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My journey with a T11 to L4 spinal fusion - 40 degree scoliosis curve
Spine Health | Last Active: 19 hours ago | Replies (9)Comment receiving replies
Hi, I'm about ready to schedule cervical infusion due to pain. I have tried every injection, burning of the nerves but nothing else has worked.
I'm 56 with 14 grandkids and I need/want to be able to do more with everyone. However I'm scared to death of having it done because my neurosurgeon is wanting to do it anterior approach due to faster recovery.
The problem is I have Achalasia which effects my esophagus from my swallowing down to my stomach and I believe it will cause significant issues with these related problems.
Just checking on any advice
Replies to "Hi, I'm about ready to schedule cervical infusion due to pain. I have tried every injection,..."
@cheryl46 I am scheduled for surgery on December 11 for a different type of surgery ,(T11 to L4 fusion for 40 degree scoliosis), than you are asking about, but my surgeon is amazing based on everything that I have researched and on my evaluation appointment with him, Dr. McClendon at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Please be your own advocate and talk and ask questions of your doctors/surgeons and research what is best for your situation!!
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@cheryl46
I understand your concern. When I had my ACDF anterior discectomy/fusion, I was also dealing with swallowing and speaking issues but wasn’t sure at the time what was causing these symptoms. I ended finding out I had a large, suspicious nodule (2.5 cm) on my thyroid and believe that plus my spinal cord compression caused my symptoms. After my ACDF and later thyroid lobectomy surgery, my swallowing and speaking improved.
When they go through the front, they move the muscles rather than cut anything and navigate around esophagus/trachea/thyroid, etc. to get to your spine. They were able to remove bone spurs and my disc to fuse my C5-C6 and they put in hardware. My recovery was much easier than I expected and definitely not as painful as my lumbar spine surgery. My swallowing and speaking improved, and headaches and neck/shoulder pain improved.
What causes your Achalasia? Do you know? I wonder if it is tied to your cervical issues and compression of spinal cord/nerve roots that connect your esophagus to your brain to help you swallow. Hopefully, the surgery helps you with this. What type of doctor diagnosed your Achalasia?
I’ll pray for you to have a successful surgery and recovery and relief of your pain. Your children and grandchildren are such a blessing and you definitely want to fully be there for all of them! 🙂