ruptured disk

[trex1270]

anyone ever had surgery to repair this in the neck. I had an mri and this is part of the problem. i also have spinal stanosis, which requires surgery. I was wondering if anyone had any knowlege/experience with it. everything I have read and been told is it takes several months to recoup from the spinal stenosis surgery. I make damn good money and this will probably cost me my position. The main problem is the pain is pretty damn bad, getting better, but bad. I was told that spinal stanosis in the neck can lead to becoming paralyzed(which tells me this is a mandatory operation).

[wicked68]

I have 5 herniations and 5 broken vertebrae in the neck and upper back - there is no numbness or loss of use - just hard core muscle spasm and pain from the arthritis around the breaks. One is so bad its causing spinal cord compression. I also have one collapsed vertebrae in my middle back.

I was advised by many docs that if there is nothing more than my symptoms - which really suck - not to have any surgery. I am not sure on your stenosis. each time they cut you will have scarring around the site which can make for more pain and they may not resolve the problem.

I have a friend that just had surgery on stenosis and he is doing a lot better - it was lumbar and he had lost feeling in his leg. It resolved it though. if they tell you its mandatory - definately get 2 or 3 opinions.

I have had accupunture, muscular cortisone, electrical tens unit therapy, physical therapy and epidural cortisone injectoins in the spine. the epidurals were what got me functional again and now I manage it with deep tissue massages, muscle relaxors, aleve, stretching and wine ;)

dont cut though before you get another opinion.

You will be ok though - you would be shocked how many of us live with daily pain - you just learn to deal with it.

[RodDawg]

That sounds painful. I had two ruptured and one bulging disk in the lower lumbar. They told me surgery was optional, so I put it off for four years. I finally had enough of the pain and had the surgery. I was scared to death. It's been two years and I feel better than I have in a long time. The procedures have come a long way in the last few years.

Good luck.

[amx2334]

I have stenosis of the c5-6. Pain in the shoulder,elbow,nausea,vertigo and lightheadedness. Cost me one job offer. Now I just keep grinding and don't say a word.The doctors I went to didn't impress me and I wasn't about to let them cut me. Best of luck and I hope all works out for you.

[brans72]

My friend just had neck sugery his was so bad his arm would be in his pocket and if he moved it his arm would curl right to his chest!!!! I know he has been out of work over 20 weeks now and had a condavor bone (spell check) installed also. This was a major surgey and they told him not to ride in a car for like 4 weeks and not to pick anything up etc. I think it is crazy and sucks big cause he is a mechanic can not even change his own oil right now, not to mention he has that pride thing and asked if he could pay me to and I was like no I will do it for free since where buddies and he has taught me alot about cars. I wish you luck and be sure to follow the doc's orders to a tee!!!!!!!!!!! I will say a prayer for you. Brandon

[Patrick]

I broke my C1 and C2. They are now fused with titanium screws and bone from my hip. It's been 15yrs and not a day goes by that I do not have some sort of discomfort....C1 and C2 are responsible for your range of motion, so now my other vertebrae are suffering. However, I am also very thankful that I can walk.

[Jim Nilsen]

Research Vax-D on google and see if it is possible to work for you. They have it in my area and are the first to do it. They say it works without surgery or other methods.

Goodluck and I hope you get the right treatment for your problem instead of what an undereducated ,not up to caring doctor might do.

[Patrick]

Goodluck and I hope you get the right treatment for your problem instead of what an undereducated ,not up to caring doctor might do.

RIGHT!!!! Just because they are doctors doesn't mean they are right. Get a 2nd or 3rd (or more) opinions. And research the doctor.

Avoid surgery if you can.

Patrick

[trex1270]

Thanks guys, it is really appreciated! I have done some research on line and found a place is Tampa called laser spine institute and they can do it with out cutting! I watched it online, takes like an hour and since there is no cutting you heal way faster....like a couple weeks. I am going to fax them my MRI report tomorrow and hope that I am a canidate. The pain is bad enough, that something is going to have to be done, I even have a hard time shifting my 69 camaro! I will post again tomorrow or tuesday and let cha all know what the DR said.

Rex

[Motown 454]

Good Luck

[69Pony]

I have a herniated C4 and C6 that I've been dealing with for about 5 years. I got it from years of contact sports and heavy lifting - though the non-technical name is mechanics neck. I've done a couple cycles of steriods and sleep on an ice pack every night and that does help keep the pain and numbness down.

I know several people who have had the surgery. All say it is very painful and a slow recovery but they would do it again. My buddy's wife just had surgery two weeks ago and is really having a hard time with the after-math.

I also agree - avoid the surgery if you can but I understand some have it much worse than me so surgery may be your only recourse.

Let us know how the Tampa Laser Institute works out. I heard everything from a great alternative to complete whackjobs that have f'd up alot of spines.

[blackbeast]

I had a crushed disc in my back. had surgery to repair it. no fun. mine was lower back so I can't comment on that specifically. Then got in a car wreck a few years later that screwed up my neck. Few things I have learned from those:

1. trust your instincts, if the doctor is in a hurry, and tells you there is only one option. ie. surgery. get a second opinion. I would never have let my first doc do the surgery.

2. try alternative methods. physical therapy and acupuncture both helped after my car accident. I was trying to avoid pills, and doctors, and largely did.

3. (this should have been first) get a good pillow. actually if your doctor hasn't already recommended a good pillow, see someone else.

like this:
http://www.amazon.com/NeckPillow-Tem...d_sim_dbs_hg_2

I got one because insurance paid for it. Saw the price and laughed. then I tried if for a few weeks. I will never go back to a regular pillow. Makes sleeping on your back (which is the best for you) so much more comfortable. I was a stomach (worst!) sleeper before.

[wicked68]

I would not recommend getting spinal surgery at a non critical care outpatient center - you want to have a full icu facility available that can handle anything that might go wrong - it can make the difference between a successful surgery and a tragic outcome. Make sure you can go to a full hospital that has beds available for an overnight stay with skilled staff 24x7.

[trex1270]

Well, I have been thinking, and I hate to do that, but I have de cided to try 12 more weeks of therapy. The dr explained that I will still have the problems, but it can be managed. I am going to hold off surgery for now and give it 6 months.