[HiChelKB,

I remember how you feel even though Im a bit older then you I have always been althlete all my life and Im still very fit just more aches and pains (lol). I was afraid because I have a stressful career and devoted 25 yrs my life to it and I was scared on a mutilevel fusion I may loose everything I worked hard for all my life. A few years prior to the neck fusion I also had cancer and almost lost my leg. Im here to tell you life as dark and scary as it can be --life turns around as well for the better. Don't let fear cripple you. And with you being fit will help you even more with your recovery. Im with Ginne 100% now that you had mri and you have some large herinations --I would not do traction. Some of that face numbing and your feet when you have the apt you might want to inquire about small fiber neuropathy or sfn. Not sure-- its just a thought. Many of us have been where you are now and totally understand your fears. Listen glad you joined us feel free to ask questions or express your feelings thats what this site is about information and support.

I wanted to let you all know that I have my appointment with the second neurosurgeon tomorrow. I am thankful but scared. I have been having a lot of symptoms the last few days with numbness and tingling in all of my extremities and my face and also increased pain in my neck and mid-back. It has really been scaring me. I am pretty sure I will need surgery. I will keep you posted. Thanks for all of your encouragement.

Still here, hoping that the next appt. tomorrow goes OK. What ever the outcome you have friends right here. ginnie

hi "chelkb".i have the same thing you have.it even spread to my left shoulder.they had to remove a bone from there.i to have to take "HB pills"to.now its spread over to my right side.i get nerve block injection,to help me function and some pills(meds).so like you they avoided surgery.my is work related(workComp) and im a bit older than you(my name).the fibro is also spreading through out.but a 2nd opinion might not hurt.who knows they my do to you what there doing for me.."nerve blocks"

p.s my is so bad it took me out of work permantely