomy-foraminotomy-decompression of the stenosis" between C7 -T1 on the right side. He said that if I can live with the neck pain from the arthritis/degenerative disk disease in C4-C6, then leave it alone. I have been living with that for many years now, so I see no reason that I can't continue to live with it. He said the radiologist underestimated the stenosis in C7-T1 on his report, because his opinion is that it's severe. He also said that this has been going on a long time, a lot longer than I've been having this nerve pain. I feel somewhat relieved; what do you all think?

Well, I'm shocked to be honest. I was SURE he would be more concerned with C5-7 since you had SEVERE issues there.

At C7-7 the only thing the radiologist noted was a broad based herniation with hooking bone spurs and MODERATE foraminal stenosis on the right. So he MUST have missed something! :eek:

I think I'd get another opinion before I'd go ahead with the surgery, Ber. I'm serious!!! PLEASE get another opinion!!! These SEVERE issues at C5-7 SHOULD NOT be overlooked!!!

Best of luck and let us know what happens. Hugs, Lee

Ber ---Im in 100% in total agreement with Leesa ! I have numerous family members and people I know do the laminotomy and foramintomy and no relief to all wind up ending needing a fusion . Your MRI problems were strongest c5 thru c7. I always think surgery is the last resort. That being said neck fusion does have a higer success rate then lower back. The fusion is considered GOLD STANDARD--proved higly successful for over 30 plus years. There is no gurantee with any surgery ---honestly im shocked at your surgeon response. This was the last thing I expected him to say. Please seek at least 2 more consults before moving forward.

p.s i know the procedure is alot easier recovery-- but my major concern is c5-7

Well now I get to be the one who is surprised. I thought the conservative approach was the way to go. It could be because I presented with classic nerve pain and with no symptoms from the C5-C7 issues, which obviously didn't happen overnight. Maybe that's why he thinks they don't need fusions. I mean he looked at the same pictures the radiologist did. He did say he wished he could see the MRI pictures from 2010, which I think I'm going to ask for. It takes so long to get appointments with neurosurgeons...what's a girl to do?

I know its not easy --it def is a much easier procedue and quicker recovery. I think req 2010 mri as well. My only concern is he focsed on c7-t1---if ur going thru a procedure sometimes they get in there and see fusion is required may not have your consent. Try to get one more consult or drop off your mri from 2010 and ask him to call you after he reads it-- and inquire about the c5-c7 disc. Im not knocking it but before u go thru surgery of any kind I would make sure your both confident this is the best option.