Justine
Message 1 of 1
I am a RN who was dx'd w/ severe herniated cervical disks back in 1997. I tried conservative tx, w/o luck. Finally in 2000, I had a C5-7 fusion with hardware and donor bone. Within 6 months, we knew it had failed, and I was told I would need a 2nd surgery or else live with my pain and decreased ROM. Last Feb, I had my 2nd cervical surgery. It was a redo of C5-7 fusion with corpectomy of C5, and a fusion at C4. I was in a Miami J collar for 6 wks, because I chose to not have any hardware, due to a possible rxn from my first surgery. We also used bone from my iliac crest this time. Everything looked okay up until Dec and films confirmed a second failure. Now, my surgeon is telling me I need a third surgery (this time a posterior fusion) or deal with the pain. In addition, I've had a low back injury, but already had several herniated disks in my low back. Now I've had several episodes of paralysis from the waist down, and my neurosurgeon is blowing me off. He feels it might be cauda equina, but isn't suggesting any treatment. So, this coupled with my neck has me very upset and worried. What are your opinions and advice? My neurosurgeon won't touch my back because we can't get my cervical spine to heal, and I agree with that. However, I'm in chronic pain, and need some relief. So, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, I've heard that there is some sort of "glue" that is being used in herniated disk cases that creates a cushion, and is much less involved than regular surgery. Anyone heard of it? I feel like I'm running out of options here......Justine