discs in my neck: hi i was about to go for surgery... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

31,602 members28,008 posts

discs in my neck

heartgirlx4 profile image
4 Replies

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

Written by
heartgirlx4 profile image
heartgirlx4
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
4 Replies
Natura profile image
Natura

Chiropractor?

heartgirlx4 profile image
heartgirlx4 in reply to Natura

Thanks for your reply i will enquire about that

Thanks

Barnclown profile image
Barnclown

Hello heartgirl

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

🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

heartgirlx4 profile image
heartgirlx4 in reply to Barnclown

Hi thanks for your reply i have pinched nerves left brachia ( excuse spelling)

You may also like...

Ongoing bulging disc pain

spinal clinic yesterday I have a small disc sitting in the main canal lower back, which is sitting...

Creepy crawlies in my neck and other stuff

update on things thus far....after complaint for over 7 months I have finally had my carpal tunnel...

Sudden Weakness, Headache, stiff neck, grey skin - colour just gone from my face :-(

flares and have recently started mycophenolate and have been steadily increasing the dose, after my...

Cervical disc

than fusion. I have SLE which causes a lot of my symptoms and wouldn't have known about this is not...

Visible pulse in neck

especially in my neck! When I look on the mirror you can visibly see it pulsing out of the left...