Hi @jenapower. For some partial (but hopefully worthwhile) answers to your quandaries, check out my message above in this discussion, dated December 17, 2016. Now, over six months later, my friend remains in top shape, good health, highly active, and happy as a lark that she had two artificial discs installed mid-cervical. She had the work done in Germany a few years ago (9, I think) and by now, American medicine should have caught up to that technology, which she was unable to find in this country. Let me know if you're interested in more information on her adventure. Martin

Martin, Thank you, I actually did read that post and that's what prompted me to write my own. I think my concern is that I have three levels not two. I do have a doctor that is head of neurosciences/neurosurgery at our largest hospital here that does do this type of surgery. I've been to him but we haven't discussed disc replacement yet. He wanted a bunch of test done first. I just wanted to hear from people who have had it done with more than the approved two level, if it's possible in the US, or if it has to be a combination of one fuse level and two replace levels. I really don't know the answers. But I'd like to hear it from patients, not the doctors. Really don't want to go to Germany unless I have to. Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. Jennifer

Hi jenapower,
I have been dealing with cervical and lumbar spinal issues for about 13 years. At the beginning, it started with the cervical spine. I had 2 steroidal shots that helped for a number of years. Then my lumbar spine started to cause issues. I saw 4 docs and NONE of them were able to help me. I took shots and did other therapies and the most I would get was a week or possibly 2 of relief.

I moved to Central Florida and did a lot of research and found a GREAT pain doc. He has been working on my lumbar spine for 3 years. He is able to hit the right spot and I usually get 8-12 weeks of relief. That is until my last shot that I messed up by doing too much work around my house.

For the first time in many years my cervical spine has acted up. My great pain doc has not been able to give me any real relief. After 'walking' around with both cervical and lumbar pain at the same time. I decided to see a neurosurgeon. He decided that the cervical spine was worse and since I haven't been able to get it under control, surgery was the way to go. My hubby and I agreed.

Yesterday, I have surgery on my C5/6 spine which was causing some serious stenosis and worsening my arthritis. He explained the 2 choices, disc fusion or disc replacement. I opted for the replacement which he fells is the better option. He explained, in lay terms, that the fusion would eventually 'collapse' on the other vertebra, requiring more surgery. I opted for the replacement. He removed the 2 discs and replaced it with 2 artificial ones.

As you can see, it is very early. I am uncomfortable and sore. Funny, my right shoulder hurts, I am guessing it is the way the positioned me. My throat is sore, which I was told could happen and my chest hurts. I was sleeping in my bed OK, but my chair puts me in a better position.

I realize you wrote this a while ago, but it was recommended to me that I write you. What was your decision? Did you have surgery??

Ronnie
(grandmanr)