New to Forum and upcomming surgery

[justjulez-nc]

I'm scheduled for surgery on June the 2nd and I'm terrified. I've had issues with C5-6 since about 2000 but as of late the pain as started really becomming noticeable and radiating down my arm and into my hand at times- mostly it's just through my shoulder and arm though. The physiatrist I was seeing at the NS office sent me to one of the NS in March. He suggested a study by DePuy Spine where they are researching the DISCOVER AD compared to the traditional ACDF. It's 50/50 random study and I won't know what I get till I wake up. Is this a good idea or should I just go fusion all the way or wait till the disc is aproved by the FDA? I saw today that the Bryan disc was approved... should I inquire about that to my doc instead?

I've heard horror stories about the pain becomming worse, other issues and nerve damage as a result, trouble swallowing for months after or longer... clots, strokes... the list goes on. I know I have to get that part right in my head and just think positively but as far as the surgery itself I just don't know what's best... my doc says I'm a great candidate for ADR because of my age (38) but he's also an advisor to DePuy is that a conflict of interest? He did help develop the lumbar disc that they use now and was the first surgeon in NC to perform that surgery so I guess that counts for something right...

My Dr. is Dom Coric if anyone has any specific infor regarding him...

Thanks for any help and sorry in advance for sounding like such a newbie...

[Harrison]

Welcome to the community....and sorry for the late reply! I met your doctor last year, and also have spoken to some of his patients. All these conversations were positive experiences. Also, you can see some information on the Discover artificial disc here.

Hey, I hope you don't mind that I moved this to the Big File with other new introductions.