Hi
I've been reading this forum for a few months now since surgery was recommended to me. I'm scheduled for either a foraminotomy or fusion next month - haven't decided which NS to go with yet. Getting one more opinion next week. The pain down my arm is bad, neck pain is bad. Done PT, massage, acupuncture all that stuff. Epidural worked great for about 3 weeks and then its all back again.

When I told my surgeon my concerns about the failures on the forums I have been reading, his answer was "Most of the people that hang around the forums are the ones that didn't get better or don't want to get better." Now that sounded a little harsh to me.

Do you think the first part of the statement is true? That when people get better they stop reading this and posting, and get on with their lives?

I really would like to hear a success story or two before I go ahead with this.

I'm a quick healer, active and healthy otherwise, so I'm thinking I would do pretty well and would then get on with life.

I'm almost at wits end, ready to cancel surgery, but I don't want to feel like this anymore. I still get out every day, can drive, work, etc., but don't want the surgery to make me worse than I am now.

HELP ME DECIDE!!

Thanks!! Diane

Yes I did have successful surgery after a failed C-6-7. six years later, removal of old hardward and C3-7 done. I am much better off and never thought I would get relief as I was suffering so much. The second one did work but was very painful I must say to go through with. It was worth the pain not to have the NP in my arms and hands. I had to trust it would work and went in to it fully informed from the people on this site. I knew ahead of time what was going to happen because I asked here and really ran to this site for help. I was terrified! I got help just from the people I met here, and now seven months later I am doing fine. Off of almost all pain meds. Have hope and find the best surgeon you can. good luck to you ginnie

Hi Ginnie
Thank you for answering. Your surgery sounds much more complicated than mine. I have C5-6 osteophytes (intermittently rubbing on the nerves) and moderate stenosis. The disc is bulged at that level, so one of the surgeons says a fusion is better, but the younger surgeon says no, we will just go in and clean it up. They initially told me a 1 night hospital stay and since I work from home could work in 2 weeks or so. I am scheduled for 6 weeks off, so I'm not going to rush it. So I'm not expecting a big procedure, but it still is spine surgery nonetheless!

So I'm hoping for the best...

Yes it was complicated. You should have no trouble really. My first surgery at one level didn't hurt, it just didn't correct anything else that was wrong. Maybe get that third opinion to break the tie? One says yes, another no, well I might if it were me to go to one more neuro person. Any spinal fussion and clean out is indeed a big deal as that is the core of your sensations and movement. I don't have any regrets, so for me it worked out. I really hope all works out for your too, and that the proceedure corrects your spine. ginnie

Hi Diane,

I'm 1 week post op and I'm doing fantastic. My arm pain and finger numbness is all but gone. Of course, I'm still in pain but nothing like I read on some posts! Can be challenging at times to swallow liquid, however that get's better every day. I think some forget or don't understand that this surgery is not insignificant. After they make the incision in your throat they have to move EVERYTHING including your esophagus to one side to clear a path for the surgery. They were able to get me out of bed the evening after the surgery. I was discharged after 1 night. As long as you are able to walk and empty your bladder; you're good to go. Can't sleep there so you may as well go home.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to drop me a line.

Dave
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

my post is regarding the lower back , but may offer some insight . i 4got to point out in that post that i was lucky to get one of the best surgeons in seattle .

If you really do have one of the best surgeons around, and you have the second and third opinion, try to have just a bit of faith in them. You do need to go in with a positive attitude if you can. I got so much support from this site, and information, that even though I was scared to death, I went ahead. I already told you my outcome was really good. C3-7 fixed and little pain. It is scarry any way you look at it. There are alot of succuss stories, just dig a little more into this site and you will find them. Have heart for a good outcome. ginnie