Surgery is a last resort. If you have any question in your mind about it, you should wait and get another opinion. Even if this messes up your time schedule off from work. A neurosurgeon, top notch should be involved. I am fused C3-7 after a failed C6-7. It was hard to go through. I didn't do enough research the first time around, and didn't understand all the tests. MRI and the proceedure itself before I agreed to it. I didn't look up myself, or find out exactly what the problem is. If you have nerve inpingment, or something invading the spinal nerve area that is reason for surgery. Not all herniated disks need, or respond to surgery. It all depends on that MRI and what the specialists say. If there is a difference of opinion, I would investigate that before I went ahead with the surgery. This is just my own opinion as I went through alot, and learned from my own experience. I wish you all the best. ginnie

I also did not investigate the condition of my spine above and below the surgery I had origionally. I had degenerated in both areas. My surgery should have been addressed more the first time around. Don't go by a time line Joann, take your time with the research. ginnie

The nuero surgeon would not even see me a second time (he said not surgical), he referred me to the pain clinic which has only made the situation worse.

The spinal Dr. said surgery. Unfortunatley I believe him but I am going to wait until I cant lift my arm I guess, it's starting to happen, my arm is in pain now all day.. argh.. I only had a small pain during sleep problem before those darn pain clinic people... rrrrrrr....

There is suppose to be a smaller disk therapy surgery thing that I cant seem to find info on, it's were they insert a needle and take a small piece of disk out and in theory the remaining disk gets sucked back in?

Thanks for any and all comments.
J.

The pain clinic is suppose to help not hurt more. If you are not getting satisfactory results, consider going to a different pain clinic with all your records. I had two katamine infussion. and they did help. I had no problem after the injections at all. I wish you all the best. Glad you decided not to use a time line as a reason. take care. ginnie

You will know when surgery is right for you. Do not rush into surgery and get fused. I waited more than 5 years until the time was right medically and physically. My MRI showed bone on bone at the C6-C7 but my symptoms were manageable so I waited. Probably should have tried for an ADR back then, but didn't even know they existed. When the pain became unbearable and I could use my left hand or arm at all, I knew it was time. I couldn't even raise my hand without pain in order to put my hair in a pony tail. Driving was painful and difficult. I was working full time as a teacher. I waited too long with the pain. Don't suffer too long.
There are many things that you can do to reduce the pain and help prevent or slow down the progression of the problems. Physical therapy, home traction, acupuncture, many different types of shots, selective nerve root blocks, epidurals, trigger point massage and injections and more.
There are also many types of surgery to deal with 1 level: ACDF (fusion) ADF (artificia disk replacement) and the one I can't remember which you were referring to. Do all of your research now when you have time and hopefully not in too much pain. Good luck and hope you have a happy and painless new year.

thank you.. I'm getting another transforminal epidural tomorrow... argh..

[If these epidurals don't work this time, after all the ones you had. I would ask for a different protocal. Just a thought, as they don't work for everyone. good luck to you and I hope it doesn't hurt. ginnie