I have cervical stenosis DDD and myelopathy. My arms and hand are getting bad and painful. I just started getting weakness in my legs with electric shocks in my legs. My balance is not as good as before but I can manage on pain pills. I had steroidal ejections in June and it really help. Arm and hand problems went away. I thought I was going to get more shots and the NS said no more shots for me I am test positive for myelopathy and need to have surgery immediately. He ordered and emergency MRI. He wants to do a acdf and accf. He wants to take marrow from my hip and mix with cadaver.

He said if I wait in surgey I risks permant paralysis. Any thought as too options if I should have surgery or wait awhile.
Thanks Rhonda

Hello Rhondaroo. Sorry you have to go through the surgical decision. I was in your place exactly, and risked being paralized too. In my case the doctor didn't really give me much choice in the matter. Do go for a second opinion in any case. If you can get "just" the donor" bone, there is less pain involved. Ask your physician why he wants to do both donor and your own bone. I am fused C3-7 and have donor bone in between all of them with hardware.
If I can help you in any way, let me know. My surgery did work, and it was my second fusion. There can be a good outcome. Keep in touch. ginnie

Thanks Ginnie

I am really nervous. There are so many with not good outcomes. i will talk to my NS about just donor bone. Good point on why have additional pain.

I do understand you about being nervous. It is not a fun thing to face. If you decide to go through the surgery, I can help with a few tips for the weeks following during your recovery. I came to NT for the exact same reason you are. I was terrified! It will be OK. I know many people don't get good results, but those that do, don't always post their good outcomes, they are out and about living life again. My pain levels are tolerable. Not 100% for sure, but a lot better than before surgery. I stayed with NT, because of all the great people I met through the years. Do you have a good support team? ginnie

Yes my husband, mom and several friends will be around to help me. My only problem is I run a business from home. I only have to talk on the phone and do some computer work. Usually only 20 hours a week. How long post surgery was it before you were able to do something like that? No one can really do my job not too sure how that will pan out. Thanks for the encouragement

I agree with Ginnie that a second opinion (at least) is in order, not only for whether surgery is necessary, but also if the proposed procedures are the only ones appropriate, or if there are other alternatives—surgical or otherwise.

Cadaver bone may be less painful, but autogenous bone (originating from the patient's own body) is usually preferred because there is less risk of rejection.

Mixing may have to do with reducing/limiting rejection risk while also minimizing the amount needed to be taken from your own body. Just my guess.

Doc

Dr. Smith
Thanks for your input. I will get a second opinion as soon as my MRI is done. I will talk to the doc about which grafting method is best for me.

Hi everyone
Well I got a second option and basically told me the same thing. I am scheduled for surgery Thursday. I have pre op appt this morning. I am still so nervous. Is there anything I should get or do to prepare for surgery and or recovery.
He going to do a c4,c5,c6 discetomy and c5 corpectomy with cage allograft plate and screws. Thanks it seems like the only people who understand are ones that have been through this kind of stuff
Rhonda

You are in my thoughts and prayers for surgery. This surgery can turn out OK. Take your time with healing. Ask for medications to help you through the first weeks. I am here to listen. I am fused c3-7 and doing quite well. ginnie

There's a lot of info on that on the web. I gotta run now, but if you ned help with search criteria, give a shout. Try the archives too. This question comes up often in discussions here.

Doc