Neck-Disc Surgery

[HL65]

Good evening all:
I am curious who has had a Discectomy and fusion with plates in neck?? I have a severely herniated disc in neck my C5-6- which has also caused a large bone spur to develop and has given me stenosis -flattening out the right side of my spinal cord. My left hand and foot numb as well as a whole lot of pain! I have been thru PT, Cotisone shots, etc. and it is being operated on finally on Novemebr 15th. This started 7 years ago during a Jiu Jitsu tournament in So-Cal and has gotten progressively worse over the years. The worst thing is also as a result of many years of power lifting--I am also left with a herniated L-5 and degerative L-4--both ends!!Not touching those for a long time!!! Anyway-They are going to remove the disc and put in a bone from a frozen cadaver and fuse it with titanium plates and screws. My question is: Has anyone undegone same surgery in neck? What was recovery like? Thanks!

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Good evening all:
I am curious who has had a Discectomy and fusion with plates in neck?? I have a severely herniated disc in neck my C5-6- which has also caused a large bone spur to develop and has given me stenosis -flattening out the right side of my spinal cord. My left hand and foot numb as well as a whole lot of pain! I have been thru PT, Cotisone shots, etc. and it is being operated on finally on Novemebr 15th. This started 7 years ago during a Jiu Jitsu tournament in So-Cal and has gotten progressively worse over the years. The worst thing is also as a result of many years of power lifting--I am also left with a herniated L-5 and degerative L-4--both ends!!Not touching those for a long time!!! Anyway-They are going to remove the disc and put in a bone from a frozen cadaver and fuse it with titanium plates and screws. My question is: Has anyone undegone same surgery in neck? What was recovery like? Thanks!

Wow Ken....that's some heavy duty stuff. I have no advice but good luck with this.

[gmh1013]

I have had L3 L-4 L5 and L5 S1 and stenosis and Im out for the count I cant walk without a came or walker and cant stand either.
I have DDD and arthritis in my back. I hope your surgery goes well. My Doc says back surgery is a crap shoot and not very good long term odds.....so no surgery for me.
I know 2 other guys who came out worse than when they went in and have had 2 and 3 operations .....ones has a power chair now.

[HL65]

Thanks Allan!!!...Actually Greg- the success rate for this is 96%. Most people come out far better and have no more pain instantly as soon as they wake up. I am looking for anyone who has had same surgery--Discectomy and fusion.

[gmh1013]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Thanks Allan!!!...Actually Greg- the success rate for this is 96%. Most people come out far better and have no more pain instantly as soon as they wake up. I am looking for anyone who has had same surgery--Discectomy and fusion.

My doc told me 40 percent for me

[HL65]

Originally Posted by gmh1013

My doc told me 40 percent for me

Not even close--If it were 40% I would even consider it. Mine is done through front. Every back surgery quite different. The success rate on lower discs -different than neck. I have seen multiple surgeons--Pittsburgh has some of best in country. With a 96% success rate and less than 1% having any serious issues afterwards--I am good with those odds!! Best to you--sounds like you are having a tough time!

[Brunotheboxer]

I wish you nothing but the best with this.

On a side note what were your personal best lifts?

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

I wish you nothing but the best with this.

On a side note what were your personal best lifts?

Thanks Bruno!!!!!

500 lbs bench--700 lbs squat and a 600 lbs Deadlift at 5'9" -240 pounds.

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Thanks Bruno!!!!!

500 lbs bench--700 lbs squat and a 600 lbs Deadlift at 5'9" -240 pounds.

Holy $H!T!!!

I power lifted but never competed...just bench press contests...that beats my bench by 100 and 200 on the others. Damn

At that time I was 5'8" and 215. I'm down to 190 now but I should lose about 10. I dont think the sausages I had for breakfast helped.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

Holy $H!T!!!

I power lifted but never competed...just bench press contests...that beats my bench by 100 and 200 on the others. Damn

At that time I was 5'8" and 215. I'm down to 190 now but I should lose about 10. I dont think the sausages I had for breakfast helped.

Allan--I wish I never touched a weight nor rolled for all those years--my body is paying the price big time now. I have arthritis in wrists and elbows. My neck and back are shot!! I wish I played golf or tennis instead--LOL!!!!

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Allan--I wish I never touched a weight nor rolled for all those years--my body is paying the price big time now. I have arthritis in wrists and elbows. My neck and back are shot!! I wish I played golf or tennis instead--LOL!!!!

The front of both my shoulders are a tear just waiting to happen. Years of heavy benching can take it's toll. My hips are already getting that tired feeling @ 46.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

The front of both my shoulders are a tear just waiting to happen. Years of heavy benching can take it's toll. My hips are already getting that tired feeling @ 46.

I feel that!!! I am only 45 and paying the price!

[ducatidoc]

Who's doing the surg', Ken ? Maroon ?

[HL65]

Originally Posted by ducatidoc

Who's doing the surg', Ken ? Maroon ?

Ferraro--in Butler from AGH Neuro.

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Thanks Bruno!!!!!

500 lbs bench--700 lbs squat and a 600 lbs Deadlift at 5'9" -240 pounds.

Very impressive lifts. That's power.

[ducatidoc]

I keep forgetting you're up in Cranberry area. Good luck, I hope you get back to form quickly, we still need a mini-gtg. We can share back symptom stories !

[HL65]

No doubt!! Maroon is best in business. Definitely GTG!!! Thanks!!!

[rsg]

I haven't had it done but I'm very familiar with the surgery. The outcomes are a lot better than lumbar surgery, the only complaints are usually sore/hoarse throat.
Have you considered a replacement disc instead of fusion? You'd need to travel to Europe or Australia to have it done as it isn't available in the US yet. Let me know if you'd like more info and I can put you in touch with someone who can help you out.

[ParisDakarBmw]

My pops had it done twice in the c-4, c-5 area. The procedure seems strange, but it's old hat in the medical world.

They go through the front of the neck, and put a few wedges in, and use a few wood screws to hold them in. My dad was pretty cool, but in pain for 4 days after. He wore a neck brace for a little while, and then decided to enjoy the rest of his time off work. He rented a jack hammer, and proceeded to break the side walk into little rocks. He then sodded the dirt.

Several years later he had it done again because he knocked the wedges loose. I made fun of him for years. He just had to rent the jackhammer 3 weeks after the procedure.

You'll be fine. Just let the wedges heal!

[rxonmymind]

KEN I wish you the best! Keep us updated. So, is that kaput for weight lifting?

[Earl]

seems to be a no brainer lol

[HL65]

Thanks all. I am not worried about it. Going to take the few weeks afterwards to properly heal and rest. Not excited about it but know it will be well worth it in the end!!

[johnbeth]

I wish you nothing but the best with this as well.


John

[HL65]

Thanks John!!

[Lol-x]

It is very important to give it time to properly heal after the operation. Recovery period is just as important as the operation itself.
Do that and it will all be good

[rfknauss]

Ken, my best wishes for you ...... hope all goes well!

[skypilot]

My brother had very similar surgery two discs and it was totally successful. He had the left side numbness to the extent that he was occasionally unable to walk. The recovery took a while but now he is back to doing what he wants to do including bouncing his boat from wave to wave. Good luck !

[boa2]

I had it done, Ken. Recovery was a bit slow, but overall I'm glad I did it. I now run at least 3 days a week, which I never thought I would do again. The only thing I would say is see about getting physical therapy, Rolfing, or some type of therapy that keeps your vertebrae above and below the fusion as mobile as possible. Because of the immobility due to the titanium plate fixing two previously moving vertebrae, it is easy for other parts of your spine to become stiff. Ongoing neuropathy can be a problem for some, but as my MD said as well, the success rate is generally excellent for the lower cervical vertebrae.

Best of luck with it!

[mailman]

Best of luck to you Ken

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

It is very important to give it time to properly heal after the operation. Recovery period is just as important as the operation itself.
Do that and it will all be good

Originally Posted by rfknauss

Ken, my best wishes for you ...... hope all goes well!

Originally Posted by skypilot

My brother had very similar surgery two discs and it was totally successful. He had the left side numbness to the extent that he was occasionally unable to walk. The recovery took a while but now he is back to doing what he wants to do including bouncing his boat from wave to wave. Good luck !

Originally Posted by boa2

I had it done, Ken. Recovery was a bit slow, but overall I'm glad I did it. I now run at least 3 days a week, which I never thought I would do again. The only thing I would say is see about getting physical therapy, Rolfing, or some type of therapy that keeps your vertebrae above and below the fusion as mobile as possible. Because of the immobility due to the titanium plate fixing two previously moving vertebrae, it is easy for other parts of your spine to become stiff. Ongoing neuropathy can be a problem for some, but as my MD said as well, the success rate is generally excellent for the lower cervical vertebrae.

Best of luck with it!

Thanks guys!!! Definitely gonna take the time and do PT to recover!!! I have always been athletic and active--so it is a bit rough. As for working out and giving up my favorite hobby-BJJ--Brazilian Jiu Jitsu--that stinks! Oh well...Life goes on.