Has anyone had ACDF/Discectomy & Spinal Fusion Surgery?

[nurseblue]

Has anyone had this surgery? I’m a potential candidate for this is have large herniated discs in C5-6 & C7-8.

My Neurosurgeon said that first option would be a nerve block of pain wasn’t improving (it isn’t) but I feel this would only help pain and wouldn’t sort out the problem itself.

I’m a 30 year old young woman, a nurse and a hopeful mother to be in the near future. I dread the thought of leaving the career I’ve worked too hard on, and also can’t bear the thought of not being able to carry a pregnancy due to my back being as bad as it is (my back is in a BAD way, and it’s more than just the above discs that are herniated, but those are the ones causing the main pain)

Any advice would be amazing.

Thanks everyone 🥺

[penny]

I can only say that a Body Realigner may be able to help. Perhaps if you contacted Jan Trewartha she could advise as she teaches Body Realignment and Scar and Bonework. (She’s an ex-nurse.)

[rafael in reply to penny]

Hi. I had fusion in the base of my spine nearly 20 years as I had degeneration of discs. The surgery went well and I was told that the metalwork and cage would last 10 years. I’ve been in a lot of pain around that area but I think it’s arthritis.

I also had fusion in C4, 5 and 6 3 years ago and I didn’t have such a good surgery. I’m still in constant pain around the area.

Hope this helps

[penny in reply to rafael]

I can only repeat that a chat with Jan Trewartha would be a good idea. Just think of all that scar tissue! Scar tissue is usually bad news if not treated. Good luck.

[singingtheblues]

Hi I'm not sure on any advise as I have been very unfortunate. I've struggled for 32 years, I had a accident in 1988 at 28 years old I had a discsectomy in 1990 this caused further prolapse as they made the hole to big to remove a piece of disc embedded in my spinal cord. I've had 6 operations in total including a spinal fusion in 1994. In 2015 they remove metal from my back which had been trapping nerves for 21 years. Unfortunately I've had some skillful but arrogant Doctors on the way who now refuse to touch me because they say fibromyalgia would make things worse and put me in a wheelchair. I guess overall I'm walking when I first had the accident I struggled to do that but now have arthritis in my back. My trade was engineering but a few years after the accident I was self employed respraying cars. I have been retired for 10 years because of I'll health. I have spoke to people who have had spinal fusions that have been more fortunate than me. I'm sorry this isn't a positive reply only you can make this decision with your surgeons advice. I wish you all the best

[penny in reply to singingtheblues]

My answer, singing the blues, is the same as for rafael; it sounds as if you desperately need some scar work done by someone trained by Sharon Wheeler from Seattle or Jan Trewartha. There are quite a few of us around.

[skit]

Hi, nurseblue, None of here is speaking in a professional capacity. I have back issues. It seems many people with Fibro diagnosis have🤔 The experience I have had concerns with nerve blocks, They injections can be very painful and results not very long-lasting. I have had surgery suggested to me. My mother had the surgery in her later life I am at present almost 25 years younger. It makes me wonder if I should consider it .