ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCETOMY AND FUSION

HUNT1940 · Newbie Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 1

MY HUSBAND NEEDS ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCETOMY AND FUSION HE HAS HERNIATED AND BULGING DISCS WITH SPINAL STENOSIS BETWEEN C4-C7, I AM WONDERING IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER PROVEN TREATMENTS. HAS ANYONE TRIED DRX9000?

suzanne m · Newbie Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 2

Hi, this is for anyone thinking of having a discectomy and fusion because of herniation. Although cliched, it's true you need to weigh all factors, like - how much pain you are in right now, what numbness/loss of mobility are you experiencing, and if all other less invasive treatments - like physical therapy - have been explored.

For me, personally, I am glad I had the surgery done, but also am surprised how long it is taking me to recover from it. Each person is different, and you will hear many different opinions from your friends and others about what you should do. The bottom line is wanting an acceptable quality of life - can you continue physically the way you are going? If you have done your homework, have done some self-reflection about what you can withstand, and have discussed implications of surgical procedures over thoroughly with family members (they play a big role in helping you recover) you'll feel much better about whatever decision you make. If you do have the surgery, make sure you have a family member with you at all times in the hospital, who can be there to be your advocate, and to ask the questions you may not feel up asking yourself.

Also, (this is from my own experience) make sure they fit you properly with the correct sized neck brace before you leave the hospital.
The best of luck to you.

rdegneau · Guest

wasnwodering when your surgery was, and how long recovery time thanks

Hhp · Newbie Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

I am six weeks out. Recovery seems to depend on the person (another cliche, but cliches are based on broad experience after all). I was shocked to read about people going back to work after 3 weeks. I went back 4 hours per day, 5 days a week, 5 1/2 weeks post surgery. I couldn't have done it sooner. I tried. I am very tired but so glad to be getting out of the house.

dhoward · Newbie Joined: 13 Jul 2008 Posts: 4

Dear Everyone,

I am a 45 year old woman who has 2 bulging disks C5-7 with compression on the spinal cord and stenosis. i've had it for 4 years. Some doctor's say it's too late to fix. Do you think this is true? Most of my complaints is leg weakness and left arm, hand joint pain that comes and goes for 4 years. The doctors want me to have surgery but will not guarantee it will get better. i also have a sciatic problem. The legs scare me the most because I am worried I won't be able to walk one day.
what should i do?

vicdar · Newbie Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Posts: 7

I think most doctor's response would be uncertain. As you have read throughout the forum everyone's experience is quite different. Doctor's can't fully guarantee that surgery will help. I think its up to you to weigh your option, ultimately it should be your decision. What noninvasive procedures have you tried over time? Are you on any meds at the current time? What type of doctor is making the recommendations?
I have had 2 neck surgeries in 3 years, so trust me.

dhoward · Newbie Joined: 13 Jul 2008 Posts: 4

So far 3 surgeons want to do a ACD. My symptoms are: left arm pain, joint pain, serious pain in the upper back on my spine, and leg weakness, and headaches, but it's not consistent. like a couple weeks on then off. HAS ANYONE HAD THIS????

I have not done physical therapy because the doctors say it will only mask it, it will only prolong the inevitable, it will relieve the pain but temporarily. IS THIS TRUE????

All the doctors have said if i don't get the surgery, if i get hit the wrong way, I could be paralyzed. and if i don't do it, it could get WORSE and there's no turning back the clock. IS THIS TRUE??????

ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCETOMY AND FUSION

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