I am 44 y/o. Diagnosed 2 + years ago with disc herniations at c4, c5 and c6. I was a Massage Therapist, happy to be providing services to make people well, while working thru my own pain. After the Medical approach, which included numererous courses of prednisone, spinal shots, pts and more. I consulted everyone. Did not want 3- level anterior fusion. Lots of research between me and my sister. Primary surgeon uses BMP in the neck with great success ( very rare). Did not want those potential complications, so Had a cervical foraminotomy on the right at c5 and c6 (posterior approach), and symptoms returned fully after less than a year (never fully abated).
Now...
Haven't worked in a year, gained 20 pounds, become reliant and isolated to an alarming degree.
Going in next wk to sched the 3-level fusion. Using "antiquated" method of ilaiac crest (hip) bone because I have been an on/off leisurely smoker.
Can only hope that hip pain might distract from the neck. Coming out of the last one was stuff of nightmares.
Demerol pushed twice and Flexeril once before screaming stopped.
I now know this surg is inevitable.
Trying still to get my mind right.
Thanks for any advice, comments...
cwc
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