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Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems. |
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03-27-2008, 03:21 PM | #1 | ||
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I have a herniated disc at C4-5 that is pressing on the nerve and a few more herniations that aren't causing me pain. I've also been told that I may have bone spurs.
I met with an orthopaedic surgeon today and he wants to do ACDF. He made it sound like it wouldn't be a big deal, but after reading posts and learning about the surgery, I don't think I want to do it. I've tried the cortisone shots, physical therapy and pain meds (still on them) but nothing worked long-term Also, I've had to quit my job because of the pain. If you've had this surgery, can you please tell me if it was worth it? Thanks |
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03-27-2008, 07:36 PM | #2 | ||
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Quote:
Ross |
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03-29-2008, 07:42 AM | #3 | ||
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Personally I would go to a neurosurgeon rather than an ortho. These guys are trained differently. You really don't have much choice. If the pain is so bad that it caused you to quit your job you have to get it fixed. It won't get better on it's own.
However, I am not the poster child for ACDF. I had one done 3 years ago and it did not work. Neither level fused. |
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03-30-2008, 11:35 AM | #4 | |||
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I used an OSS for a three level cervical fusion of C4/5, 5/6, 6/7. I have no regrets about this surgery. This was a 360 fusion with an incision in the back and one in the front. I have rods and screws in the back and screws and a plate in the front. I have no regrets about this surgery and would not hesitate to do it again. I wore a Philly collar for six weeks after the surgery and then a soft collar for a long time. My ROM is not bad...I do drive, but carefully...use my mirrors more now....
Surgery is a personal thing...You have to decide how much pain you can deal with both before and after. What your quality of life is like now...I was having a lot of nerve damage...pain down my arms...nerve pain that was not going to go away...numb fingers, dropping things, etc.... If you only have a frontal incision; this is not a bad surgery...If you need to have the 360; it is very painful...not going to lie to you....but you get through it...It is not for a life time; It is a few weeks...then you feel better... I used a NSS for my lumbar laminectomy and would never use one again...I chose an OSS for my other surgeries...They seem to have more compassion for their patients...but that is just my opinion....
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4/06 - Lumbar Fusion - L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, S1 Anterior with cages and Posterior with rods and screws. 8/17/05 - Cervical Fusion - C4-5, 5-6, 6-7 - Anterior and Posterior Fusion with plate in front and rods and screws in the rear - Corpectomy at C-4 and C-5 and microdisectomy at C6-7. 1/4/05 - Lumbar Laminectomy -L3, L4, L5, S1, S2 Obliteration of Tarlov Cyst at S2. Failed surgery! Last edited by GJZH; 03-30-2008 at 10:28 PM. |
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03-30-2008, 01:44 PM | #5 | ||
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Agree with Stiffnecked and Gloria,
Just wanted to say I had an NS do both of my cervical fusions. The reason being is that the C3/C4 (had that done first) is a very serious level (phrenic nerve). If I have to have surgery on the lumbar, however, I would probably use the OSS within the same group. But the bottom line is...if the pain is that bad where you had to quit your job (I did too...retired), then something has to be done. Conservative measures are all well and good but they won't fix what is going on (bone spurs, arthritis, etc.). And I don't regret my fusions either. Sure there is some residual pain but nothing as horrific as it used to be. As most people know, once you have this done there is no going back and your neck is changed forever. However, as Gloria said and in reflecting back, I am very glad I did it. The pain I have now or rather spasms from time to time, I can work with. The other...prior to any surgery was the worst pain I have ever had in my life. And when I say a 10 on the pain scale...I mean a definite 10...every day for 3 years straight! I have said it before and I will say it again. You could not see the nerve roots at the C3/C4; they were crushed with OA. I thank God to this day that the second NS I saw performed surgery immediately. So, there you have it...NOTHING would have fixed that short of surgery. If your Ortho doc is suggesting a fusion...I would REALLY listen to him. |
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04-01-2008, 11:40 AM | #6 | ||
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I had ACDF in December of 07. I don't regret it at all! I am almost back to 100%. I have very little pain (occasional muscle spasms when under stress) and am back to the gym (although the weights are light). I'm halfway fused as of last month. I had an orthopedic spine surgeon do the surgery and he did a marvelous job. I've had no reduction in range of motion and the only time I feel my plate is if I'm tired or stressed out -- then I sort of get a lump in my throat but it's not terrible.
I agree with Kathi - if your doctor suggests fusion, listen. And don't wait too long. My recovery was no problem. I was back to work in six weeks (I have a desk job) although I probably could've gone back at four without any real issues. It was by far one of the best decisions I could have made. Good luck to you. |
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