Straw poll and any comments please re surgery.

[Calceolaria]

Clearly, everyone on here suffers from pain. I'm on the very fringes of accepting surgery having dithered about for months - double discectomy with fixation, to my cervical spine (neck), but I have reservations, mostly to do with sheer terror. And also, if I overcome all the reservations, will it be worth it ! I don't hear many on here commenting on surgery and although it seems no-one can help me reach a decision, not even the medics these days, I was just wondering - if any of you are in a similar position ? I'm not sure I want to hear from anyone who has had a disastrous experience - I'm fully aware of those scenarios - and I realise success stories will not usually appear on here but...I'm not sure what I'm asking of you really !!! The reason for the surgery is non-dangerous ( at the moment ) instability, from trauma. One vertebra has slipped over another and the ones above and below are doing their own thing as a result. The neck is stiff but the shoulders are very painful but no clear neuropathic issues. I also have lots of low back problems and the whole thing leads to a mostly painful life these days, though its variable at times, which confuses me terribly.

[tettridge]

Hi

I am so sorry to hear of your problem, with regard the surgery then you obviously need it as without you could potentially become paralysed so you have no option. these days surgery on the spine has gotten so good you have no need to worry providing you do as they say and do the exercises and do not do it to enthusiastically at first, gently and regularly that is the normal, if it starts to hurt stop, do not try to work through the pain as it is telling you that it has done enough.

Do not worry they are so good you will feel the difference immediately (I Did)

Take care and kindest regards

Terry

[Calceolaria]

Thanks Terry, that's heartening indeed. Tell me, did you have any input from Pain Management? Mine are definitely inferring that this condition could be managed conservatively.

[earthwitch]

I have neck problems too, that are progressing, and causing me a lot of bother, but I'm also incredibly nervous about surgery to that area, as it doesn't have a particularly good success rate. if it was the lumbar spine I'd say yes straight off, but the neck is far more dicey. I think I'd want to do some more talking to the consultant about the implications of not doing the surgery - is it going to get worse, are there any situations where your spinal cord could be at greater risk, how likely is it that it would progress to severe damage, and is there anything else you could do to help it without surgery. Also, something I am thinking about is asking if its worth having a custom rigid collar made for sleeping in, as that is the worst time for my neck (when I am horizontal). In some ways I'm a bit surprised that they are even considering surgery if it isn't seriously impinging on nerves right now, but then, i don't know what the damage actually is.

For other areas further down the spine, I can say I've just had a trial anaesthetic + cortisone injection and its worked wonders. It was a Pain Management doctor who did it. I have a friend who has five or six done at a time, and it can last her months before she needs it re-doing, and she really does have severe pain if she leaves it.

[Calceolaria]

Thanks Earthwitch. I see the surgeon on Monday to rake it all over. Those are the kinds of questions I will be revisiting, thanks.

The stats for this op are actually extremely good with very positive results. I just don't want to have invasive ( even if it's micro) surgery to my almost brain if I don't have to. The condition I have comes with additional extras! Tinnitus constantly and a roaring pulse in my ears when I stand up or twist to the side. It would be nice to lose these annoying companions too!

[Jamie186 in reply to Calceolaria]

Hi again, sorry but I missed the most important bit, since the operation in 1973 I've been great, played squash, table tennis e t c, but alas for a Welshman the surgeon said no rugby, perhaps thats why our International side are playing so well, "no booing at the back" (excuse the pun) Ca,l keep smiling, it's the best cure.

[Jamie186]

Hi Calceolania, as I've read on these pages, many times, we are not medical people, however I can only give you my experiences and sympathy. I am in exactly the same situation as you, other than my pain is in the lower lumber region

but the procedure is the same. I have actually booked the date (7/01/2014) for it to be done privately. I have the same feelings of terror as you do, but mine are tempered by the fact I had a similar operation in 1973, when procedures were not so advanced and knowledge has advanced. In addition I've come to the conclusion of what ever happen's it cant be much worse, e g cant walk far, constant pain, and so on. I would listen to terry as his experiences have have been positive and encouraging, so I wish you all the best, and be lucky.

[Reykua]

All surgery is terrifying.

Terry and Jamie have clearly outlined some the issues and together with Earthwitch's suggestions, virtually cover everything. I'd just like to add that my surgeon friends have always suggested a really good session with the Anaesthetist prior to the operation as they are a crucial and integral part of the process and the accuracy of their interventions can be a deciding factor in the success of the procedure.

Courageously making an informed choice is the way to go. My aunt now has a 'titanium rod back' and has to carry a medical letter to get herself through airport security but is happier and more active now than she's been for the last ten years.

I hope this is helpful.

Stay Positive, Stay Strong

[rowantree]

I'm in a similar dilemma, but not for such a scary reason. I see why you're so worried about an op on your neck. But others suggest its worth it. I have to make a decision about a foot operation, I am in constant pain, can't walk far etc, but I'm worried about the success rate and recovery time. It's a very hard decision to make.

[Calceolaria]

Thanks everyone, very much. We certainly inhabit a strange world, don't you think ?

[Hidden]

I empathise,it's such an important decision to make and it must be right for you.

The neck and lower spine communicate with each other so that's why your lower back is sore too. The nature of chronic pain is that it is variable, you have your main injury causing pain, then you have compensation pain on top. This is the variable pain. Stabalising the spine will reduce compensation pain. (Very simply if you hurt your left foot, you use you right leg more, then your right hip becomes sore).

[coolpolitealex]

Only you know, but surgery is a serious thing on your spine and as someone who has lived with severe pain myself, I would only agree if I was on my last leg's, as there is good pain meds out there, and as long as you use them like a tool, then I would persevere with them, if I were you...because you can be a lot worse .

But I would let your doctor guide you best wishes Alex