Giant thoracic disc prolapse and thoracic surgery

[Mymountain]

Hi there. I am not sure exactly how this site works or if I am posting this in the right place? I posted this weeks ago under neuro support but have not had any replies so thought I'd try here?! I have recently been diagnosed with severe spinal cord compression as a result of a thoracic disc prolapse. Whilst my symptoms are currently remarkably quite subtle (mainly pins and needles and spasms in one of my legs) I am at high risk of total paralysis from the waist down. I have been offered thoracic surgery which apparently is pretty major and very high risk. Given the fact that I am still fully mobile and active I am facing a huge dilemma over what to do. Thoracic disc prolapses are apparently very rare so I am struggling to find anyone who has gone through or who is experiencing something similar. I would therefore be interested to hear from anyone who has a thoracic disc problem or who has gone through or is contemplating thoracic surgery.....thanks in advance.

[johnsmith]

online.boneandjoint.org.uk/...

This gives information on the subject.

What is needed is what is the MRI scan result?

No two people are alike in causes for particular symptoms. You are reliant on the skill of the surgery on the day and time of the operation.

Wolfes law may have a bearing on your problem.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/806...

backtochiropractic.net/PDF/...

You say: "Given the fact that I am still fully mobile and active I am facing a huge dilemma over what to do."

Anything I suggest you must discuss with the medical doctor who has the symptom results of MRI or x-ray.

Have a look at the following British Medical Journal Youtube URLs concerning the Alexander Technique.

youtu.be/3GbwzqT9piU(Not working as expected?)

youtu.be/BXmimtk381U(Not working as expected?)

The Thoracic disc prolapse may have been caused by muscular behaviour applying too much pressure on the spinal column by activities you engage in. Trying to put on Underpants/knickers or socks can cause an lot of pressure on the spine if these actions are done in a problematic way over a long period of time.

Leg muscles which are too tight will apply pressure on bone in ways that can cause unwanted pressure in the wrong places.

The Alexander Technique may reduce the muscle problems that may reduce the need for instant surgery to one of lets see how it goes. You have something that needs MRI scan consideration.

Hope I have been helpful.

[Mymountain in reply to johnsmith]

Thanks for this. Videos are interesting...I will look into this but think that my back problems may be far too gone. I have had MRI scans which show 98% spinal cord compression! I am in discussion with medical practitioners but was keen to see if there is anyone out there who has experience of something similar as there do not appear to be any support networks / forums for this condition.

[Emma2017]

I am sorry but cannot help you. Have had 3 large disc prolapses but in the more conventional lumbar region.

It is a huge dilemma for you. You could ask for a second opinion to make sure that this is the only solution maybe?

If the second opinion is the same as the first then I personally would seriously consider surgery.

[Mymountain in reply to Emma2017]

Appreciate your reply thank you. Currently waiting for a referral for a second opinion.

[Jtal19305]

Hello,

Can you provide some more information? What level of the spine? How many levels? What is the actual surgery being proposed (how will the surgeon enter - front, side, back?, will you get hardware installed, etc.). What is the level of compression and how many milimeters of canal space is available. You need to get a lot of information from multiple medical professionals as well as independent doctors on your situation to fully assess it. You should also have MRI, x-rays, Catscans done with and without contrast to assess the level of compression.

I had a back surgery which was in two levels - T12-L1 and L2-3. I can tell you that it is not something I would ever want anyone to go through, and if I could go back in time, I would probably take my chances without surgery. If you can provide more information about your situation and options, perhaps telling you about my experience can be helpful but I cannot know that without knowing a little more.

thanks

JT

[Mymountain in reply to Jtal19305]

Hi there. Thanks for the above. I would be interested to hear more about your experiences. I have 98% spinal cord compression at T7/T8 due to huge calcification (according to MRI scan). Surgery would be via the chest and is considered to be high risk, hence my dilemma, whilst I am still mobile....

[Jtal19305]

Hello Mountain,

How old are you? This is an important factor I forgot to ask you but if you are young, you could have many years of issues ahead of you if the surgery goes bad. If you are older (>65), you have lived a good portion of your life with this disk calcification and although it is not ideal, you are still mobile and getting about. Perhaps your body as adjusted to it despite the 98% compression which is just a calculated number. I cannot offer any medical advice and can only express my own experiences but my surger was at T12-L1 and the surgeon came in from the back which is a safer entry but has its drawbacks too. The surgeon has to cut through back muscle and cut away most of the spinal bones (lamina, facet joints, etc.) to decompress and place pedicle screws (4 of them) and rods (two vertical and one horizontal). Honestly I cannot feel anything present in my back and I do not have back pain that is abnormal. The surgeon stated the decompression was a "success" based on the technical aspects of the surgery (i.e., the bones were removed adequately for decompression, the disc center remover and replaced with a interbody fusion insert which was expanded, and the hardware landed in properly). Of course, surgery like this is highly dependent on the skills of the surgeon, and the patient's situation and of course, the patient's recovery response. If the surgeon is off, or something was missed, or scar tissue was generated due to extra intervention and time needed to perform the operation, unexpected issues intraoperative and post-operative issues can arise. This was my case as I awoke from surgery with a burning pain in the sole of my left foot that was so bad it was a 10 on the pain scale. And despite massive opiates in my system the pain was unbearable yet I had to bear the pain. The pain lasted and lasted for many months (6-8 months) before it diminished a bit but the discomfort burning pain is still present in my left foot and at time my right foot which I need try to manage with pain medication. I thought this pain would go away but I am still dealing with 4 years later! Each case is different, if I had to do it all over again, I would NOT get back surgery, and take my chances. My back was like that for years before the doctors got to analyzing me, and yes I had some symptoms but if I would have rested it may of gone away.