cervical ADR

Lisa A · #1 03-13-2011, 06:32 PM

Hi Everyone I was here years ago when I had a 2 level disc replacement in my lumbar spine. Dr. Delemarter did that surgery and now I am going back to him for a one level disc replacement in my c5/c6. This scares me more than the back since they go through the front of your neck. Wondering if anyone can tell me how they did and the recovery time and pain levels after wards.

I can't believe Im 39 and facing my 3rd surgery. It is unimaginable and so is the daily pain.

catelynnw3 · #2 03-14-2011, 10:41 AM

Hi Lisa,

I'm so sorry that you are facing another surgery. I had two ADRs placed at C4-5 and C5-6 by Dr. Pablo Clavel in Spain this past November. I was also 39 (it was about a week before my 40th birthday). Normally I'd be completely freaked out by the idea of someone cutting the front of my neck, but I was to the point of just wanting to feel better. I really didn't want to know exactly what he was going to do, so I didn't ask too many questions pertaining to that. Since then, I've watched a few graphic videos of artificial disc replacement surgeries, but I'm glad I didn't before-hand. (I was actually more freaked out by the idea that I might be catheterized ~ LOL ~ I wasn't, by the way...)

My incision was only 1 1/4" and is off-center to the right about mid-way down my neck. It is barely noticeable ~ the first thing my mom said was, "That's it?! Wow!" She said she was expecting a cut across the base of my neck. Obviously I have no recollection of what they did during the surgery, but afterward wasn't too bad. The first night was pretty uncomfortable, but it got better over the next several days. I had a fairly tight waterproof bandage which I wore until my post-op visit five days later, then he replaced it and I wore that for another three days. I have been using Mederma and sometimes aloe plant to minimize any possible scarring. It did hurt to swallow for at least a few days. As far as recovery time, I've heard that it varies. I had my surgery on a Wednesday and was released from the hospital on Friday. We did a lot of sightseeing over the weekend (not to say I wasn't tired at all, but my pain level was very bearable). Some people take longer to heal though depending on how many and which levels are done, nerve involvement, etc...

I wish you all the best with your surgery and hope you heal quickly and completely.

Cathy

JPJH · #3 03-14-2011, 03:38 PM

Lisa,

Like Cathy I had my two level ADR (C4/5 & 5/6) using the M-6 with Dr. Clavel in Barcelona. I had my surgery in October 2010. My experience was pretty much the same as Cathy's. I had no issues with him going through the front of my neck to gain access to the spine. I never had any pain or discomfort at the incision site.

I have known many people including my father who have had to have C-spine surgery and have had their incision down the back of the neck and that ended up being the worst part of the surgery. From a recovery standpoint the skin is a lot tighter there and when they sew it up it can really become an issue with having a lot of pain.

I wish you all the best!

JPJH

Lisa A · #4 03-14-2011, 05:48 PM

Thank you guys so much for your reassuring experiences. I am ready to start feeling feeling better I've been suffering too long and have 3 kids to be a normal mom to! Just so scared. So thank you for responding.

Lisa A · #5 03-14-2011, 05:57 PM

Also how bad is the not being able to swallow? That sounds pretty freaky. Can you tell Im scared? Glad to hear the incision wasn't too bad.

Harrison · #6 03-14-2011, 07:12 PM

Lisa, can you give us (much) more information about how your condition has evolved since your surgeries? Can you paraphrase your radiology report? How has C5-6 changed over the years? Any evidence of an arthritic condition that has worsened?

Also, pls insert a signature when you can. See this topic for instructions:

Creating a Signature, Setting up Editing for Posts

Lisa A · #7 03-15-2011, 05:06 PM

Well I now have a 4mm disc herniation that is pressing into my spinal cord which is causing numbness and tingling down to my shoulder blade and also my 3 fingers get numb on and off throughout the day. I actually see Dr.Delemarter tomorrow and will probably set a date for surgery-oh yay!

So this all started about a year and a half ago when I was at a event and someone was setting up for a party and rolled a banquet table into my upper back. It just pushed me forward and I caught myself. At 1st I thought it was nothing but a few hours later I felt like I got into a car accident and its been a rough go since. Since the birth of my daughter I got off all meds to have her I was just dealing with a sore back and minimal meds and now its back to a scary amount of daily meds. I do pilates twice a wk. go for massages did acupuncture and had many injections to see if they could help with some nerve pain. No luck. So Im tired of dealing but SOOOOO afraid of surgery especially with having 3 kids and my youngest is almost 3. So its rough. And I need support. And I feel like everyone is tired of hearing me complain. So here I am....

JPJH · #8 03-16-2011, 01:35 AM

Lisa,

I had a minor sore throat post surgery, but was lucky and had very little trouble swallowing. I was eating regular food the second day after surgery, but also making sure to chew it very good. Again everyone has a different outcome, but mine over all was fine. No long term issues.

JPJH

Lisa A · #9 03-16-2011, 03:13 PM

Just saw Dr.Delemarter and he definitely feels one level is bad enough for adr but he sees the disc below that slightly degenerating and wants to see if that should be replaced as well. So he wants me to have a discogram. I've had one on my lower back and was quite painful and I imagine the neck is worse. So this is where I'm at.

Thanks for all your replies it totally helps!!

Harrison · #10 03-16-2011, 08:28 PM

Lisa, I know you are ready for a quick fix, given your pain, but what alternative therapies have you had? I know a 4mm herniation is a big deal, but are you beyond traction? Extreme dietary changes? Other stuff you may have checked into other than massage and acupuncture?

By way of reference or context, some patients have realized some incredible improvements in their spinal health by changing their diets, or by juicing raw veggies. See this topic:

Juicing: The Connection Between Pain Meds, Spinal Injury, Ulcers

Dan (dlib44) has gotten 90% better by juicing, see his post. Since that post, his lumbar herniation has gone away. Completely. Sounds crazy? Sure. Does this happen? All the time...if you commit yourself to the process of healing and all the holistic & dietary discipline it takes!