Well, I'll have to say first, that I am very glad I stumbled across this website during my many recent nights of relentless research. It has been great reading everyone's story, and I now feel like I am not alone. I was in a motor vehicle accident on Nov 12, 2007. As a result, I found myself first battling whiplash with major neck and back pain, but luckily no broken bones. Being the rebel and thrill seeker I have always been, I figured a couple days and I would be back up and running again. Unfortunately, my body disagreed and now over 5 months, I am on the verge of what I would consider major surgery. When I was first injured, the drs followed the standard protocol of meds, rest, and then physical therapy. I quickly knew something was wrong, but I had to go through the steps most insurance companies require as we all go through the healing process. Several weeks after the accident, I went to my first PT session. I ended up having a tremendous amount of pain in my neck down to the middle of my back. My blood pressure dropped extremely low which caused a lot of concern for the therapist I was seeing. To make a long story short, I finally had an MRI which showed bulging discs in my neck at c4-5 & c5-6 & a herniated disc at c6-7. The Drs did not see any major compression of my spinal cord or nerves, but I continued having a deep aching pain (sometimes sharp) in my neck, radiating down to the middle of my back and shoulder blades. Once the pain persists and inflames my nerves, I start having episodes of pain down my upper arm and my left hand has occasional numbness. I was actually surprised that my injuries were in my neck, since I was almost sure I had damage in my thoracic area due to the pain I was having.

After my MRI results, my Dr seemed to move a little more aggressively. I had 2 epidural steroid injections in my neck, but to no avail, they were unsuccessful. Since this wasn't effective, he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who basically gave me three choices. 1 - live with the pain. 2 - Anterior Cervical Discography and fusion (ACDF), 3 - Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR). To help with a decision, he recommended a discogram to confirm the pain source and help pinpoint the damaged discs. I had the discogram last Thursday; definitely, not a fun procedure, but I think it really helped me decide that I need to move forward with surgical intervention to help me get back on a road to recovery. I have an appt. with the Orthopedic surgeon this Friday to review my discogram results and discuss/schedule my surgery.

In an earlier appointment, the Dr. mentioned that because of my age (37), good health, and only one level of damage(c6-7) I was a good candidate for ADR. This site has really given me a lot of insight on the procedure itself, and the expected outcome, should I take this route. From all that I have read, I am definitely set on this procedure over fusion and am ready to confirm this with the Dr on Friday. Actually, I am so set on this, that I would be devastated if it turns out this isn't an option and my only choice is fusion. I will just wait to see before I get too worked up about it. Although, just like this whole process, it is easy to start thinking way ahead of myself and getting too worked up, anxious, excited, and frustrated before I really know what will happen next!

Anyway, I have been reading everyone's story, looking for feedback, encouragement, and light at the end of this tunnel that one day I will feel normal again. The most difficult part of this whole ordeal has been dealing with the fact that I can't do the things I was doing before the accident. I was just playing in my first season of an organized singles tennis league, working out on a regular basis and running several nights a week. This has all come to a screeching halt since then, and I have become depressed that I can't exercise or live a normal life. I can't even pick up my kids without paying for it dearly afterwards, and more recently, I feel like my radicular pain has escalated and is even affecting my right side now, when initially it was just my left.

Sorry, I am babbling now, but I was compelled to create an account and tell my story. I feel like I still have a long road ahead of me and that a forum like this will be important as I work through the recovery process. I know my injuries pale in comparison to some members here, but we are all affected and need support and encouragement along the way. I appreciate the level of support you have provided to many who have stumbled across this website as I have, and I hope to communicate with you in my journey ahead. One day, I also hope to be able to reciprocate by sharing my experience and encouragement to others in need.

I will keep posting updates as I move ahead and expect to have a better timeline after my appointment on Friday.

Thanks for listening and allowing me to share...

Cmac

Cmac

Thanks for sharing your story, I can relate to how you feel as your symptoms are very similar to the ones I had pre-operatively.

There does seem to be great success with cervical disc replacements and you may be pleasantly surprised, should you proceed to surgery, that the recovery journey is shorter and easier than anticipated.

Best wishes for the future

Lynda

Cmac, welcome to our community. I look forward to catching up with you soon.

Welcome to our little group of spineys http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...on_biggrin.gif. A little crazy, always empathetic and compassionate, and just plain good people.

Sorry we have to meet in these circumstances but you will learn a lot here.

Terry Newton

Welcome to the group. Everyone here is very helpful and willing to answer questions. I've bugged a few people along the way while I prepare for my own ADR surgery this summer and just plain figure things out. There's a ton of great information to absorb. I am sorry to hear you're going through so much pain currently, but hopefully you will get some good news on how to best proceed when you meat with the surgeon.

~Sara

CMAC,

Welcome to the group, and thank-you for sharing your story, albeit, unfavorable conditions. But that is precisely why we are all here. We will root for you, answer whatever questions we can, and just, hopefully, provide the support system you need.

Thank you all for the warm welcome! You are truly a genuine group and inspiring as well. Today has been a rough day physically and to top it off, my Dr. appointment just got pushed to next Wednesday... I guess you just have to take things day by day and stay positive regardless of what comes your way. I'll provide an update later next week.

Thanks again to all for your support!

Welcome to the forum but sorry you have a reason to seek us out! I've had 3 cervical ADRs implanted just over a year ago with good result. If you have any questions, I'd be really happy to help.

With whatever surgery you and your doc decide you need, hope you feel a whole lot better.

Welcome CMAC to the club no one wants to belong. Thanks for sharing your story.

As tough as it is, it actually sounds hopeful and this is the place to be.

I remember being exactly where you are when you describe the light at the end of the tunnel. I could even remember the fear and perspiration the nights I would log on here at 2am. I wondered if I would ever get better, doubting the possibility, yet never loosing hope.

Never give up was one members' advice.

OK, I had my appointment with the surgeon and I have scheduled my surgery for May 6th. I am happy that I will finally have the opportunity to get better, but I have a few questions I would like to ask:

1. The artificial disc is the Prodisc - C. Does anyone have any input on the success of this disc and how are they doing in their recovery?

2. Also, The Dr. said this would be an outpatient surgery and I would be leaving the same day. Does that seem reasonable, and has anyone had this performed as outpatient and left the same day as well?

3. What would be a realistic expectation of recovery? He said I would be Ok within a week or so and I could probably get back to work within 2 weeks. The big thing he said was I wouldn't be able to lift or perform any strenuous activities for 2-3 months. Based on anyone else's experience with a cervical disc replacement, does this sound OK?

I would appreciate any insight here. Thanks again for welcoming me into my new cervie group! Unfortunate circumstances, but looks like I'll be a groupie for life now!

Cheers!

cmac,

I hate to be the one to perhaps pour cold water on your enthusiasm for your upcoming ADR, but I feel I just have to comment.

It has only been 4 months since your MVA. I too had similar injuries as you and was recommended by 4 surgeons to have a discectomy/fusion or ADR.

I was also told to wait as long as possible before submitting to either of these procedures as herniations/bulges can take up to 2 years to heal on their own without the need for surgery.

Well around the 22 month mark, I noticed I was late taking my Neurontin a number of times and decided I would titrate myself off to see if I actually WAS getting better. Low and behold I was. I have managed to titrate myself completely off Neurontin 1200mg for just on 16 months now.

I still have pain, but it is handleable. I do have some other issues I am trying to work out with this injury.

I just wonder if you should perhaps wait a little longer before submitting to surgery. If you are showing major neurological deficits, where you health and safety are of immediate concern, then this would be a different story and surgery would be an emergency.

Should you still go ahead on May 6th, I wish you all the best.

Hucky

I have to agree that 4 months post injury is not very long. Discs very often heal, although slowly. Of course, I don't know if yours will or not. It may be that there is spinal cord or significant nerve root impingement and your doc is concerned about permanent damage, rightly so. These would be reasons to perform surgery so soon after an injury.

I have 3 Prodisc-C's in my neck and am much better than I was prior to surgery. I'm probably not a good person to compare your situation to. I had a fusion prior to my 3 ADRs, so I've had 4 levels in my neck operated on and waited quite a long time and became very disabled prior to each surgery (thus probably incurring some permanent damage). I still can't go back to work and I'm a year post-op; however, you probably will be able to, although I think 2 weeks is unrealistic. I know another woman who had a one level ADR done 14 weeks ago and she is back to work, but she only worked and works part time, but she is doing well. I don't think she went back to work until 6 weeks post op. As far as the outpatient situation - it is done differently here than in the U.S. Mine was done in Germany. I was in pretty bad shape the day after the surgery and needed to be in the hospital and on the morphine drip for sure but that evening, started to feel a lot better and the following day was able to take a little walk in the forest behind the hospital. I only improved from there. I should think it might be best to at least spend one night in the hospital and see how you are the next day - but it is truly amazing - ADR is so much easier on the body than a fusion, it is absolutely mind boggling.

Hope you get a lot of relief from the surgery - and please feel free to ask me any questions.

I am very surprised that this is being suggested as an outpatient procedure with a return back to work so quickly. Granted, you have one level and cervical is much easier than lumbar. This is still major surgery though. What do you do for a living that they are suggesting you will be able to go back in two weeks?

I have two Prestige discs in my cervical area. Less complications than lumbar for sure. Still major surgery that definitely takes time to heal from.

Terry Newton

Cmac,
Welcome tot he forum. There is such good advice here and wonderful caring people. It is always hard to go into surgery not knowing how it can turn out. Sending you home the same day seems so quick. It is also hard to wait when you are in so much pain. My only advice is to be really ready as you are never quite the same after surgery. Pain can also be so debilitating that it often does not let us take the time we need to make our decisions. I wish you the best for your surgery and keep us all posted on your recovery.
Phylly

Cmac
Have you seen the OR-live web cast of cervical disc replacement? A Prestige prosthesis is used and there are questions and answers; it is very informative. The info is posted in the Article Library but here's the link again.

http://www.or-live.com/ololrmc/2003/

Regards

Lynda

Thank you everyone who has provided their input. I appreciate the open and honest feedback, and the fact that you can give me an objective opinion based on your own experience. Not that it makes that much of a difference from a timing standpoint, but it has actually been 5 1/2 months since the accident, and here are the issues I have been dealing with to prompt me to make this decision.

1. I have been having an increase in radiculopathy (pain and numbness) in my left arm, as well as daily pain in my neck and shoulders down to the middle of my back.

2. I am left-handed and an artist for a living, in which this injury has been affecting my job performance. I also have to sit a lot in front of a computer and this is the worst position to be in that causes the most pain.

3. I am taking pain medication as a way to manage my pain, but I cannot rely on this, nor do I want to continue having to take medication for an extended period of time.

4. I am still relatively young, with small children and I cannot do what I feel like I should be doing to give them adequate time, because I can barely make it through a day at work and I have to go home and just lie down to relieve my pain. It literally takes everything I have to get through my job each day; after that, I'm spent.

5. I cannot wait for up to 2 years in hopes that it might get better. I need to try to get some normalcy back in my life, not only for myself, but my wife and kids, and my career to support my family.

6. I could wait, but there is also a chance I could cause more damage and the older I get, the more difficult it is to recover from something like this.

I could probably go on, but I think you see what I'm battling with. By no means, do I want to have surgery; but as I weigh my options, I feel this is the best solution, given the circumstances.


I did speak to the Dr. again in more detail, and I was given a little more clarification on recovery. Each person is different and the scenario he gave me is the 'ideal' situation; however, based on the outcome, they will decide whether I need to stay overnight. Also, how I progress after my surgery will be the deciding factor as to when I can return to work and drive. I will just need to listen to my body, stay positive, and stick to the recovery regimen they require. That will give me the best odds of making a full recovery.

Thank you again for the feedback. As you can see from my response, I am most likely destined for surgery. I know this is a decision I have to live with for the rest of my life, but based on how I feel, I feel this is the best option I have.

I certainly welcome any additional opposition or feedback, as I think it is good to challenge my decision... it keeps me in check, and I have always enjoyed a good debate. (just ask my wife!) http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common.../icon_wink.gif

I think you should do what you feel most comfortable in doing. You have received an education to make the most informed decision possible and weighed out the pros and cons and now it is a matter of getting it scheduled. I wish you luck. Take care after as it is a major surgery and we tend to push ourselves.

Terry Newton