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Please help me find out why my left foot feels frozen,, especially the

Neuropathy | Last Active: Nov 22, 2023 | Replies (55)
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@vivianne777

I have seen a neurologist yesterday. He states that the problem with my feet is not neurapathy, But it's connected to the cervical problem in my spine for which I probably need surgery.. However, I know it will be along recovery. And I will have to wear a cervical collar for 6 months. The surgery will be some kind of fusion. I do not totally understand it yet. In the meantime both feet now feel frozen end steff. What is your advice with regard to such a dramatic surgery to remove vertebrae? The doctor places a metal separator between The vertebrae to take pleasure off the spinal cord. It sounds really scary. But in the meantime I can tend you to suffer dizziness and imbalance problems As well as the problem with my feet. Please advise. I am now seventy seven years old soon to be seventy eight.

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Replies to "I have seen a neurologist yesterday. He states that the problem with my feet is not..."
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 17, 2023

@vivianne777, I think surgery is always a little scary and it may be helpful to read what others have shared. I'm wondering if you might find the following discussion helpful:
--- Cervical Spine Operation: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cervical-spine-operation/

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Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Nov 19, 2023

Good evening @vivianne777 It is great to meet you. I was here when you arrived in 2017. How in the world did I miss you then? The reason I ask is that I had spine surgery in 2016. I remember thinking that my recent reverse shoulder replacement had left me with pain and numbness in my arm. He requested imaging and was quite concerned when he realized that my situation was not a post-surgery result...it was from my cervical spine problems.

Within two weeks he had brought in a colleague and the cervical spine surgery was scheduled ASAP. In the image attached to this post, you will see how the titanium fusion material holds the vertebrae together. By the way, the reason you must wear the collar is to ensure that the fusion is solid and complete. All of this surgery for the shoulder, cervix, and three broken bones in my elbow were a result of falling off a platform and down the mountain.

Here is the outcome. The recovery was long and yet not unreasonably painful. What was a bit difficult was finding comfortable positions to sleep, ride in the car, and wash my hair. I seldom even notice my neck now. It is a bit tight turning to the right. And that is it.

Another of our mentors on Connect had cervical surgery without the titanium fusions. Let me introduce @jenniferhunter. She will probably understand a lot more than I do. Here is the link to her cervical surgery experience - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/914620/.

Now you have some additional information about this surgery. Both @jenniferhunter and I stand ready to help you along with other Connect members who will step in and share their experiences.

One more thing @vivianne777, I was 76 when I had my cervical surgery. The only time I lost my temper was one night when I just couldn't sleep in the neck brace so I took it off and threw it as far as I could. That felt like a comfort release at the time. Of course, I replaced it. Do you have additional questions?

May you be safe, protected and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris
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