Thanks guys. Let me see if I can get a second opinion. To be honest, after meeting the surgeon today I felt like his approach was probably the only realistic one, since the weakening of the arm is a pretty bad sign. I will try to speak with somebody else in the next week if I can though.

When I do see somebody else, should I tell them what this NS said or just let them make up their own mind?

Thanks!

A little update..I have surgery booked for Feb 5th I did ask the NS's nurse about C5-C6 "Severe bilateral foraminal narrowing is present, greater on the left" and she said he only found that there was a problem at C6-C7, which is where he will be doing a posterior microdiscectomy. He found the problem with C7 during the exam when he tested my triceps strength in my left arm and I had zero resistance.

So...I am pretty tense and nervous at the moment, but glad all the same that I have a date for surgery

I hope you get a second opinion. I wouldn't tell the new doctor what was found, but rather I would listen to him and his opinion. Good to have a match in what the doctors think would be the best protocol.
I had C6-7 done. I didn't know there was another vertebra above that was damaged. I also didn't think I needed another opinion. It is from my own experience that I say that second opinion is important. If another of your vertebra says "serious " in the language, that is the reason for the second doc. You want the spine above and below to be stable enough for the procedure. I know what ever you choose will be right. There can be very good outcomes for the surgery. Take it easy when you get home for awhile. ginnie

Thanks ginnie. You know, I think I am driving myself nuts. I have gone a whole day today without any pain meds and for the first time since I injured myself, I feel pretty good. I still have some pain in my left shoulder and down my arm, but overall the pain isn't too bad. My only question is about the weakness in my left tricep. That is still there and the NS did say that I would need surgery. What to do

Progressive neurological deficit (reflex change, atrophy, weakness) is a strong indicator for decompression

I too personally would get a second opinion and even a third before undergoing this surgery. Also, I would ask if only C7 is the problem and that is all that is being worked on during surgery will the C 5/6 nerve openings just fix themselves?

Spine surgery in my opinion is not a surgery that anyone should go into without consulting at minimum one other surgeon and two others if the opinions and recommendations don't match. I second what Ginnie recommended as far as not sharing the previous doctors notes and getting a unbiased fresh opinion.

There is just to much risk.. here is a very sad and enlightening story about what by all appearances and credentials this Neurosurgeon seemed excellent.. sadly that wasn't the case and many suffered at under his hands, including a childhood friend who was left paralyzed after what should have been a simple day cervical spinal surgery. http://www.texasobserver.org/anatomy-tragedy/

I'm not sharing this to scare you just to caution you that in pain we all want things done quickly but sometimes it is better to be patient and confident before committing.

Either way you go.. best of luck to you - wishing you a speedy recovery!!

I know how nuts you feel. I went through a lot of those same emotions. so did most of the folks responding to you. surgery is always a last resort. Try all therapies kind of thing before you do it. That second opinion would take all the stress out of it. You would know beyond a doubt that the decision to do the surgery is right for you. It is a very hard decision to make, and not one any of us took lightly either. We will all be here for you in any choice you make. I didn't ask you before, but do you have a good support team? That also helps when you have to face this kind of problem. I do wish you all the best. ginnie

Thanks guys. I have an appointment with a different neuro surgeon on Friday, so will see what he has to say. Am I potentially rushing the surgery by booking it for Feb 5th? I wonder if I ought to go and see a neurologist or pain management doctor before I go into surgery?

One neurgologist who a friend of mine works with looked at the MRI report and said that I ought to wait 6 months to see if it will clear up on it's own because of my age. I am 37, not terribly young by all means, but he seemed to think there was a chance it could clear up by itself. When I take ibuprofen the pain isn't anywhere near as bad.

Anyway...I am also seeing the original neurosurgeon on Monday (before the surgery on Wednesday), so I will see what he has to say then

Thanks all!

Glad you have another appointment. This is so important. Also seeing a neurologist is a good idea. Any time you have this kind of thing to face, that other opinion or two can only help.
Have your tried PT or any injections? Pain management would be the route to go if you held off on surgery. Only you can decide if the Feb. date is good. See what the doctor says next Friday. Bring someone with you to the appt. doctors tend to address the issue a bit more serious when you have someone in the room with you. Also they may pick up information you may miss. If both doctors have extremely different views, then perhaps look into another neurologist. It is OK to weigh all the information before you do this surgery. ginnie