i concur
wishing you well
in the end
and loved ones
AMEN!

I broke my meck in 2003 not one but all 7 Vertebra I had previously broke C 67 and had it fused . NOW I had a Critical problem in 2005 Finaly convincing my doctors to send me to a Neurosurgeon who Decided to FUSE my neck solid from C2 to T1 VERY Barbaric YES very much so . I personally reviewed my MRI and with some mechanical analysis I decided to Pressure the Doctors for no less than 2 Artificial Disks and Arthroplasty to Glue the transverse fractures in place NO fusion and I would retain my natural Disks in the remaining segments . The Prodisk approved at the time was to be only used in 1 disk section in any spinal section IE C spine L spine T spine as it places too much pressure on the adjacent Vertebra as it has a solid polyethylene ball and titanium endplates . MY wish list for 2 was obvious to any Mechanic to stablize the train wreck of my C spine . MY own plan was promoted to a Surgeon who did such implants and he carefully decided that I was 100% corrrect and 2 were nescessary. OR continue with the total Fusion. I had pointed out that one at C23 where the spine was forced forward and almost severing my spine in a Bone on bone sisor action. and C 56 in the reverse direction version. I do not know how he requested this as the FDA does not allow 2 Failing the application of 2 I would have to end my active lifestyle. NOt in my life plans.
ON Dec 6 2006 I had my wish come true. 2 Prodisk Prosthetic Disk implants. and small dots of Bone and isocyanate paste alograft held al the other fractures together Exactly as I planned and proposed to the Neurosurgeon . Today Aug 15 2012 I have not had one twinge of pain from my C spine. No numbness to pains in my wrists No lower limb responses anything that can be attributed to my C spine.
IVe heard of people having 2 and 3 Fusions done but not a total neck or lumbar spine section.
My own initiative prevented a Draconian surgery from destroying my life. Doctors dont listen to Patients when they begin to discuss such matters as I presented. We the patient do not have dr. in front of our names. This is very sad As I am a very prominant scientist in Envvironmental Chemistry and heavy industry Chemical Engineering. I still encounter such arrogance but I am able to break this barrier . But many people are just as able as I am and we are just ignorred a problem that must be resolved, once that Dr. had the same knowledge as we do no more mo less .
I ws able to become the Planning authority of my surgery. My doctor listened and Did what I wanted not what he wanted . Its time we all looked researched and made innovative recommendations for our own health . We are the real object of invasion we are simply wasting the doctors time if we opt for OLD and Tired Proceedures. ONes that have been replaced with new technology, that provide a lifestyle that encroaches on normalcy. patty I am not saying what you had done was wrong or old that you had an option that was better . I am sayign we face an issue with our spines and the descision is to traumatic If the wrong one is made we destroy our own life For ever . If we do not have the ability to be as pushy as I am And the ability to research the entire planet of medicine. comprehend the technology it is our surgeons task to be in the know and not perform outmoded surgery promote the use of new . COST is of no concern . I heard one person say the Texas Back institute proposed he have an L5 S1 prodisk and his insurer said NO because of COST. Being canadian Cost is something we dont bear we pay for insurance taht doe snot considder Cost or Doctors Desires its whats best for YOU and I. COST I did see the invoiuce for my 2 Prodisks 2 C spine Prodisks $1894 2 thats under $900 each. In Canada we pay 20% more for the same vehicle as in the USA Dollar conversion at par. A probable $20,000 surgery what is $900 the cost to make the Alograft is probably half that . at that difference WHY FUSE?

I am waiting now to tel the same Doctor to send me to Germany for a total T10 down to S1 Same train Wreck only worse. Although this problem had to take 2nd place to my C spine issue as My C23 was so severe.

Paty I wish you days as I have with my C spine "no pain ." and every one the same . there are alternates to What we see from our North American Doctors they are not now the best in the world as we boast.!

Thanks everyone for your reply. I have to believe that GOD has a reason behind this.