Back Pain Support Group

Hi, I am looking at the same surgery, sounds like you and I have all the same symtems. Many people have had good results, and actually I am looking forward to mine if the epiderals dont work. I know 3 people personally who have had this done and they are happy with their results. Be sure your doctor knows what he is doing! Good luck to you

Hello Carolina. I've had cervical spine pain (degenerative discs, pinched nerves) for years. I know why the old saying "A PAIN IN THE NECK" came to be (instead of "a pain the the arm/foot/etc)...it hurts more than other areas! As for your surgery, check the experience of your surgeon/hospital before deciding. More than 20 yrs ago I had 2 spinal surgeries (a week apart) on my thoraxic/lumbar areas, with steel rod and hooks/staples implanted; scoliosis from polio caused awful pain. The metal is still in place, the skill of the surgeon was tops, but I now have post-polio syndrome muscle weakness to deal with. (But that's another story) Check with the surgeon if he has a 'support group' of patients who have 'been there, done that' and meet/talk with them. That was an important part of my decision, so many patients gave such great 'after-surgery' stories.
But, in the end, only YOU can decide to go on that 'adventure'. Life has risks every minute of every day, so keep the faith, and God bless you. (Sending you a big hug today)

i had three lower with hardware. several years ago . feb 1st 06 i had neck upper back at the same time. had no choice but have it done or walk around the rest of my life knowing one little fall the wrong way could parlize me . went to a dr everyone said was the best. she sent me to a neuro brain surgeron . he was afraid to do it and afraid not to . i ask him if it was him would he have it done. he said yes i said you have my answer theni had neck donar bone and hardware they had to trim bone off spinal cord sixteen stapels in back .over ten hrs and im still here would do it again if nessary. just believe everything is going to be ok . i knew all the things that could happen . but you cant dwell on that .

Hi CC, I have had more than 17 surgerical procedures done on my back and pelvis and was to have C4 & C5 fused due to compression and wedge fractures but I decided against it as my pain was worse between my shoulder blades and I had a labinectomy at T9-10-11 and then a denervation procedure at the same location and it needs surgery. I have been looking into the newest procedures and microsurgery seems to be the newest and very successful procedures. Most of their clients are failed surgeries and scar tissue removal - I will give you the link to the place I have got most of my information - also have a look at my pics on my profile page and you will see an xray showing the rod at T9 - T10 - T11 and a few artery clips they left in and note the different sizes of the screw on top vs the screw on the bottom as I think the screw is in my facet joint because its too long. Anyway here's the link and e-mail me anytime... Cheers, Reg http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/

Hi
I went through the same thing. Years of awful pain, shoulders set lopsided, felt like my right arm the bones were being crushed, pins n needles and numbness and weakness in right arm. So I do understand all about the pain.
I did have the surgery. I have a double fusion with titanium plates & screws. C-4 to C-6 laminectomy (sorry about spelling) I was also scared. But when I woke up from the surgery, Yes I was in pain from surgery, but I could tell a difference once I was awake. My shoulders set straight, the agonizing pain was gone and I did regain some strength back in my arm. I still do have the pins & needles, and I do get some pain, but honestly, it is nothing compared to before I had the surgery.
They did my surgery from the front of my neck. The recovery time for that is alot quicker than if they go through the back of neck.
I was back to work part-time in 2 weeks and fulltime in 4 weeks. The worse part of the surgery is a sore throat. I was only on the hospital 24 hours and I did just fine. I do recommend a good comfy recliner for when you go home. It is easier to sleep in that than a bed. Getting out of bed after neck surgery is a pain in the neck literally. I did sleep in my chair for a month.
I would recommend cervical spine surgery. But not lumbar. I also had that done and that one never again.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Just do ask all questions and if you are not comfy with the surgeon ask for another opinion. That is your right.
Jewellz

I had a major surgery on my back at the beginning of may. Be prepared for the first couple of weeks to be the hardest! But everyday you feel a little better.

I had C6 and C7 fused using my own bone from a part of my pelvis. It releaved the function but not all the pain. I too was facing being paralized. I would not have used my own pelvis bone...this was done in 1992. I used a renowed neurosurgeon.

If you read Should I be in Pain in the messages you will see I am facing a serious surgery on my C1 and C2 the rest of my back is inoperative. I have turned them down and turned them down.

I pray you anr yours will benifit from the surgery...it is hard the first few weeks but like everyone said you do get better.

I am not sure which surgery they want to do but I had surgery on my neck in 03. It was the best thing I ever did. The pain in my arm was so bad I wanted my husband to cut it off. The surgery really helped me for several years. It was not fun by any means but the recovery was fairly easy. They removed bone from my hip and put it in my neck. If you see a neurosurgeon that you trust, I wouldn't be so worried. They are very skilled. My disc had herniated and attached itself to my spine. It was almost an 8 hour surgery but I felt so much better afterwards. If I can be of any help please let me know. Hugs KIM

I have a disk bulge in my neck. I couldn't imagine what you are going through with your neck. I hope that you will be able to make a well informed decision with posts and info that is out there. The only thing that I can suggest is that everyone is different. Research and when you think that you are done research again. I have learned so much from my friends here and that is one thing that has helped me. I have chronic pain and if it wasn't for my friends here I prob would have already smacked someone. Hope the best for you.

I am so happy I found this thread. I was diagnosed with "Mild degeneration" in several of my Neck Discs and it causes so much pain.. Pins and Needles type pain plus nothing seems to feel normal in my neck or shoulders ever. I am in the military and my job requires me to lift heavy stuff and push around heavy stuff all the time... I am seeing a Spine Doctor very soon and they will hopefully set me up with a good treatment program. I would love to believe I can heal from this because I can't keep living in this much pain and be functional.