3 level cervical artificial discs - Prestige

[Debs]

Hi , I wonder if anyone out there has had experience of 3 level Prestige ADR in the neck. I have 4 discs completeley wasted , big osteophytes and chord compression. My consultant says he can't do 4 ADR but would consider doing 3 - but he said it hadn't previously been done. I found some postings where 3 levels had been done but with a different type of AD. I have to chose between 2 or 3 and am finding it very tough.

I'm also really scared about the potential of permanent voice damage - deep,weak and husky - anyone had this??

Really appreciate any advice - thanks, Debs

[Terry]

Hi Debs:

I'm male and have a deep, husky voice anyway. Can't help you there but wonder where you are hearing this from that this will or might happen to you.

I have two Prestige discs in my cervical area and am quite happy with the results. I still have some instability from an old hemi-laminectomy which removed from the rear of the vertebrae to make room for the nerves.

My throat swelled for about a month where it was difficult to swallow. I had to take pills one at a time and eat with very small bites. My wife gave me a Motrin 600 and I almost choked to death on it as it got lodged in my throat. That was scary.

I am very satisfied with my range of motion. I can look over both shoulders which I had not been able to do in years due to the severe degeneration in my neck. I was thrilled with the design of the discs looking like a ball and trough. It has a good articulating range of motion. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Terry Newton

[Debs]

Thanks for your reply Terry , and really pleased that you have a great result. It was the surgeon who told me about the risk to the voice - it has happened once to him and he stressed how disabling it is. I guess he has to spell out all the risks.
I wondered, what level of sports are you able to do after this??
thanks again,Debs

[Terry]

Debs:

I walk a considerable amount and I am now 11 months out of surgery. I rode over 2,000 miles on my bicycle this season. I went in to the surgery in great shape and am pleased with the progress and recovery so far.

Terry Newton

[Lisibug]

Hi Deb. I had a one level fusion (C5-6) 3 years ago and then 6-1/2 months ago 3 level ADR (C3-4, C4-5 and C6-7) with Prodisc, not Prestige. I am much better. I've had no voice problems at all. My throat was swollen after this surgery like Terry's, for about a month, and this caused some difficult swallowing, particularly the first week after surgery. It all cleared up with no problems and I never had any voice problems at all. Dr. Bertagnoli in Germany performs 4 level ADR surgery in the neck - I know a pilot who had it done and is doing very well, I think about 3 years post-op. You may want to consider a doc who can fix all the levels in your neck, or you'll still be in pain. Dr.B has even performed 5 level ADRs, but I'm not sure whether that is in the neck or the back. His website address is: pro-spine.com. If you're interested in his surgical opinion, fill out the form, send your MRI and x-rays and they'll get back to you with their recommendation (Dr. Fenk-Mayer is Dr. B's right hand spine surgeon and she will email you back with their recommendation).

[Debs]

Hi Lisa, sorry I did not reply earlier and thanks for the information.I talked to my consultant again and in actual fact I am to have prodisc-not prestige- so exactly like you and it's very encouraging to hear how well you are doing. Mr Davies has said that if all goes well and I have a good result he will do the 4th disc next year. How long did you have to stay in hospital as he suggests only 3 days which seems amazingly quick ! How long could you not drive for? He has said 1yr before I can do sports again so maybe I'll have to take up stamp collecting !How long did your surgery take? How long were you off work? Lots of questions-sorry. Things have moved very quickly and I am going in on the
19th November - under 3 weeks. I realise that every person has their own experience but your experience is important to me. Many thanks for your time and take care.
Debs