Introduction - Hello Everyone!
 

I would like to introduce myself and say hello!. I joined several months ago and have been browsing around, reading and learning. What an awesome site and a great group of folks - I hope that I can learn and contribute.

I was diagnosed last year with Cervical Myelopathy - C3-7 with the severe stenosis at C4-6 (moderate stenosis at the other two levels).
I have consulted with 3 surgeons in the past year.
The 1st surgeon wants to do a 2-level ACDF C4-6.
The 2nd surgeon wants to do a 2-level Mobi-C at C4-6.
The 3rd surgeon gave me 3 options: 1) A hybrid with 2-level Mobi-C at C4-6 and ACDF at C3/4 and C6/7 (Preferred).
2) Same procedure as 2nd surgeon.
3) Laminoplasty C3-C7.
I'm not in that much pain - some numbness, tingling and pain in hands and legs - intermittent and neck stiffness.
Given that this is a complex case I was wondering about another opinion on the hybrid vs. the Mobi-C ADR. I was thinking about getting a consult from either the Texas Back Institute or someone in Europe - does anyone have any thoughts on who to go to?
Thanks,
Mark

Welcome!

Well, I was in a similar boat and went to Dr. Clavel in Barcelona. He's really good at diagnosing and fixing the cervical spine. He's my recommendation for out of country. I've written a lot about him so, read my threads if you are interested.

I guess it depends on if you want a multi level ADR which IMO is ideal over a hybrid here in the states. However, you can't get a three level ADR surgery in the U.S. (I can't tell if you need 3 or 4 ADRs from your description. It does look complicated.)

Does your insurance have any coverage for going out of country?

I'm not an advocate for fusion if it can be avoided for several reasons. It is a harder surgery to recover from, there is a risk the body won't fuse so, then you have to have surgery again, and there is a higher risk of further degeneration to the adjacent discs once you fuse.

Dr. Blumenthal at TBI comes recommended on this board.

Good luck!

Mark,

Welcome, I hope we can help you in your journey. I am not a huge proponent of fusion, which is why I started this site in 2004. That said, I know many people that had fusions decades ago (cerv and lumb) and they are doing great.

Every case is different. Pls read, read, read. And use the search utility above which works great. Especially the advanced function. :look:

Mark,
Bertagnoli from GmbH does some very tough cases and has a great and long track record with Cervical ADRs/issues.

Thanks Cynlite, especially for the recommendation of Dr. B at TBI! I have read several of your posts....... I don't know whether I need a 2-level or a 4-level. Dr. Patel was the last doctor that I consulted with and he's not 100% sure either given the three option. His next step is to do a CAT Scan , I believe that the imaging is better. I punted on the CAT scan last year - was not ready at the time for surgery, since then I've notice a little increase in pain.

All things being equal, I'm leaning towards a 2-level ADR for the first operation (Occam's Razor). I will be able to have additional ADRs at the C3/4 & C6/7 at a later date but not probably not in the US.

Thanks for the advice and recommendation, Harrison and Fathub

Harrison et al.,
Thanks so much for creating and hosting a great website - it's been invaluable in my journey.
I've decided to have 2-level ADR with Dr. Patel on 2/1. After following my symptoms for a year or so most of my pain seems to be coming from C3/4 and C4/5 - the plan is to replace with Mobi-C. I've never had much pain, recently the neck pain has increased and then there's the myelopathy and neck ROM.
Best,
Mark

Mark, congrats on your milestone...that's a big step and hopefully a sense of relief has you healing already!

And hey, if you've not had your teeth cleaned recently, pls do ASAP. It's important to have a clean mouth:

- so the inubator tube does not infect you going in and coming out
- so there's no bleeding that enables microbes to travel to the new device
- so your honey will kiss you :kiss:

Thanks for the suggestion - perfect timing as teeth were cleaned last week. United approved the provedure last week as well.

Mark

Mark,

Can I ask what your symptoms in your legs feel like? I am still on the fence- and as this injury goes- I ebb and flow with pain/numbness and feeling pretty ok. My legs get pains like I've worked out very hard when I haven't, and then numbness as well, randomly and intermittently.


Congrats on making your decision. That alone is a huge milestone that I have not yet conquered. I am 30, an RN and just terrified of being worse off after surgery. I have yet to find the perfect doctor yet.....which also could be contributing to my lack of decision.