Successful Cervical Stenosis Treatment (so-far)

Hello. I have been following this and other boards, and wanted to tell my story and success. I'm a 50 YO man, pretty active with young kids (12/9). Probably 3 weeks before Thanksgiving of 2008, I started having a combination of pains. Annoying pain. My hands has stinging and tingly sensations...mostly my left hand. And, my right arm was becoming severely weak. After a week, I got some information about Therapists to treat me and chose the Mayfield Clinic here in Cincinnati. I first went to a Physical Therapest in the practice. After a number of tests in the office and listening to what I had, he sent me on to get an MRI and a variety of other tests. Based on the MRI, I was moved to a Neurosurgeon quickly.

I was diagnosed with severe cervical stenosis. 2nd opinion confirmed it.In my case, there were issues at C3/C4 (worst), C4/5 and C5/6 (least worse). The fear was without surgery, the arm would get worse and I could lose the use of it over time. The idea was to do a 3 level fusion, a very difficult operation. It was so severe, we decided to do the surgery December 16. about 1.5 hours of trying to get me intubated, that was done, but with the potential of significant trauma to my throat, the surgeon aborted surgery. Sent me to his ENT. I also went to a sleep clinic.  Seems I have redeveloped sleep apnea, even though I had surgery in 1991 to fix it. Also was discovered I have an omega shaped epiligotis versus a normal V shaped. He suggested we intubate by nose and surgery should go well. This just did not show up in the MRI or the various x-rays they did.

My surgeon, now with a bunch of added new data, suggested we only do the C3/4. My arm had been getting better, as was the tingling, so we got some "divine intervention" for the Xmas holidays. He said we'd go through the neck, fix this level, see how it does, and if we have to fix the rest, he could do it through my back. Surgery was January 16.

Pain afterwards for a few days. Had good pain meds though. Going back Friday for the 6 week look. All seems to be good. Tingling is gone. Arm is strong.

After reading some of the terrible issues folks have had with doctors, I caonsider myself lucky to have had such a good surgeon. He ran into a problem, and decided to stop the show until he got more info. He put a real good team together for my surgery. I'm blessed.

No, I'll start thinking about when to do the rest of this surgery!

Daryl

Daryl,

I have had 4 cervical spinal surgeries....have had fusion, cadavour disc placement and I'm now on my second plate. Like you, they were able to go through my neck for each proceedure. I have had great success with each surgery and I love my neurosurgeon! He is so  kind and not "knife happy" at all. He will only operate if it is the only answer. He is in Columbus, Ohio. I did have to stop working after this last surgery in May 2008. I have several  restrictions now. I have a hard time driving because the physical use of my arms turning the wheel makes me want to vomit. I've also had several cervical epidurals and I'm scheduled for a thorastic epidural next month. I hope it helps. I try to help take care of my mother who has advanced Parkinson's Disease and help with our small grandchildren. The surgeries have been life savers for me though. I'm glad that you are doing well.

Nurse2

Welcome Daryl! Thank you for posting your story. Yes, the right neuro surgeon makes the difference in most cases. Mine has retired and I am at a loss should I need surgery again.

Having cervical neck surgery is more complicated than lumbar because of the closeness of the nerves.

Wishing the best for you, Andrea

Andrea: Is it because the nerves are closer together or that its close to your brain that makes this surgery more complicated?

And on a off topic.....someone want to tell me why when a person gets TTD lump payment from Worker's Comp for their injuries that a leg or an arm is so much more important then a back that they have decided to give a better impairment rating for these appendages? I mean can't a person live without an arm or a leg? I don't think I've ever seen anyone live without a back or a spinal column.

Scarred