My CSM

[MelissaErica]

Me: hi I have CSM and DDD and I had surgery 24 months ago. My spinal cord is still compressed and I live with Neurological symptoms that can get worse but not better. I am semi- stable at this moment, meaning my symptoms are not getting worse, so right now I am left with a mess a C-4/5-5/6 My Surgery was ACDF 2 level fusion that is not completely fused . What Now?

[Noneck]

I am getting a bone growth stimulaor to help with front fusion. You could possibly try that. I had acdf and posterior laminectomy at the same time. The front fusion keeps slipping forward. Still have symptoms of myelopathy. I AM SICK of going to doctors and getting no help. It will be 2 years for me in May. My neuro just sent me to phsyical therapy this is the 4th time. My neck muscles are still in knots. Pain never ends.

[MelissaErica in reply to Noneck]

Yes i had the bone growth stimulater right after surgery for many weeks. I think it helped but the fusion itself didnt close all the way ......frustrating

[Hidden in reply to Noneck]

Hi there. Have you been offered any muscle relaxant medication, such as diazepam (for short term use only) or baclofen. Some fellow myelopathy sufferers use a combination of heat/ice packs, TENs units, topical ointments like Tiger Balm or Capsaicin cream. Some folk find mindfulness or visualisation useful techniques. It might be worthwhile being referred to a pain management team for advice to find the right combination of meds & techniques for you. That said, recovery form posterior laminectomy is considered more painful, so to have that & an ACDF at the same time is a double whammy. Hugs x

[Hidden]

So sorry to hear that you are still having problems and in so much pain. It's been two years now. Has your neurosurgeon offered a repeat MRI scan seeing as you are still having symptoms? Failing that, perhaps a second opinion may yield better results. The problem with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy is that it is 1 - degenerative, so can get worse, especially due to DDD & adjacent segment disease & 2 - surgery is primarily to stop progression of myelopathic symptoms. Unfortunately, the longer surgery is left the less chance the restoration of full function is. the ball park figure is usually 4 months or less. But for many of us, diagnosis is delayed & surgery delayed due to waiting lists, so we end up with permanent disability. Recovery from spinal surgery is very slow as it takes ages for damaged neurons to regenerate, if they are going to & 2 years was the recovery time that I was given. But over 5 years on now I am left with permanent disability, which takes some time coming to terms with, but with help & support, it is possible. Sending hugs x