Single level ADR at c5,c6 in a few weeks

[Stacey]

I was diagnosed with DDD, herniated discs at c5,c6 and c6,c7. Additional bone spurs pinching nerves in both arms, mostly right with numbness and weakness in right arm, hand. Associated pain with numbness. Lots of headaches. Poor sleep.

I have gone the cervical steroid injection route with diminishing returns. It helped the first couple times, now just seems to make it worse.

Hydrocodone and Lyrica were the only things to allow me to go to work, though working in a fog is not the best way to interact with people.

I have been working with a spine surgeon locally who has good results with the Prestige ADR. We finally got a pre-approval for a single level replacement and will be doing surgery on Sept. 17th. Since c5.c6 is most symtomatic, he will be replacing that.

Arizona and BCBS are just now covering a single level ADR and not approving multi-level.

Looking for some improvement with this procedure. Reading the posts here gives me some hope for a good recovery.

One thing I have recently found for dealing with the nerve pain is acupuncture. It has worked wonders with the nerve pain but doesn't help the neck pain as much. I am finally off the Lyrica and only occasionally taking Hydrocodone and Flexerol for the rough days and nights.

That's my story so far.

[Harrison]

Stacey, welcome to the forum. Sorry about the pain, but you are in the right place for ideas and support.

It looks like you are on some pretty strong meds. How long have the spurs there? Did you have any accidents or trauma that might be the original triggering event?

PS: Flagstaff is really cool...I've driven through there a few times.

[Stacey]

Can't pin down any specific event that caused initial problem. 20 years ago I wrecked an atv, but only banged the skin off my chin at the time.
Helmet saved my skull. I was thrown about 15 ft landing on my back. Rough rocky trail.

Flagstaff of cooler than Phoenix, but just as crowded. More expensive too.

[Dave C]

Stacey,

Welcome. If you have any questions throughout your journey, please feel free to ask. There are quite a few of us who have had cervical ADR. We are by no means experts, but we have made it through (some rougher than others). Please keep us posted on your progress.
Good Luck.

[Stacey]

Any advice to give to my wife on coping with my surgery.

She is a little anxiety about me going under the knife. (understatement).

[Lisibug]

I've had two neck surgeries, the first a fusion at C5-6 and the second, done 1-1/2 years ago, a 3 level cervical ADR at C3-4, C4-5 and C6-7. I very much think that if peoples' facets are okay, that ADR is the way to go for two reasons: hopefully to prevent adjacent segment syndrome which can result from a fusion (like in my case) and it is a MUCH easier surgery on the body - recovery is a breeze compared with fusion.

I am better since surgery - still have some pain and limitations, but am better and very glad I had it done. Please feel free to PM me if you or your wife have any questions.

[SandyB]

Hi Stacey!
I just had the Prestige disc surgery on July 29th. The moment I woke up from surgery, the first thing I noticed was the headache was gone. Like you I have DDD and nerve impingement from bone spurs. You will be happy with this procedure. Still have some aches, but nothing like before surgery! Weaning myself off the Hydrocodone slowly. Down to 2 a day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you for a successful surgery on the 17th.
Sandy

[Stacey]

Thanks for your support.

I have heard nothing bad from people about this procedure. It is definitely preferable to fusion in my mind and from what I have read.

How long was recovery for you? How long until you were able to return to normal activities?

[cmac]

Stacey,

I wish you the best in your upcoming surgery. It is always a tough decision to opt for surgery, but you know your pain you've been dealing with and sometimes its the best way to find true relief. I think everyone's story here is different, both on how they got here and how they recover, but you will see we have all benefited from this group and from our personal decisions once we have researched and weighed our options. Granted, there may be ups and downs as you recover, but stay positive and do what your dr. says. Whether it's rest, physical therapy, or any other guidance, stick to it, listen to your body and in due time you will get better! For some people it only takes a month or so and they are already doing much better. Myself, I have had a few additional bumps in the road, but I am getting better and still have no regrets with my decision for surgery; because, even though I still have some healing ahead of me, I am much better off than I was before.

Best of luck and if you have any questions, like the rest of us, I would be happy to provide any insight as someone 'on the other side' .

Take care,

cmac

[Stacey]

Heading towards 2 weeks post surgery. Off the Percoset. Valium was pretty mediocre.
Mostly just dealing with surgery pain. Some stiffness which is going away. Almost full range of motion with only a little pain at extremes. I switched to Tylenol and Ibuprofin at night and a couple times a day. Shoulder and back pain seem related to surgery and are not bad. O am going to try a Flexeril tonight. That seems to be best for muscle relaxation. Better than Valium. Lots of upper body muscle mass. I am 40 and about 280 lbs. Was taking 2-3 codeine or percoset the first few nights, but much better now. Wife is less freaked out with the quicl recovery too. Still don't pick up heavy things, but I forgot a couple times and picked up my 20 lbs toddler. No pain. That was really cool. Gotta watch that and not get ahead of where the doc says I should be on recovery. It needs to heal a bit still before it is safe to lift
much. I really don't wanna undo the good the doc has done.

I am really surprised my pain level is this low. It really seems to be discomfort from the healing. The pre-adr pain just seems to be pretty much gone. I will wait for the surgery pain to go away completely for a final opinion, bt so far, I am happy with the outcome. I haven't really had the headaches since surgery.

Will be returning to work this next week if doc gives the ok. Light duty for a while.

Will keep you posted if interested.