Spinal Surgery: What should I expect?

Had cervical surgery two years ago. Have two spacers in neck and fused discs. No choice. My arms tingled. My hands were numb and practically useless. I could be walking along and suddenly fall. I have degenerated bones, scoliosis, bone spurs and all. After broken hip and elbow, it was operation or wheelchair. They went through the back. Had therapy. Have constant pain but it's low and I really don't notice it. Have not fallen since. It's not perfect but when I consider the alternative it's okay. I am an active 80 year old and able to function and care for myself. Check out your choices and pray. I take an Advil only when necessary.

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

Thank you Jo54, really appreciate your comments. Actually I'm in my early 60s and don't want to wait till I'm 80. My mother had serious back problems, and her early to mid 80s she started to fall from the pain, the Drs insisted that she do the back surgery that she didn't want to do for 20 years, and she passed away two months later. I'm very glad you're OK, but I don't want to wait that long to take care of this problem. I know that it gets harder and harder to recover from as we age. I really do not want my neck fused because I still am active and drive and want to exercise etc. My injuries I have were caused because of a horseback riding accident, and then a skiing accident. I have always been a very active person and I'd like to go back to being that way. Maybe not quite as active as I was when I did that which wasn't very long ago. Cautiously active, Jennifer

I have had two spine surgeries, neither of which was worth the effort. I had intense pain at about the #4 level, and just into the tail bone. I have a lot of Ankylosing Spondilitis, Stenosis, Amyloidos nodules, and several crushed disks. What should have been the top of the tail bone broke off in a fall at age 8. Anyway, the #4 spot and others were cleaned out a few years ago. However, in recovery, the nurse did not follow the doctor orders. I heard the surgeon not to give me any opiates or other pain meds. However, when I had pain, she gave me a shot of something (I suspect morphine). This was in Oregon. I woke up about 12 hours later just knowing I was in jail in Butte, Montana serving a life sentence for vagrancy. Found out later I had broken the restraints, as I had also done in another hospital in Phoenix, years earlier. I would tell you more about my AMY, but you would have to request it privately. Hang in there. It can get better, but it is not all up to the Docs. Most is up to you.

To Oldkarl, How do you get it privately? From Marie

Most of the questions you're asking are things I would expect would be rightly addressed with your surgeon. Having had the exact cervical spine surgery you've mentioned, it is my opinion that the "fix" would happen at the same time. Multiple surgeries seems excessive and needlessly jeopardize you, besides contending with two surgeries and healing timelines. Get a copy of your MRI - and have two other consults with a surgeon outside of the practice you're working with, something you should schedule. You can get referrals from your insurance provider for at least 2 other surgeons opinions, take your MRI and go with all your questions written down. It would be thoughtful to ask each of the physicians you confer with, to give you his/her recommendation, never sharing what the previous Dr has said. You are entitled to have multiple second opinions, that are usually covered by your insurance provider.
Here's hoping you've been working on physical therapy and pain management, before reaching a surgical decision.
I empathize with your discomfort and justifiable concerns, but understand you must exhaust all your pre-surgical options, as I mentioned, before going under the knife.
It will be 5 years since I had my surgery and if you want me to weigh in on anything related to your decision process, don't hesitate to ask.
PS
When you hear the Drs talk about surgical options, it's scary and uncomfortable, so do take a friend -- and have them take notes.
Best of luck and trust your surgeon!!!

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)

Hi All,
Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced with artificial ones.

I have been dealing with cervical and lumbar stenosis for over 10 years. For me, it started with horrible pain down my left arm into my fingers. I went to see my wonderful orthopedist because I was certain I had reinjured my left shoulder for the 3rd time. It was fine. I was sent to 2 other doctors who also found nothing wrong. I was starting to feel like I was losing my mind. My orthopedist finally sent me to a pain doctor who finally diagnosed me with cervical spine issues. He gave me a shot and put me into PT. Between both, I was fine for over 3-4 years.

Next came the pain down my legs. I had lots of issues with my lower back when I was in my 20s. Each started after having a baby, but the chiropractor was able to help me and the pains went away. When the pains started about in my late 40s/early 50s, I started to see another pain mgt. doctor. After trying many times, he could not help me. My journey to find a doc to help started. I saw 4 docs in New Jersey. One helped my neck when it acted up but none could help my lumbar spine.

When I moved to Central Florida, the 2nd doc I saw was my miracle doc! Sadly, he has not been able to deal with my neck. I had been told many years ago and then it was confirmed that my cervical spine was worse than my lumber spine and I would need surgery. Not if, but when. With the successes I had previous years, it really went off my radar. When the pain returned and my miracle doc could not help, I decided it was time to see a specialist. I found a neurologist who specializes in the spine and brain. He also felt the cervical spine needed attention first. So, as I said at the beginning, yesterday I had the surgery.

After much discussion, it was decided I'd have C5/6 disc replaced with an artificial one. It was felt that that is where I'd get the 'most bang for my buck". I see the doc for my follow=up in 2 weeks and at 6 weeks. At that time I should know where I stand. At that time, we will see if I need any more surgery on other areas of my cervical spine or/and what we will do with my lumbar spine. For right now i will continue with the shots in my lumbar until a decision is made. I have to wait until 6 weeks out before I can get my lumbar shot. I really have needed it for weeks but I could take one too soon before the surgery. I really don't know how I will make it for 6 more weeks???????

I have a 'normal' rapid heart beat so my PCP put me on Metropolol Tartrate for a week to slow down my heart before surgery. I suppose because of the pain, surgery, nerves and 'natural' rapid heart beat, my heart rate did not fail. When I woke up, it was around 121. The anesthesiologist was very aware and worked with me to monitor my heart rate carefully.

By the time I got home yesterday, I have been very sore down my right shoulder (which doesn't usually bother me a great deal), my upper back and chest and my throat. I am hoping it has something to do with the way I was positioned and the nerves that became aggravated.

By the way, we have no idea HOW this all came about. My brother, who is 67, has had issues with his upper and lower back for years, too. Not as bad a mine, thank God! So, could it be hereditary, the weights I used to do, the extra 100 pounds I used to weigh, getting older???? Who knows????

Id really like to hear other stories.
Thx!!!
Ronnie
@grandmar

Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like to know and also where do you go for disc replacement? My neurosurgeon never mentioned that and he is Top Doctor in Rhode Island. Please help. @marield

FIRST, PLEASE EXCUSE ALL CAPS. MY FINGERS ARE A BIT STIFF AND IT IS JUST EASIER FOR ME TO TYPE THIS WAY.

I HAVE LUMBAR ISSUES BUT I JUST HAD MY SURGERY ON MY UPPER SPINE. I HAD 2 DISCS REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH 2 ARTIFICIAL ONES. I USED A NEUROSURGEON. I HAD SURGERY ON WEDNESDAY AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT I AM EXPERIENCING MORE PAIN THAN I THOUGHT I WOULD. I HAVE PAIN MEDS BUT I AM AFRAID TO TAKE MORE THAT 1 OR 2 A DAY.
ANYWAY, A NEUROSURGEON OR ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON CAN DO SPINAL SURGERY BUT NOT ALL DO. I DID LOTS AND LOTS OF RESEARCH ON LINE TO FIND A DOCTOR. ONCE YOU FIND ONE YOU THINK YOU LIKE, CALL TO MAKE SURE THEY DO THE KIND OF SURGERY YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.
MY SURGEON DOES NOT BELIEVE IN FUSION. HE SAID THAT WHEN YOU FUSE, THE OTHERS BECOME SO HEAVY THEY COLLAPSE ON ONE ANOTHER AND MORE SURGERY IS NEEDED (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.....SORRY, MY MIND IS STILL A LITTLE FOGGY). WITH A REPLACEMENT SURGERY, THAT SHOULD BE IT.
SO DO SOME RESEARCH. WHEN YOU FIND A DOC, LOOK AT HIS/HER REVIEWS IN THE MEDICAL SITES. THERE ARE AT LEAST 5 OF THEM.
GOOD LUCK!