Newbie

[aussie2]

Yay! Finally found somewhere where it appears others are experiencing the same frustrations as I am!

I have been in pain for over 7 years and have been doing everything I can to rid myself of it. After speaking to numerous Surgeons and Doctors who told me spinal surgery is a last resort and to come back when "i was at the end of my tether" well I think I now am.

Because the thought of surgery is very frightening I though I would see a few different surgeons and get "second opinions". My problem now is after seeing 3 surgeons they all have different opinions and recomendations.

Surgeon 1: ADR with ProDisc at C5-6 and Fusion

Surgeon 2: Nothing, as he cant identify what the problem is he cant make a recommendation other than pain meds?

Suregon 3: ADR with M6 at c5-6 without Fusion.

No one has been able to give me a diagnosis other than arthritic disc disease. Arggh! Any ideas or feedback would be great appreciated by this newbie.

[TPatti]

What level is fusion recommended, above or below adr? Is there reason that the doc that feels you need two levels addressed is not recommending a two level adr?

[aussie2]

Hi Tpatti

I have no idea, I had a CT Scan yesterday and I am waiting for a call from the Neurosurgeon that requested it so I will definately ask the question. I am also seeing another Neurosurgeon tomorrow (M6 no fusion) so hopefully he too can answer some questions I have. Its all very unerving (pardon the pun) when they all suggest a different procedure to get rid of my pain.

[newleaseonlife]

Aussie,

So sorry that you are here. Are all three surgical opinions from surgeons in Oz? Some people benefit from getting outside opinions from other countries. I think the neurosergeon was wise in getting a CT scan. That might really help.

[aussie2]

Hello Newleaseonlife,

Yes i did consider going O/S for surgery but I have just gone interstate for an appointment with another Neurosurgeon who was just fantastic. He spent a lot of time reviewing my scans and history and has recommended cervical disc replacement at level 5/6 using M6 without fusion. This is scheduled for the 14th June, bit scary but the thought of being out of this pain is just fantastic.

[Grover771]

Hi aussie2,
Sorry you have to be here too, but you've definitely found the best place to share your story. We are all very supportive of each other. Congrats on the upcoming surgery. I'm in Dallas (Texas) waiting for my appt. tomorrow, which I hope will end with a set date for my surgery.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

[TPatti]

Originally Posted by aussie2

Hello Newleaseonlife,

Yes i did consider going O/S for surgery but I have just gone interstate for an appointment with another Neurosurgeon who was just fantastic. He spent a lot of time reviewing my scans and history and has recommended cervical disc replacement at level 5/6 using M6 without fusion. This is scheduled for the 14th June, bit scary but the thought of being out of this pain is just fantastic.

Seems like you found a doctor that you are comfortable with and it is great that you do NOT need a fusion!

[Harrison]

Aussie, do you have any idea what started the pain 7 years ago?

[aussie2]

Harrison I believe it was due to a car accident about 9 years ago where I was rear ended. Although my neck was not terribly sore straight after the accident, I started experiencing pain on and off a few months after.