And So It Begins..... (C6-C7 disc is grossly herniated)

[Alynn]

Had my first appointment with the surgeon Tuesday, and let me just say that you know your day is not going to go well when your orthopedic surgeon is looking at the image of your cervical MRI and says "Oh, this is bad."


Apparently my C6-C7 disc is grossly herniated, and my spinal cord is "compromised" and narrowed. He has suggested surgery (of course), however, he has given me 2 choices: ACDF or ADR. So far, with what I have seen about fusion with plates and screws, and the fact that I also have osteoarthritis C-5, I'm leaning towards ADR. If you have thoughts for and/or against, I would appreciate hearing what you have to say, please.


I did call this Wednesday to give my decision for the ADR and they will start the process tomorrow of preapproval with my insurance company. I was told that I would know in a couple of days when my surgery will be scheduled.


Please feel free to comment about your own experiences with ADR Cervical. I am trying to find out everything I possible can. Knowledge of the procedure will make me a little less nervous and less scared to go under the knife.

[KBear]

Alynn,
First, Welcome to the site! I'm obviously not a doctor, but in my opinion you may not be a good candidate for ADR. I'm not sure all the contradictions for it, but if you have that many issues, then it could be worse than you started. What did he say about your facets? Do you have the MRI report? Can you post what it says?

I would also highly recommend getting at least 3 surgical opinions before proceeding with any surgery. This helps find any potential problems as well. Research all you can, go to the FDA Government site and you should be able to find a complete list of ADR contradictions. Read this other new member thread (http://www.spinepatientsociety.org/f...learning-2003/), as it goes further into this, also follow the 2 links and read them. You can't become to knowledgeable on this. As I was asking my surgeon last minute questions the day before surgery, he said "you know more about ADR than the nurses that will be caring for you do." I take that as a good thing, you want to be educated and know the good, bad and the ugly.

Ask any questions you may have, that's what we are here for.
Kathy

[trkdoc714]

I agree with Kathy on the additional opinions. Have you tried any conservative treatments or were any recommended?

Whichever direction you go, I hope you find your solution.

Bob

[Alynn]

Kathy:

Thanks for responding! I may have misspoken about the osteoarthritis... I'm very new to all of this and the terms all kind of sound alike to me....

Here are the "Impressions" from my MRI:

1. Moderately large disk extrusion at the C6-C7 inter vertebral level with mild flattening of the anterior margin of the cord and significant narrowing of the left lateral recess.

2. Small central and left paracentral disk osteophyte complex at the C5-C6 inter vertebral level with narrowing of the left lateral recess and left neural foramen.

**It's still all Greek to me at this point. I just know that I'm in major pain, and my spinal cord is being pushed on by the herniated disk, and I really would rather not have plates and screws implanted if I can help it. I also want the best possible 'fix' for my problem.***

Any other thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

[Alynn]

I agree with Kathy on the additional opinions. Have you tried any conservative treatments or were any recommended?

Whichever direction you go, I hope you find your solution.

Bob

Bob:

I have only had ESI (X4). The first 2 injections provided pain relief for about 3 months each, and the 3rd one provided NO relief at all. The last one I had provided little relief in the pain, and then it was recommended that I see the surgeon. The surgeon told me that my other option, physical therapy, wouldn't do anything to help the compression of the spinal cord. Plus the idea doing PT with my cord compressed, really scares me...

Thanks for your response. I appreciate the support.

[KBear]

I know it can be very overwhelming when reading all the medical lingo and trying to make sense of it. I remember being so overwhelmed and feeling like I would never understand all of it. That's why we say ask questions, even if it seems 'dumb', there really aren't dumb questions when it comes to spinal surgery. I don't see anything about your facets in the report, which could be good that they saw nothing, or that it just wasn't noted (surgeons interpret it all differently anyway, but it does help to have).
I know when you are in pain, you just want to get out asap and seeing more doctors just seems like too much, but I promise you will not regret getting those second opinions. There are several doctors you can send your images (usually can get them on a CD) and records to and they will give you an opinion without even seeing you. Even if you have no intention of using another dr., I would still get more opinions. Some of the places to consider sending records to are Texas Back Institute, Dr. Bitan (NYC), Dr. B, Stenum (Germany), Dr. Garcia (Miami), and Dr. Pimenta (Brazil). You can find more names and contact information in the domestic and international travel section of the forum. These are all top doctors in the spine and ADR world. Some of these places charge a small fee to review; but it is completely worth it IMO.

[jss]

Alynn,

Condolences on your condition; mine was very similar.

In 2000 I had a large bulge at C4/5 and had to have an ACDF. That fusion accelerated the degeneration at C5/6 resulting in another ACDF in 2002. By 2008 I had a large bulge in C6/7 and a very large osteophyte (bone spur) at C3/4; courtesy of the unnatural stresses caused by the fusions. In an attempt to arrest the spreading DDD in my cervical spine, I ended up going to Spain for ADR at C3/4 and C6/7. Today I'm pain free and able to perform any physical activity that strikes my fancy.

If you are a candidate for ADR, I would certainly encourage you to consider it.

Good luck, Jeff

[trkdoc714]

Another thing to consider Alynn, most surgeons have a few favorite tools in their toolbox. Getting more opinions equates into more options.

Good luck. We're here for you.

Bob

[Alynn]

Hello, again! I really appreciate the time and consideration in all of your responses. I have contacted Texas Back Institute about a second opinion.

The young lady I spoke with was very helpful and very informative. I will talk to my surgeon's office tomorrow to get copies of my MRI images, and my X-Rays on CD. As soon as I have the CD's, I will send them to Texas Back Institute for a surgeon to review.

I was told that I could have a report of the review within 3 - 5 business days. And apparently there is no charge for this 2nd opinion review.

I'm not planning on putting my current plans on hold, at least until I receive the 2nd opinion from Texas Back Institute. Hopefully, the 2nd opinion will concur with the recommendations of my current surgeon, but we'll have to see. I have yet to hear from my surgeon's office concerning insurance approval and scheduling.

The way I feel about it now is, I made the decision, and made the call to start things rolling, I'm ready to be on the other side. Not really looking forward to the recovery time, but definitely looking forward to being rid of the neck, upper back and left arm pain. I am not particularly athletic, I don't ski, mountain climb, snowboard, or skydive. But I enjoy being able to take care of everyday things in my life. Housework, keeping the pool clean, playing with 2 huge lab/brittany dogs and yard work.

If you have stay with this post this far, THANKS! I know it has been a long post, but I needed to put it out there, see it in writing, and get some kind of feedback on my decisions.

Thanks Again!

Best Always!

Alynn

[Justin]

Hello, again! I really appreciate the time and consideration in all of your responses. I have contacted Texas Back Institute about a second opinion.

Great news! Keep us posted, as we do care. By the way, welcome to the Spine Patient Society.