Facing 3-level cervical fusion, need help

[ndunwoodie]

I've recently been told that I need a 3-level fusion at c4-c5, c5-c6, and c6- c7. The thought of fusing my neck has thrown me into an emotional despair. I asked my surgeon about artificial disc replacement and he said that I didn't have enough room to put one in even after my spine was "jacked up"- I have degenerative disc disease that has pretty much "flattened" my 3 discs. I've since been told that decompression creates the same amount of room when doing fusion that is needed for disc replacement. I just talked to a rep for Dr. Bertagnoli and will have him evaluate my case. Is he the top guy??? Any comments from anyone with a similar situation will be greatly appreciated. I really don't know what to do. Thanks.

Nick

[annapurna]

Bertagnoli is a top guy and tends to err on the side of using ADRs when others would try fusion or a mix of fusion and ADR. Basically, if he tells you that you need fusion, you're probably going to hear that from everyone. He isn't the only top guy, though. A second opinion is the least I'd seek if I was facing three level surgery and would probably try for three or four opinions if I had the time.

[Jstuckey]

Totally agree with with annapurna. I had 5 recommendations, all varied. If your local surgeon is not experienced in ADR, he/she isn't going to recommend it. It's not that difficult to send your info across the world and get some additional opinions. The nature of DDD is thinning discs and that, together with the nerve damage that occurs from that scenario, is a main indication FOR ADR. What shape are your facets in? What other contraindications might you have?

[ndunwoodie]

Unfortunately, I don't have all the technical info re: my case like I see in all the posts on this site. I'm currently gathering my info to send to Dr. Bertagnoli to see what he thinks. Perhaps he will mention some of those particulars.

Nick

[herron65]

Hello sorry to heat of your problems. I heard the same about my lumbar discs, that they were to far gone and ADRs are experimental you need fusion. I was not satisfied with these replies so I started to look around also. I finely decided on Spain because I had not seen any bad comments regarding Dr Clavel and also my wife is from Peru so I would not have to many language problems while we were out in the city. The hospital is very clean and new and every one was very helpful. But do seek out as many solutions as possible because you only realy get one chance to make it right. Hang in there it can get better.
Take care
Jeff

[DAnn]

Hello and welcome,

Sorry you are in pain. You might also try Nick Boeree in the UK. I had the pleasure of talking with him about my cervical issues and I think he is top notch.

Also, there are surgeons in the US that perfom hybrids (some fusion with ADR). I just recently had a 2 level hybrid performed by Dr. Blumenthal at Texas Back Institute. So far, I'm happy with my progress.

You should get a lot of good information from this site.

D'Ann

[JPJH]

I agree on getting other opinions. I'm not too partial to Dr. B. Would recommend Dr. Clavel in Barcelona or Dr. Boree in England. I had five opinions inlcuding my U.S Dr., I ended up going with Dr. Clavel at the Barcelona Spine Clinic in Barcelona for my 2 level cervical ADR using the M-6.

JPJH

[cherylstewart67]

if i had the money i'd do total adr; but you may try to compromise and do a fusion with adr above and below? i just keep have adjust level ddd from all of the stress of mu fuaion. i have a peek cage at c3/4 bone graft at c4/5/6 and now my 6/7 is going out.

[Terese64]

Hi Nick,
On May 12th, almost four weeks ago, I had the same three levels fused. Two years ago, I had Prodisc-C ADR's put in at C5-6 and C6-7. I had nothing but pain and problems since that surgery; the disc at C5-6 was moving and set further back. (which was done by a very well known orthopedic spine surgeon in Buffalo) Last April, I went to get another opinion from a Neurosurgeon and he felt I never should have had the ADR surgery because my injury was from a MVA. I went to two other doctors and called another, and all three recommended the fusion. I figured I can't go wrong because they all agreed. I know it's only been a month, but I'm sorry I did it. I, like you, was very emotional and concerned with having three out of seven cervical vertabrae fused. I am still in a lot of pain and feel like nothing will ever take my pain away. Very discouraging and depressing! Although I was not a success story for ADR, at least I had mobility in my neck.

I wish you the best of luck, but I would advise you to get as many opinions as you could.

Keep us posted.

Terese