Should I have the second surgery?
Yes - 0.0% - 0 votes
Wait until I can have an mri first. (Having device replaced end of summer) - 0.0% - 0 votes
No more surgeries! Manage with medication only. - 0.0% - 0 votes
Mana1
New Member
Joined : Mar 2020
Posts : 5
Posted 3/6/2020 6:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I’m new here. I had my C5 removed and an ACDF performed on C4-C6 on 9/16/18 due to what the surgeon called kyphosis. Basically I had cervical stenosis and cord compression. I did not do well at all post surgery. I was walking prior to surgery but post surgery I ended up using a walker. Currently I use a cane due to leg/hip weakness and vertigo. I never reached fusion. I have severe muscle spasms in my neck, shoulder, arm, chest, back, and sometimes foot. I cannot have a mri because I have a medical device for a different medical problem. A ct myelogram shows congenital spinal stenosis with cord compression at C6, reverse lordosis, and I believe my upper vertebrae have shifted but are not compressing the cord. I found a different surgeon who has given me a recommendation to have a second ACDF surgery for C6 and posterior rod placement for stabilization. This would be 2 separate surgeries on the same day. I am extremely scared. I want some of my life back but I’m afraid a surgery will make it worse. I wanted to see if I could get some feedback and/or opinions? Any help is much appreciated!
straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 19850
Posted 3/6/2020 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Mana & welcome to Healing Well. Sorry to read about what happened after surgery. It's very disheartening to have a surgery fail like yours did. I can understand your reluctance for more surgery.
The new dr you are seeing, is he an orthopedic or neurosurgeon? Personally I would only see a neurosurgeon for any spine surgery. Preferably one that is board certified & specializes in spine trauma.
I would get a 3rd opinion, search out the very best neurosurgeon you can find. Take copies of all testing & see what the dr has to say. I would make a list of questions such as if you have this surgery what are your odds of it improving your overall physical situation. My first thought is if you do nothing, your condition becoming progressively worse in time. That would scare me more than anything because quality of life is everything for us.
I do not think an MRI is going to change a thing or find something new.. The myelogram & post myelogram CT are very much used today on people that fall in the grey areas with an MRI. Get another opinion & before making a decision. Keep us posted.
Mana1
New Member
Joined : Mar 2020
Posts : 5
Posted 3/7/2020 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hello stray dog,
Thank you for responding. I did a lot of research on the surgeon I saw because I was so scared from the first surgery. He was voted the top Spine fusion surgeon in my area from his peers. I figured he would have to be pretty good. It probably would be a good idea to get another opinion. Thank you!
I’m going to see him again on March 26th. He’s hard to get into to see. They have me on a cancelation list. I’m going to bring a list of questions with me. I wish there was some example questions to ask to keep me sounding halfway intelligent. Lol! I get in there and sometimes I feel like my questions are dumb! I worked in the medical field for 20 years with physicians and for some reason as a patient I’m a blubbering idiot! I blame it on all the medicine they have me on!
White Beard
Veteran Member
Joined : Feb 2009
Posts : 3740
Posted 3/10/2020 5:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mana Sorry your having such a hard time ! Just remember the only dumb questions are the ones you didn't ask! So please don't worry about thinking your questions might sound dumb! As for having the posterior surgery with rods and pins. I had that done in November 2010. At C3/C4 I thought the surgery was much more painful and a much more difficult and longer recovery than that of my 2 previous ACDF surgeries at C5/6 in 2009 and C6/7 in 1985. But in the end the results made it all worth while! But my neurosurgeon warned me in advance that the surgery was fairly easy and straight forward for him to do but it was a very painful and often long and difficult recovery for the patient! He wasn't wrong about that!!! After several months recuperating having physical therapy helped allot in my recovery and pain management.
Anyway write down any any all questions you can possibly think of about your surgery and please don't worry about how they may sound! Just don't forget to bring them with you to your appointment!!! Good Luck to you Mana and I do wish you all the Best!
White Beard
Mana1
New Member
Joined : Mar 2020
Posts : 5
Posted 3/10/2020 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you White Beard,
I got in early to the surgeon yesterday. He is sending me to get a second opinion. He told me that I would have to follow the post op instructions very well and wear the collar and hold my head straight. Right now I hold my head forward. Apparently I’ve developed secondary kyphosis below the cage from the ACDF at C4-6. He is really worried about something called DJK? I think it’s something where the space between the two surgeries become weak? He’s not as confident about the surgery working which makes me not want to do it now. I’m not sure what to do to fix my problem. He’s sending me to physical therapy to try to help in the interim.
straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 19850
Posted 3/10/2020 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Mana, it sounds like your surgeon is on top of this, try to take it day be day. I know it's hard to say the least. Get the opinion with the next dr & do PT.
Take care.