Second guessing 3rd level - thoughts?

[jss]

Joey Sue,

I don't know if you should or should not do the "optional" level. I had a similar situation. MRI's showed DDD at three levels (I already had two fusions). Diagnostic testing showed that 95% of my symptoms were coming from one level, 5% from another level, and no symptoms from the third DDD level. The level with 5% of my symptoms was my "optional" level.

I opted to go ahead with the "optional" level for these reasons:
- This would be my 3rd surgery and there was every indication that the "optional" level, which was already producing symptoms would require surgery one day; probably soon
- I insisted on the M6, which would require 1)an expensive trip to Europe, 2)using all of my sick time and most of my vacation time at work, and 3)that I pay out of pocket for the surgery. Having the "optional" level addressed would save me tens of thousands of dollars in the long run

In my case, the almost two symptom free years since surgery suggests that I made the right decision. I don't know how much more difficult the two level was than a one level (it did require two incisions). Recall that my surgery was cervical, which is MUCH easier that you're fixing to do.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

Jeff

[Maddie]

It's PEEK - nothing external to the vertebral bodies - screws secure it upwards and downwards - packed with harvested bone from my pelvis (sounds like fun as well) - puts space back where I've collapsed.

This is exactly what I had, except I don't even have any screws holding it in place...I could not tolerate any metal. The NeoDisc ADR in my neck was held in place with carbon fiber screws, but he didn't use them with the PEEKs for whatever reason. Perhaps they weren't compatible size wise, etc. I forgot to ask

And mine were packed with the mashed up bone fragments from what he took from my spine, the bone spurs and other areas that he was cleaning up, etc. I really didn't want it taken from my hip. I have consistently heard bad stories about the pain from that being worse than the actual spine surgery. Is there any way your doctor could do that as well? My bone fragments were mixed with a growth medium of some kind...again, we didn't ask enough questions in regard to that aspect of the surgery. It healed together very quickly for being in an old broad

Geez, I'm just brimming with advice, aren't I I hate pain (as does everyone!) and will find as many ways as possible to avoid it

Good luck with your decision...it will come together soon.

[Hooch]

If you go with Boeree he will offer you the use of BMP over a hip graft, but it will cost a few grand extra.

[Jstuckey]

Originally Posted by Hooch

If you go with Boeree he will offer you the use of BMP over a hip graft, but it will cost a few grand extra.

He did, and I declined. I was feeling a lot more brave in the spring....Thanks!