Spinal Problems Archives

cervical fusion surgery 4/30/02

I have degenerative cervical disk disease. I'm going to have 2 disks removed I believe c6 & c7, replaced with pelvic bone. Removal of spurs, opening of narrowing spaces. A titanium plate & screws. I am not comfortable with this hardware being installed, so I have to ask. Are there any other options. I've been suffering with pain for four yrs. refusing to have this done. But now I'm being told I'll be a quad if I don't. (totally scared into submission)However, the pain has become quite unbearable. I lost my job of 27yrs. (not all bad) My problem is I've had 2 opinions (same)I don't like either surgeon but the one I've agreed to operate is highly recommended. He seems so insensitive to my pain. He only writes for ultram, (not sufficient for my pain)has a problem with narcs but will give all the muscle relaxers you want. (kill the liver but let's not allow for comfort fearing addiction) He's told me I may even NEED more surgery (already). I know I have to do something after exhausting all epidurals, therapy, etc. If it wasn't for other ailments/docs I would crazy with pain. Not so sure I want to show up on Tues. Asked him if he thinks he's going to send me home with ultram, it's going to be a big misunderstanding when I see him again.

My ?? since I have a disease how much can surgery help? By the way this will be #6 I have quite a few other ailments.
Also, what is the problem with giving pain meds that work? I have chronic pelvic pain from adhesive disease. (2 surgeries), DJD both shoulders (surgery both) migrains, cluster headaches & insomnia. Five docs and they act like surgery is cure all and don't really want to give me anything that works (narcs)I have to kick & scream just to get tylenol #3. No sleep pills when a few lorcet handles all the pain. I don't understand....
I'm 47 (today)female just like to feel normal & have a good day.
boochie

Follow Ups:

• Re: cervical fusion surgery 4/30/02 Walt Stoll 07:15:50 4/28/02 (2)
  • Re: cervical fusion surgery 4/30/02 B.B. 10:18:38 4/28/02 (0)
  • Boochie, you may want to check the spinal archives too ... Roy 09:57:34 4/28/02 (0)

In Reply to: cervical fusion surgery 4/30/02 posted by LaVerne Eldridge on April 27, 2002 at 00:49:17:

Hi, Boochie.

Boy! Talking about waiting unitl the last second to look for alternatives: Two days before scheduled surgery?

ALL of your conditions started with bracing years ago and STILL that is the major contributing factor although you are late in the game. It MAY be too late to avoid the stabilization procedure your surgeon is suggesting. However, without dealing with the cause first, your statistics are very likely going to be on the dirty end of the stick: 1/3 get better, 1/3 get worse and 1/3 stay the same after surgery.

One of the benefits of this approach is that it will not only give you chance to not have the surgery but will also help all the other conditions that have sprung from this same cause WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED.

Go to the glossary for any unfamiliar terms and then to the archives until you begin to see yourself.

Besides "bracing", stop by "stress" and "skilled relaxation".

Let us know what you learn.

Walt

Follow Ups:

• Re: cervical fusion surgery 4/30/02 B.B. 10:18:38 4/28/02 (0)
• Boochie, you may want to check the spinal archives too ... Roy 09:57:34 4/28/02 (0)

In Reply to: Re: cervical fusion surgery 4/30/02 posted by Walt Stoll on April 28, 2002 at 07:15:50:

• spinal archives

In Reply to: Re: cervical fusion surgery 4/30/02 posted by Walt Stoll on April 28, 2002 at 07:15:50:

Boochie,

If you're having problems with this doctor prior to surgery, you'll do yourself a favor by writing all your questions down and asking him prior to 4/30/02.

I've had a few epidurals myself, along with having a host of different ailments as well as degenerative disc. Read teh archives Roy suggested as you need to be as well or more informed about all of your illnesses as your doctors.

Have you ever tried going to a chiropractor? I swear by mine.