Hello! My story

[tmont]

Hi john,

Looks like you're going to have to move quickly. Here's a list from the FAQ:

http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums/a/t...1/m/3431000181

But I'm sure there are some other names and centers to add to that list and more importantly, people here who will be able to chime in on their own experiences within the continental US. Are you willing/able to travel outside Florida?

As for whether you're a candidate for ADR or fusion, only a surgeon can give you an opinion. But as a three-level case, you might want to see if you can get them all done at once (just my opinion based on what I see here in this practice).

Praying for your way to be made (speedily) clear....hang in there.


Trace

[Terry]

John:

Cervical ADR is less risky than lumbar due to your neck not having to support as much weight as the lumbar region. I don't know how good of condition you are in but, at 47, you are still young and I personally would opt for the ADR.

Three level is an aggressive surgery but should be done at the same time to avoid further scar tissue and possible complications.

Hate to push you but, do you have a lot of time for second opinions? It sounds like you have to do something pronto! What did the doctor say about your risk for paralysis?

Hang in there and we'll be rooting for you.

Terry Newton

[John]

I had two level fusion on wednesday my spine measured like 7mm. on the x-ray and was being crushed nown to 2 1/2 mm had to do levels 5 and 6. hard to beleive I could talk after this and really felt like i had a sore throat. I ate regular food 1 hour after surgery. Was under about 4 hours my MRI was 4 months ago and things were going downhill quickly as vertigo was starting to set in.Just wanted to keep you updated and to say thanks for your support. JOHN

[Lisibug]

Somehow I never read your original posts. I know another man with a similar story to yours, even a bit more severe, who ended up with an emergency 4 level ADR a few years ago and is doing well. It's so good to hear that you're okay. Your throat will get better and your vertigo should go away, too. I've had a cervical fusion and 2-1/2 years later a 3 level ADR. Fusion is a big surgery and it will take you awhile to heal. The hard part is being patient. Hope you are able to take it easy and have enough meds to help you be more comfortable. Glad you're okay - what a scary road you've been on!

[John]

Happy Holidays to all of you. Thank you for being here to help me through all this.May all of you have a greatand problem free New Year.
Thank You! JOHN

[John]

Just wanted to say hi I am 70 days out of surgery and doing well. I will see the doc. on the 28th and hope to be fully released.By the way I hated wearing that neck brace. My left foot has some residual pain but I am glad to be alive. I have already rode my motorcycle and will find out if thats ok to do in a couple of more weeks. LOL Yes I know I am not supposed to but thats how i got like this.

[Terry]

John:

It's a common theme for men not to follow doctor's orders.

That's why we die younger!

Hope you continue to heal and get better.

Terry Newton

[John]

Thanks Terry BTW when I lookat you sig. line I feel like a whiner LOL. Wouldn't want to go through all that.

[KL Aguilar]

My situation is similar to yours, John, same levels involved and compression at C5-6, but not quite as much as yours, nor are my symptoms as severe. I am not a good candidate for ADR as I have facet problems at C5-6. I am also moving toward surgery at C5-6 and 6-7.

Glad to read of your success.

[John]

The doctor who did my surgery was honest with me and said I might not see any improvement at all. The MRIs showed my spinal cord getting crushed like a ribbon and he was just trying to address the immediate danger of possibly never standing up or walking again. HE said the surgery could go bad and I might wake up paralyzed so I am happy to ba alive and walking. Anything else is just cake to me.