ACDF 5/6 and pinched nerves leg weakness

@rico2 Hello Rico and welcome to Connect. If you have spinal cord compression in your neck, it can cause leg weakness. I had that situation from a disc osteophyte complex from a collapsed C5/C6 that was pushing on my spinal cord. I did have an ACDF procedure which resolved that problem. If I understand ankylosing spondylitis, this does cause continuing bone growth in the vertebrae.. correct?

One thought I have is how about a stool to sit on for cleaning the cat box? I did that when I was recovering from a broken ankle to clean the box for my kitties. It would be easier to get up and it is easier if you have something to push on like a standard walker with the legs opened out. I have one of those too as I used it in the early days of the injury because it was more stable than crutches. I used a folding camp stool. You can usually find used walkers at resale shops for a reasonable amount. It can support you while you are trying to move your legs.

Jennifer

My doctor explained ankylosing spondylitis as growth of bone that can actually fuse joints together - my words. I am finding it harder to bend and turn so something is going on. Because of that I will put cat box up higher. They will learn to use it hopefully.

I am seeing neurosurgeon soon to find out what he thinks. My army neurosurgeon said that since I have had the ac/df 5/6 the next surgery - if needed - will be through back of neck which will be major surgery he said. At my age of 70 I am thinking living with arms going numb making me drop things and all the other problems is better than a major surgery.

@rico2 spine surgery through the back of the neck is more painful because of going through the muscles that you use to support the spine. The recovery would be longer. This is what my surgeon told me. They do this to avoid creating excessive scar tissue.

Did your surgeon explain why this would be major surgery and how many levels would be involved?

I think your kitties will adapt to a box placed up higher as long as it is stable and wouldn’t tip over if they walk on the edge. A box with high sides like a tote bin can be better since they can miss the box with their aim. They also need a landing spot on the table so they are not jumping and grabbing the side of the box which would be a disaster and train them against using it.

How many cats do you have?

My neurosurgeon talked about fusing entire neck - I simplified it. I know several people who have had similar surgery and they are miserable with left over pain and have to turn their entire body to see to the sides. I’m seeing a community care neurosurgeon in 2 weeks to get a second opinion. I love my VA doctors but I really wanted a second opinion. Community Care is local doctors outside of the VA paid for by VA. I never thought my years in Army would be so helpful now because who can afford a huge bill especially for me as I am a disabled vet.

I have two cats so I have 2 litter boxes. I have an old table about waist tall I will use and I can come up with a stepping stool so they don’t have to jump. I may build them a ladder so no jumping needed.

@rico2 Getting multiple opinions before you decide on spine surgery is a very good idea. I had 6 opinions before I had my cervical surgery, and only one of the surgeons really understood the problem. You're right, spine surgery is very expensive. I hope you get some other options other than a full neck fusion. That would be hard to live with. You are welcome to share and discuss any other medical opinions.

Thank you for your military service. I hope the VA takes good care of you.

I have 3 cats, and the 2 girls will take a half lap around the tub deck in the bathroom, hop onto a windowsill above tub, and leap up onto the framework of the shower box that is next to the tub, so they are up there above my head looking down on me, and the other will jump up on top of an armoire in the bedroom that backs up against the common wall that the shower is on, and the kitties will swat at each other through the doorway 7 feet above the floor. The kitty on the shower box frame will get on top of the open door for better access to poke the cat on the armoire. All of them are athletic and can fly through the air like circus performers. The boy kitty likes belly rubs and he likes to be held or curl up next to me. All 3 were adopted from shelters.

Your cats must give you some enjoyment and a good laugh once in awhile. It's fun when cats have another cat to play with.

Cats are a release of tension because you get to laugh at their antics. At least for me.

My next medical will be my lumbar vertebrae. I have 3 bulging discs and supposedly 2 vertebrae that have slipped a little which I didn’t think was possible. I have neuropathy in both feet and legs to the point I have broken 2 toes from stubbing them but I don’t feel it. But I never had my legs refuse to work until after my ACDF 5/6. I am told they think I should have surgery to fuse basically most of my lower back. Years of abusing my body in the army is coming back to haunt me. I have a world class neurosurgeon at the VA according to several neurosurgeons I talked to. He actually taught the surgeon I am going to see in a couple of weeks.

So will see what he says. Always a better day