Linda-
My condition was not stenosis. I had a pinched nerve so I cannot tell you what you should do. In my case the surgeon (highly noted) made it sound like the surgery was a breeze and that I would be almost normal the next day! HA! Not the case. Asking for doctor's notes from surgery I discovered that alot of people do not recover (that doesn't mean all) from this surgery and there were many things in the doctor's notes he said he explained to me (the pros and cons) that he did not.
I'm not saying do or don't have the surgery I'm saying do research before you do. Find out the name of the artificial device (if one will be used) research the device. Go onto to every medical website you can find and read what all you can about your type of surgery.
If I would have done this I guarantee, and I was in pain, that I never would have had the surgery. I can tell you I am in much worse shape now than I was before. Who knows maybe in time if I had not had the surgery I would be even more miserable than I am now.
Maybe the fair statement for me to make is that I would have waited until there was absolutley no other alternative.
Good Luck.
My condition was not stenosis. I had a pinched nerve so I cannot tell you what you should do. In my case the surgeon (highly noted) made it sound like the surgery was a breeze and that I would be almost normal the next day! HA! Not the case. Asking for doctor's notes from surgery I discovered that alot of people do not recover (that doesn't mean all) from this surgery and there were many things in the doctor's notes he said he explained to me (the pros and cons) that he did not.
I'm not saying do or don't have the surgery I'm saying do research before you do. Find out the name of the artificial device (if one will be used) research the device. Go onto to every medical website you can find and read what all you can about your type of surgery.
If I would have done this I guarantee, and I was in pain, that I never would have had the surgery. I can tell you I am in much worse shape now than I was before. Who knows maybe in time if I had not had the surgery I would be even more miserable than I am now.
Maybe the fair statement for me to make is that I would have waited until there was absolutley no other alternative.
Good Luck.
I'm in the same boat as everyone else posted here with problems at C5/6 and 6/7 requiring ACDF to be scheduled in May 07. It is apparent that pain will be very evident post-op.
Question: For those of you who had ACDF done months or years ago, has the pain ever gone away or have the doctors said it will be there forever?
So far, I have not read a single post that says any of you are having a better life after surgery.
Does anyone have anything good to say about ACDF surgery?
Question: For those of you who had ACDF done months or years ago, has the pain ever gone away or have the doctors said it will be there forever?
So far, I have not read a single post that says any of you are having a better life after surgery.
Does anyone have anything good to say about ACDF surgery?
I'm sorry to inform you that I personally am still searching for a reason for all my pain post op. I had surgery Sept 05.
I can do everything for a short period of time (maybe an hour) but after that I seem to be in worsened pain.
I have went to several doctors, had all sorts of test and Physical therapy. I am unable to work at this time (had to quit job in July)and have had to apply for SS. Since MRI's , EMG's etc aren't showing the source I'm having a hard time getting anyone to believe the suffering I go through each and every day. (I've worked for 30 years...absolutely hate being home!!!)
I'm telling you this really bites!
For some people this surgery is a sucess. Unfortunately for some it is not. If your health is not at a life threatening stage (ie: paralization,etc) I'd recomend not having the surgery until absolutely neccessary. You could be one of the lucky ones ( I sure hope so) or you could be like me and be in worsened pain with limited movements, worsened pain and muscle spasms after this surgery.
Whatever you decide I wish you the best...my father often told me as a child "If you don't have your health you don't have anything". WOW is he a wise man.
I can do everything for a short period of time (maybe an hour) but after that I seem to be in worsened pain.
I have went to several doctors, had all sorts of test and Physical therapy. I am unable to work at this time (had to quit job in July)and have had to apply for SS. Since MRI's , EMG's etc aren't showing the source I'm having a hard time getting anyone to believe the suffering I go through each and every day. (I've worked for 30 years...absolutely hate being home!!!)
I'm telling you this really bites!
For some people this surgery is a sucess. Unfortunately for some it is not. If your health is not at a life threatening stage (ie: paralization,etc) I'd recomend not having the surgery until absolutely neccessary. You could be one of the lucky ones ( I sure hope so) or you could be like me and be in worsened pain with limited movements, worsened pain and muscle spasms after this surgery.
Whatever you decide I wish you the best...my father often told me as a child "If you don't have your health you don't have anything". WOW is he a wise man.
Cervical fusion at C5-C6, and another at C6-C7 scheduled for this year. Can you tell me the recovery time for this type of surgery, and whether it eliminated your issues?
I was looking for information on outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy & fusion procedure. I'm scheduled for surgery in four months. Can you tell me anything?
There is a difference between "dependent " and
"addiction". If you are not looking to " get high" from your meds you most likely won't become addicted.
"addiction". If you are not looking to " get high" from your meds you most likely won't become addicted.
If you take the pain meds for the desire for euphoria than addiction goes with the territory. You could become "dependant" though. Rather than addicted.