I agree with Leesa!

Surgery is going to be in your near future. The cord is generally 11mm you have a 60% cord compression at one location with several others right behind it. I did the same as you and held out as long as I could. The radiculopathy at the levels you have it are painful, but be very glad it isn't at c6-7 or you would think about performing the surgery yourself I had the pleasure of knowing them as well as you do at as many areas. You could lose function of the limb on a complete radiculopathy, but that is secondary to the function of everything from the neck down should your cord get any further compressed. There are people paralyzed with that amount of compression! Hate to bring bad news and again I am not a doctor but I have the T-shirt

Thank you gatorhead for your reply, appreciate it very much. I was confused on size the spinal cord should be. When I checked around on the net I found all different sizes lol. One had 9-11mm and another place said about 14mm and another still 17-18. But no matter what size I realize mine has become too tight in all the levels. I think my worst level is at C6-7 isnt it? Wow, I know you have been there where I know I don't wanna go! I do have some very bad days but most are a 3-4 with the medication. Dr has increased the Amitriptaline to 50 mg at nite so I am getting a little more rest now. Not a lot but an improvement. I didn't put in my post but I have Fibromyalgia also. Sometimes it is hard and confusing to me to distinguish one pain from the other. I just know I hurt but sure don't want that T-shirt. Sorry that you have.

Am I understanding that you had the surgery? If so what exactly did they do and how much better are you now? You know, I read on a different board someone commented to someone else who had a 6mm compression at the same C6-7 level as I and they told them that if they even sneezed wrong they could end up a quad! Definitely an eye opener. Are you saying that there are quadraplegic people who had 60% compression at that level? Wow, I just didn't realize the severity that is possible.

Yes bad news but I would rather have bad news from someone who has been there and possibly help me make the right decision than all good news from someone who hasn't been there and doesn't know what they are talking about.

Please tell me about when and what they did to fix your neck and how you are doing now. Thanx again!

I have had the surgery.....twice! Yes I was told the same thing, that a sneeze, cough or hard stool could be all that it took to make me a quad, or worse! Mine was down to 3mm and 4mm and the doc's couldn't believe I was able to function. That was at C4-5 and C5-6. Had disc removed and bone graft put in at both levels without instrumentation this is known as a ACDF because they went through the front. I broke C5-6 or it never healed, still up in the air as to which, but it caused C6-7 to completely rupture, to the point the surgeon said it was one of the worst he had seen and sympathized with the pain it must be creating. He confirmed after the surgery it was as bad or worse than the films showed. That pain is the one I will never forget nor want ever again!

I had to have C5-6 redone and then he removed the disc at C6-7 and replaced it with a bone graft as well then he tied everything together with a titanium plate and screws. This was a different surgeon than my first one.

I am happy with the results so far, It has only been 6 months. I still have the pain in the neck and into the shoulder blade and down the arm. That being said as I am having tests to figure out what is going on, I have learned that I have two torn tendons in my shoulder and arthritis has also set up shop. This may be the cause of that pain. It remains to be seen whether or not it is.

Now mine may have been prevented, the second surgery, had the original surgeon done the c6-7 level the first time around as it was herniated and torn prior to the surgery. There is a condition known as the domino effect where the levels above and below go bad over time. That being a know probability he should have done it because it didn't last 6 months! Do your research. Talk to people, you will find out it is a common procedure and lots of folks have it done. There will be good names and bad names and then you go and feel the doctors out and pick the one you like and trust. Best of luck to you!

Oh my! A 3 and 4mm?? I would say you are prob a walking miracle that you are not quadraplegic. Though I know you are still in pain, you still came out on the better end.

My husband is dealing with a torn rotator cuff and arthritis and it is very painful for him. So I have an idea of what you are going thru on that.

That's something else that is bothering me, the domino effect. I heard a long time ago that once they go in like that, they will have to keep going in. But no matter what, I know I will have to have the surgery sooner than later anyway. It is what it is.

I will try to keep up with your posts to see what happens with you. I certainly do wish you the best on your spine and shoulder. As for myself, I really have no idea how long it will take for Shreveport to give me that appt. We will see. Thanks again Gator, God bless you!

Hello Ressie cup,

Leesa did great job on your mri-- and Gator gave some good advice. I agree with both 100% this isnt going to get better without surgery. You are at high risk if you were to get into a minor fender bender of perm damage. I know its horrible to be in pain-- but this surgery does help 90% of people. Some of us have other spine issues due to disease. I dont regret my surgery at all. I hope u get in soon and I wish you the best!!!! Keep us updated ok?

Thanx mg! Your words are encouraging and I appreciate that as also the others here who have been so kind to read my report and offer good advice. Thank you for your best wishes and I will update as soon as I know something. God bless you!

I thought I might add the surgery is a breeze! The second one I had a little more pain with but I thought the worst part was wearing that dreaded J collar 24/7 for 3 months after the first surgery. The second one I had internal fixation so it wasn't needed. After the first one I ate and spoke fine immediately afterwards. The second one I couldn't talk or swallow at all and that lasted for a few days. I went home the next day on both of them. So as far as the surgery being painful, I actually found it to be less than what I went in for

Yep, what leesa got out of your MRI is about the best that any of us could do. I so hope things turn out for you. I want you to have hope that it will. My surgery turned out good, so it does happen. ginnie