I am just a few weeks post ACDF surgery, which was done due to arm pain and numbness / pain in my feet caused by disc herniation and pressure on spinal cord. The MRI report says that I have "associated Myelomalcia" at C4/5 due to the compression of the spinal cord.

My surgeon says that over the next year, I will see improvement of my feet numbness and pain, but my neurologist says that the damage is permanent (from the myelomalacia) and I will never see any improvement. He also said that the symptoms would not get any worse since the surgery took pressure off the cord. BTW - both doctors are convinced that the foot issues are coming from the cervical compression.

I know its early, but my symptoms are getting worse since surgery.

Has anyone had myelomalacia and after surgery seen a worsening of symptoms?

Also, has anyone had this condition and seen improvement after surgery?

I have read that the symptoms could get worse before they get better.