Margaret
I have been diagnosed with herniated discs at C5-C6, C6-C7, C7-T1. I also have several bulging discs, severe osteoarthritis and many bone spurs. My symptoms include - numbness in my thumb/hand, tingling in my arm from my fingers to the side of my neck, at times I have been in severe pain that medication does not help. I have been in treatment for almost 2 months with a wonderful chriopractor who has helped the pain a great deal - but he was unable to relieve the numbness /tingling. He sent me for an MRI and upon receiving the diagnosis of herniated disc - referred me to a neurosurgeon. I have consulted with the neurosurgeon who recommended surgery - removal of the discs, bone grafts(with cadaver bone)and fusion, and placement of a titanium plate/screws. The surgeon was willing to schedule surgery then, but I needed time to think about it. I was told that sooner or later I would have to have the surgery - and that the longer I wait the more likely that the numbness will be permanent. I am a dental assistant and really need both hands to do my job. Even though the pain was almost gone the numbness in my hand continued. After 2 weeks of thinking, talking to others and lots of time on the internet AND an increase in numbess/tingling in my arm - I decided to have the surgery. I called his office last Monday to let him know of my decision. His secretary returned my call the next day to schedule the surgery. He would have done it this week (Aug 2, 2001)! Wow! Unfortunately, I am not able to do it at that time - I have a previous commitment out of the state that I must go to. I have an appt scheduled with the surgeon on Aug 7 - and will schedule the surgery at that time. I expect it will be within a week or two of the office visit. Now that I have finally made the decision - I can't wait to get on with it. I hope that I have better results than alot of what I am reading on this site. Does anyone have any advice for me? What can I expect after surgery as far as limitations during recuperation etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am 44 years old and have the neck of a 65 yr. old woman. What does the future hold for me following surgery and recuperation? Is it likely that even if this surgery is successful - that years from now I will be back in this position again with others discs? Any input?