I had C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7. No accident was involve. Two disks had holes and two were flat. Thought I just had a pinched nerve but this damage was closing my spine. Paralysis and lost of bodily functions were about two years away without surgery per two surgeons. I chose the neurosurgeon. Life is much better. I am still under his care over a year later. He agrees that I no longer due yard work. I stay away from bumpy car rides. Anything that will jar the neck or cause strain like lifting a heavy pot when cooking. The more of these things you do, the more damage you do to yourself. The material from my bone spurs were used. My job paid for a chair that support the back of my neck. If I take it easy, my next surgery should be years in the future. I was told that because the disk will fuse, the ones above will work harder and may wear thin. Because of the damage, my surgery was 4 hours. The worst part was the discomfort of having everything in my throat moved to the side. That went away in about three weeks and life has been good. I was not allowed to drive for 2 months and wore a brace that whole time. I was off work for 3 months. My doctor wanted me off for another month but my job was not guranteed. I never had pain. My left shoulder to my finger tips felt like I had been throwing a 20lbs bowling ball around. I was uncomfortable in bed as well as in a chair. During the MRI, the lady had to take me out after every 10 minutes because I could not lie there. Afterwards, she showed me why. My spinal column looked like a straw that had been bent in several places. It was almost completely closed in a couple of areas. A bad fall and I could have been paralized according to three doctors. I was afraid and needed a few opinions. As to neck movement, my problems are looking up high if the object is directly above my head and turning to back out of parking spots. Find ways to get around what you should not do and by no means try to prove toughness. This part of the body is serious.....
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I am probably not the only person disappointed not to see "AD's" followup.
So I'll start my own, I hope it is helpful to someone. Like others, I lead a busy lifestyle & exercise a lot. 6 months ago, my training routine was as follows:
Mon-Friday: 1 hour weights, 1 hour run (10k, 6.2mi), 1 hour swim (1.5mi) that was 3 hrs per day, every day.
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: "Long Run" 8-12 miles
The numbness in my hands started with the index finger, then both, then both index, middle & thumb, then both hands, parts of arms. Early on & now, I have the sporadic "electric shocks" down both arms, sometimes back too.
I put off surgery or even consultation for 2 years as I was without insurance. The bad economy has left me a slave to my current employer who continued to dangle the carrot of health Insurance.
Nice Carrot too! After deductible, it pays 100% (no copayments)
I continued my daily runs with numb hands, painfully during winter. I bought bulk packages of hand warmers for my gloves.
The muscle weakness finally progressed to my legs. in one week I went from a routine 6 mile run down to 3. Then I couldn't maintain the 3 and now I don't bother. My coordination is bad. Unsteady walking, using both arms to climb stairs on handrail, etc. I'm typing this 1 fingered (hunt & peck). I have to look at my pants pocket, maneuver my arm to shape the hand correctly, so I can put my hand in there. Then I blindly squeeze - hoping to fish out my blackberry.
Patience paid off, I just got the full Health Insurance benefits. Went to neurosurgery specialist and got diagnosed. MRI is in a couple of weeks to confirm & plan surgery. I'm fortunate to have a great place here, so I'm not too worried. (Vangard Brain & Spine) The new "go thru the front of the neck" method seems to be working out well for several folks I've spoken with.
Got a script for Neurontin. That has stopped the deep nerve pains and "bee sting" type pains.
MRI should be around 1st week of October, I'll re-post to let y'all know how it goes..... I intend to be back on the pavement; marathons & triathlons again!
oh yeah, just turned 48, but look 38. ;-)
RM
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I have a lot of the same symptoms u have. Mine started back in Aug 2012 with me waking up at night feeling my right hand tingling. This got progressively worse , tingling turned into burning and numbness. then it moved into my left hand. Went to the Dr. said I had carpul tunnel. Went to neurologist, did nerve tests and MRI. I have Severe cervical stenosis in c5 c6 c6. This is causing the carpal tunnel in both my hands. I drop thing all the time and sometimes loose control of my hands. My shoulders feel like a ton of bricks are pushing them down. If I stand too long, I get lower back pain. I have gone to a neurosurgeon. He said my spine is being squeezed and that I need surgery. He wouldn't even address my hand issues, just was interested in doing surgery. I can't do surgery right now so I was looking for a temporary fix with my hands so I can do things. I can't even open up a zip lock bag, tie shoe laces or button shirts or pants. It is very frustrating. Anyway, now I am going to see another neurosurgeon for a second opinion. I am looking to see is anyone has any of these same symptoms and has had surgery on the neck area of c5 c6 c7 and/or c8 and what was the outcome.
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thankyou so much very much informative I see the neurosurgeon Monday cant wait have a great day good luck!!! Thanks again !
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I have had C4&5 done 10nyears ago and now will shortly have C6-7 done, when you cant sleep and hurt in pain 24-7 surgery is a welcome relief, believe me you will feel much better sson, the surgery risk are minimal, but living is a risk, why live in pain when you dont have to !
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