OP: There are many failed surgeries and remember once done, can't be reversed. I've lived with spine problems and I'm 83 and hear of those who have done a lot of surgeries and in a lot of misery.

Look at PRP therapy and I've posted a lot about it here. PRP providers are all over the U.S. and the world.

Find Regenerative Medicine Doctors - GetProlo.com

Seek out a provider who has been doing this work for some yrs.

OP: Here is a link on cervical issues and PRP. I have neck issues that is arthritic and I've learned to live with it. Taking Inositol I find helps to "relax" my neck more.

Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Intradiscal Injection with Platelet-Rich Plasma with Fluoroscopic Validation for the Treatment of Cervical Discogenic Pain: A Case Presentation and Technical Illustration

Welcome, DesiBear--

Studies have been done showing that spinal fusion surgery is often unnecessary. I myself have questions about any spinal surgery although there are surely times when it is essential and improves a person's life.

I've known too many people who have had spinal surgery and come out with worse problems than before.

Any surgery is a trauma. If you can possibly avoid subjecting yourself to an invasive procedure that will be traumatic for you, by all means skip the suggested surgery.

A good question to ask a doctor who suggests surgery is: "What will happen if I don't have this surgery?"

Since you mention that 3 surgeons have advised not having surgery, why not go with that advice? It sounds as if you're managing to get along in spite of the symptoms.

Your children are young only once, and why not enjoy their childhood and wait and see? Myelomalacia can be quite serious but if 3 surgeons advise against surgery, and you surely don't want to put yourself through that whole experience if you don't have to, I'd say there's a lot to be said for watchful waiting.

You have a long history with your neck. I Would urge you to contact a surgeon that has experience in Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) or Total Disc Replacement (TDR) before going with any fusion. I had fusion surgery and it lead to yet another surgery. At least see if you are a candidate. My first recommendation is Dr. Ali Mesiwala in California or Texas Back Institute.

Thank you all for the replies. There seems to be a lot of caution against having surgery, which I totally understand and appreciate. I've asked my surgeons what happens if I don't have surgery now. The ones who aren't recommending surgery now say that I will likely develop more neurological symptoms as my cervical structure degenerates as part of the normal aging process and I have will show symptoms of myelopathy. They seem to think that if caught early when I develop those symptoms, they can be reversed. The surgeons recommending surgery say that if I don't have surgery in the near future (~ 6 months) that I will also develop worsening neurological symptoms and they may not be reversible because it may be due to increased myelomalacia. They also add that if I don't have surgery soon and am in some sort of traumatic event, my likely hood of paralysis is greatly increased. This is where my dilemma is, who do I trust with these conflicting opinions? I think going with the masses makes sense, I just wanted to get 1 more opinion before making a final decision.

As far as types of surgery, I'd definitely be looking for disc replacement and have seen a few surgeons that perform those procedures. The most recent surgeon I consulted with was fresh out of school and said that in a few years from now, that'll be the norm instead of fusions. I've been told by a few surgeons that because I have so many levels with issues, I'm not a good candidate for disc replacement, though others have said they would do 2 levels or a hybrid of fusion and replacement. Again, conflicting opinions...

I'll post back after I have my final consult at the end of the month. So far I've seen only orthopedic surgeons. My last appointment is with a neurosurgeon. I'm curious to see his take on it.

Thanks again to all who have replied. I'll definitely look into some of the recommendations.

So I saw my 6th surgeon and there's an even split of surgery/no surgery recommendations. I'm going forward with it though, specifically a laminoplasty. The 2 surgeons that recommended this are both professors at good universities. Their rationale is preserving motion while protecting the spinal cord. I did a little research and it seems that I have a risk factors for an increased risk of c5 palsy given my cord signal changes at c4-c5. I'll have to get more info on that before going forward. I'm targeting January, after the holidays. It's scary stuff but so is continuing on without doing anything. This seems like the best decision I can make for my situation.

I finally went through with the surgery on 04-28-22. Spent 5 days in the hospital but recovering well so far. Have my first follow up visit on 05-10 so we'll see how successful everything went. I plan on doing a write up after a few more weeks and after additional imaging.

Attached is an image of the entry site. I was told the incision was only supposed to be 3 inches but it appears much larger.

Attached Images

image000000(2).jpg (209.7 KB, 7 views)