cervical ADR for cord compression/myelopathy

[rob_zzz]

Just curious if there are people out there that have had prodisc-C surgery for cord compression/myelopathy and if so, how its gone - have your symptoms stabilised as a result of surgery?

(pm me if you prefer)

thanks,
Rob

[Fortitudine]

I too am interested in your answers. Like Rob I am a pain-free cervie with cord compression.

[rob_zzz]

What I'd really like to know is are there people out there that have had progressive tingling, buzzing, burning/hot/cold/touch sensations and mild gait/balance problems from myelopathy/cord compression, and how their symptoms have been been post surgery - stable, continuing to deteriorate, or actually improved?

And in particular if you've had the 'human tuning fork' sort of feeling in your arms and legs did that go away post surgery?

replies either in thread or via pm greatly appreciated.

cheers,
Rob

[Fortitudine]

Hi Rob,
I'm hoping we'll eventually get an answer or two. In the meantime, I hope you are not consuming any caffeine. Every time I do, I get symptoms and think omigod, I'm getting worse. Then I realize that a waiter just lied to me, or the restaurant uses really cheap decaf.

Also, have you tried gentle stretching yoga or deep water running? Both of those things keep me stable and symptom-free.

[rob_zzz]

Hi Fortitudine,

No not consuming caffeine, actually not a coffee drinker though do drink tea.

The main things that I've found aggravate things are sitting at a computer for long periods, and also working with my hands out in front of me and lifting etc. also seem to aggravate it. Stress/tension also has an affect.

I've tried a lot of things - massage, physio, vitamins, stretching, avoiding alcohol, rest/relaxation etc. Not much helps in a lasting way though the stretching and also the deep flexor exercises do seem to help a little.

Physio and massage often aggravated things at times rather than helped - seems to loosen spasm'd muscles in the neck area but as a result aggravate the neuro symptoms.

cheers,
Rob

[berry]

Rob and Fortitudine

Can I join your club please? I too have herniated C6/7 with cord compression and degenerative changes at C3/4 and 5/6. I was offered a fusion with rod in Nov 2005 but have since been told I am suitable for cervical disc replacement - when my surgeon begins them that is, he has not yet done any but is deciding which disc to use.

I had double Prodisc surgery at L4/5 and L5/S1 in Feb 2004 with great results and I have no regrets about that surgery although I have since developed some adjacent segment degeneration. This is only mild at the moment and does not give too much bother.

If I do get to have cervical surgery I will certainly let you know how I get on.

Regards

Lynda

Cervical DDD
ProDisc L4/5 & L5/S1 Feb 2004