hi i was about to go for surgery on my discs in my neck, but after having a pre op and seeing the anethetist they have told me that i cant have the op as im a high risk of a MI or a stroke, so im waiting to go back to see someone at the hospital as to whats the alternative
please advise if you can. thanks in advance
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heartgirlx4
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Am v much feeling for you...I've been managing both infant onset lupus + several bad cervical discs & spondylosis throughout my spine since a childhood injury (a fall on head from height)..maybe something in my story can be helpful:
While ortho & neuro surgeons investigated + did imaging etc etc & dithered over surgery, my gps had me on useless prescription NSAIDs & analgesics for years, NHS physio was totally ineffective. I got the most benefits from judicious daily use of orthotics (cervical collars, seat wedges, lumbar wedges, heat pads etc etc), the Alexander Technique, massage, meditation and certain body therapies cautiously practiced (pilates, yoga, tai chi)
...I gave every complimentary therapy etc a good trial: avoiding osteopaths & chiropractors manipulating my neck (best to avoid this...with your history ANY body work therapist who presumes to manipulate your neck is to be viewed with extreme suspicion!)
Finally in 1998 I was booked for a NHS double cervical discectomy at my university hospital which I dreaded and suspected could be more drastic treatment than was actually necessary at the time. I had my toothbrush & pjs packed when at the v last minute, I asked the eminent neuro surgeon to review my case & suggest alternatives. His registrar re examined me & suggested he refer me to pain clinic for a second opinion. The result was 10 + years of successfully treating & minimising my problem via a series of bilateral cervical facet joint Denervation operations by my HERO Pain Consultant, who organised long rehab periods including IMS (intramuscular stimulation, a type of deep acupuncture by certified practitioners)
Now I'm v glad I stalled that double discectomy...for these reasons: back then my infant onset lupus diagnosis & my primary immunodeficiency were unrecognised, as well as my vascular ehlers danlos issues (which include dysautonomia requiring special anaesthetic etc)
It's clear to my doctors & me that I could well yet need those cervical discectomies, but I'm now in much less spine-related pain thanks to my Pain Consultant + my combined therapy daily prescription lupus meds (begun 5 years ago when a brilliant thrums finally recognised my life long immune dysfunction & connective tissue disorder) ...and I know that in my case surgery will always be a last resort: when & if I ever have surgery again, the medics will be fully aware of the issues involved in my case generally
I hope something in there is useful to you
Do you know details of your issues, e.g. Is there nerve root & spinal cored involvement?
Take care, ask lots of questions & please let us know how you get on
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