Hi, I have just read your post about statistics from Amer. Society of Surgeons regarding advisability of surgery versus physical therapy. I have tried physical therapy three times and got no improvement. I am scheduled for ACDF at C4/5, 5/6 and 6/7 in two weeks, and I am terrified. My NS told me that there is a 90% chance of improvement....with the actual improvement in pain being 50%. IF that is true, I would think that the surgery would be worthwhile. I presently have no real quality of life. BUT I am terriefied after reading many posts from people who say they did not have good outcomes. How can I access the information you are quoting? Thanks

Hi ABBB, Welcome.

If there's only a 50% chance of actual improvement in pain, what's the 90% chance of improvement in - the surgeon's standard of living?

Most people who even consider spinal surgery do it in hopes of alleviating pain, paralysis, or something life-threatening; what other reason is there to chance going under the knife? And 50/50 is, IMO, pretty much a crapshoot. My surgeon advised against surgery for that very reason with similar odds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failed_back_syndrome

There are many options in pain management between PT and surgery, and many that don't necessarily involve daily narcotic medications (though those aren't necessarily the evil they're made out to be either - they provide a quality of life for many that's otherwise impossible).

You read about more bad outcomes than good outcomes because it's the people with bad outcomes who have reason to find support groups and write about them. People with good outcomes are continuing with their lives, and have (no offense to anyone here, but it's natural and true) better things to do.

Were your 3 courses of PT with the same therapist? IME their knowledge, skill, and experience can vary as much as any doctor's, and finding the right therapist can make as much difference as finding the right doctor.

I DO hope you've gotten at least 2 opinions, and asked about alternatives like ED, MED, pain management, and any others. Doctors base their recommendations on what THEY are knowledagable and experienced in doing - not what another surgeon may be able to do more easily/safely. (It's not like Miracle on 34th Street with Macy sending customers to Gimbels.)

Google: questions to ask neck surgery

Doc

Hi, welcome, and so sorry you have to be on this forum (nobody comes here for good reasons)

This was my original thread, and I am now 11 months post op from my fusion. My neck has healed quite nicely, I have 90% range of motion, with levels C5, C6, C7 fused with titanium plate and screws. I still do have pain, unfortunately, but it is by no means as severe and life debilitating as it was before the surgery. Given the circumstances and outcome I still would have the surgery again. But it was definately not a fun year!!

I still have a lot of issues with my hand, and am very seriously considering a second surgery on my ulnar nerve to release the pressure on the nerve in my hand. In fact I'm set to sign the paperwork and book the date for surgery on March 8th to proceed with it.

I am still on pain meds, not nearly as much as pre-op, but I am on a low dose pain patch and percocets to help with the residual break thru pain. I continue with physiotherapy 3 times a week, and will probably continue to go for a long, long time.

I can't tell you whether you should or shouldn't have the surgery, but the odds you gave are the same as what I have been given for the second surgery on my ulnar nerve. As a graphic designer who can't use her hand anymore I would take those odds as a chance to release the pinched nerve rather than have it continue to get worse throughout my life. The longer the nerves are pinched the more likely the nerve damage is permanent.

Do your homework on all the information about your surgery, learn as much as you can about your surgeon. Making an informed decision is half the battle.

I wish you luck in your decision. I do not regret having my surgery, I'm now able to drive again and do a little bit more activities that I used to be able to, and I get a bit stronger each week. And I'm thrilled to be able to move my neck and not be laying in bed all day.

BTW.... Dr. Smith is correct, those who have great outcomes do not post on forums because they have moved past their surgeries and gotten on with their lives. It's only those who are still having problems that seek out more information.

Take care,
Cathie

hi lee
dear cat
i couldn't have said it any better
myself
cat exhaust ALL
confirm ALL results
as many opinions as possible
as for yourself lee
God be with you
i live your pain
AND SOME SO ON THE MONEY
WISHING YOU BOTH RELIEF
YET TO FIND OUT IF I FUSED AFTER SURGERY #2
POWERFUL MEDS SOMETHING I HATE POWERFUL
WORD I KNOW I SHOULD BE OFF THEM AFTER SURGERY
NO SUCH LUCK AFTER 2ND SURGERY NEW ADDITIONAL
PROBLEMS AND OLD ONES ARE BACK
NOW PLATE CAGE SCREWS ? FUSION AS PER LAST
CT STILL HAVEN'T FUSED THAT WAS OCTOBER
THEN THE CANCER THING
anyhow take good care

**************
Hi, I had C-3 to T-1. I had slept on ice for about 11 years. (ok !! years. Pain meds mess up my bowels.) I went to a specialist who recommend a Doctor at a teaching hospital. I also have Fibromyalgia so he was well versed on that as well.

The surgery (done anterior and posterior) went well and I knew I had surgical pain when I woke up but I knew the neck pain was gone. No more ice for me.

I go to a pain specialist and she is a anesthesiologist and I get infusions that take care of the pain. I don't take many pain pills. She does "denervations. I would be in a wheel chair if she didn't work her magic on me.

Just go to sleep in a good mood and dream it's going to work. Have faith.

M

For those of you that had ACDf, did anyone experience your vocal cords not working after the surgery?

The more I read, the scared-er I get.. LOL..

thanks.

It's scary no matter what, I think that's natural to be scared!

I did have a sore throat and hoarseness for about 2 weeks, but my voice was totally fine. I had some swallowing issues for quite a long time, like a lump in my throat, but it went away. Once in a while I still struggle to swallow large vitamin pills, but that's about it.

Although my teenagers would have loved me to loose my voice, they didn't luck out!

Cathie

Yeah, I would second that motion. No vocal cord issues but swallowing vitamins or vicodins for that matter was a bear for quite awhile. I still instinctively turn my head to the side to swallow a vitamin at 4 years post (but they all go down the hatch now!).

don't be scared yes it does happen
it changed mine
slightly more when coughing
a very noticeable
and know of a small # of people
good question
take good care

Hi - I just had four level C3-7 completed on 6MAR and here I am. Key thing prior to surgery, gt as healthy as you can - walk - drink water - dont smoke and dont drink, I am not saying never again but get your mind and body ready for what it is going to go through. Practice being positive - you are strong and you will get better! I had more than enough at home when I got here, plenty of gatorade, water (most important), books and a good place to sit (pillows!). It is hared to relax and I am learning the true meaning of being bored!