[Deemzee]

My story began in december 2010 when I began to feel intrascapular pain, then in January came pressure on the tip of my left pointer finger, then tingling in my left arm. After many opinions, the consensus is that I need a 4-level ACDF (possibly posterior as well) to correct the severe pathological kyphosis that has lead to a whole host of problems from C3-C7 (moderate to severe central stenosis, disk bulging and herniation, osteophytes, cord impingement and flattening) -- something I can't imagine doing. I've digressed a bit more over these months-- feeling tightness and numbness/pressure in my thumbs and pinkies, hands occasionally, as well pain in my neck and bottom of skull. But none of the pain rates more than a 3 or 4 at worst. And PT has helped.

In fact, my numerous NY doctors have been surprised at the relatively good shape I'm in as compared to the mess my films show. I've gotten an opinion from Dr. Bertagnoli and am awaiting word from others. Bertagnoli says fusion at C4/5 with ADR's at C3/4, C5/6, C6/7. Question is, has anybody out there had a hybrid of this magnitude done? And the bigger question (and fear) is, has anybody had a severe kyphotic deformity corrected by ADR's?? Every NY doctor says that it's crazy and won't work for a variety of reasons.

And yet, I've heard so much good about Dr B and very much want to trust his plan. It's just that there IS some sense to the concerns, especially regarding abnormal motion, instability-- typically contraindications to the use of ADRs-- And also the fact that, if I need a revision, me, my wife, and two young kids will be nearly bankrupt... so there's that...