6 Weeks Until Surgery (Cervical Spine)

**Justin** · 02-05-2011, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by tucsonmikenc

Things did not work out as I thought they would. The space between my cervical vertebrae had decreased to significantly less than 5mm, in addition they had become too deformed to support having disc replacement. Danger from retracting them far enough apart to insert artificial discs was far too great. All this after having finally gotten the ADR approved. Such is life. Doctor says at this point auto fusion is progressing quickly enough that in the years ahead that would be the best thing to allow to happen. Fear not this was from one of the top doctors in the country if not the world. He does cervical spine surgery on NFL players and other athletes and neurosurgeons. He donates all proceeds from any device he participated in clinical trials on to charity. So I am confident in his recommendation. I think everyone needs to know that sometimes the window of opportunity closes and ADR may not be possible. Thanks for asking. Best of luck with your future..

Hey Don,

It sounds like your surgeon is a great guy. How is your pain these days? The auto-fusion makes since and sounds like the best route forward. Thanks for your update.

**Cindylou** · 02-05-2011, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by tucsonmikenc

Things did not work out as I thought they would. The space between my cervical vertebrae had decreased to significantly less than 5mm, in addition they had become too deformed to support having disc replacement. Danger from retracting them far enough apart to insert artificial discs was far too great. All this after having finally gotten the ADR approved. Such is life. Doctor says at this point auto fusion is progressing quickly enough that in the years ahead that would be the best thing to allow to happen. Fear not this was from one of the top doctors in the country if not the world. He does cervical spine surgery on NFL players and other athletes and neurosurgeons. He donates all proceeds from any device he participated in clinical trials on to charity. So I am confident in his recommendation. I think everyone needs to know that sometimes the window of opportunity closes and ADR may not be possible. Thanks for asking. Best of luck with your future..

Thanks for posting Mike. Your surgeon sounds like one fantastic guy. However, I am sure initially it was probably a pretty big disappointment with all your planning and original expectations. I hope your autofusing moves along quickly and begins to offer you the needed pain relief. My best, Cindylou