quote:

Yes. Need to see a neurosurgeon. I had the same problem and symptoms, but with the right arm/hand--feel like you have glue on your fingers with the lack of sensation? Turns out I had to have C5-C6-C7 fused due to lack of discs in-between those vertebrae.

Yes, definitely a neurosurgeon. With C5-6 I mainly had issues with my legs. I'd be walking along and they'd just fold up and I'd fall over. I may have had some minor issues in one or both hands, but it was mainly legs.

Later on when I had problems at C2-3 level, every time I'd move my head to look up, it was like electricity shooting down both arms to my hands. I'm nowhere near where I was before these issues, but the surgeries mostly got me back to a functional level. I can walk ok at limited distances but running isn't happening if I had to. I have a lot of numbness and tingling in my left foot which gets annoying especially when I'm trying to sleep, but topical lidocaine cream helps that a lot.

I still have some numbness in my hands and minor loss of fine motor skills, but I can do most stuff fine.

One thing I will add. I was an arborist by trade, and all the surgeon that did the first one did was release me back to work with the condition that I stay on the ground until my balance got better. I eventually went back up in the trees, and my boss of a lot of years took it easy on me (he had to because I just couldn't do what I once did as well as before, and as general foreman, I did a lot more than just running my crew and climbing. We had a lot of respect for each other), but that doctor should never have let me go back to a job with those physical demands, and I expect that going back to my former job is mainly why I had to go back under the knife for a second round. But he was a doctor so I trusted what he said. When you recover, just use your head when the doc tells you what you can and can't do.

So I had an MRI back in December. It very clearly showed the problem was the herniated discs compressing nerve root and spinal cord.

Met with the surgeon before Christmas to discuss options of ACDF (fusion) and Arthroplasty (artificial joint). He did not present one over the other just explained the differences. I had already done some research on them and was leaning towards the artificial joint. He basically agreed with what I had found and supported my decision that it was the better option. He then explained he is careful to not push one over the other and present them without bias to let the patient decide.

MRI results were conclusive enough that PT, injections, and other less invasive treatments were not necessary to proceed before surgical correction. They began the process for the insurance approval and told me they would be in touch.



Insurance pre approval came in today and I am scheduled for outpatient surgery on 2/6. Will be doing a double arthroplasty replacing C5/6 and C6/7 discs with Medtronic Prestige LP titanium/ceramic composite artificial joints.

Been spending a lot of time looking at the artificial joint vs. fusion options and everything suggests the artificial disc is the way to go. Faster healing/recovery, more range of motion, better outcomes in relieving symptoms, fewer follow up procedures, and less stress on adjoining vertebrae.

Outpatient surgery, scheduled for about two and a half hours. Anyone interested in a video of the procedure can check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrcHIF0rXDo



Pain has gone down since originally diagnosed, but still a constant nagging kept in check with Tylenol and Motrin. Worst is morning as everything stiffens up while sleeping as well as disturbing my sleep.

PT has helped me regain some of my tricep control, but not much. I can slowly raise my empty hand off the top of my head, but if I am holding a 3lb dumbbell it is a no-go. Trying to flex biceps you can readily see in mirror that right flexes while left stays soft.

Still numb/tingle on first three fingers of left hand.


Scheduler says most folks return to work after two weeks with some restrictions, full duty after 6 weeks. Being retired, work isn’t an issue but it gives me some idea of the expected recovery period. At this point, I am about 8-9 weeks since the problem began, so nice to know I am almost to the halfway point.

After viewing the video you see why the other Docs call them Black and Decker guys. Good luck with your procedure.

I had fusion of my C2 to T1. I had loss of control of my left side from shoulder to foot. I had the surgery Dec before “COVID” started. I could not go to PT as scything in NY was closed Unfortunately, I’m still having issues with my neck, shoulder and back muscles. The muscles lost a ton of strength and are having a hard time from knotting up. I go to massage therapy and acupuncture every 2 weeks. I am also at 70% of range of motion in my neck.

Best of luck!

I had work done on my lumbar discs about 6 years ago. The recovery was slower than I expected, as I felt weaker than expected. So I would say don't get your expectations up for how well you'll be doing in the first month.

Follow the docs post-op instructions to the letter. Do not exceed any limitations he gives you, such as lifting any weight or range of motion. e.g for my surgery it was a 2 lb max lift limit, no reaching above my shoulders, and some other restrictions. Whatever the doc says, follow it!

Wish you the best on the procedure.. Keep us posted on recovery.

Sounds like you got a correct diagnosis, a surgeon you can trust, and a plan to get back to normal function. Let us know how it goes!

Oh, and the neck brace they’ll give you shouldn’t be too uncomfortable, but it will be quite annoying for several weeks.

All the best for a successful outcome.

That video is nasty, not because of the blood but man, all that pounding on your spine..

Good luck with your operation and recovery, sir.

Thanks all for the well wishes.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
After viewing the video you see why the other Docs call them Black and Decker guys. Good luck with your procedure.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
That video is nasty, not because of the blood but man, all that pounding on your spine..

”This old doc, he played some. He played Knick knack for just for funds
With a Knick knack paddy whack, hammer on the bone, this old doc he drove it home”


I realized about 30 years ago that if I could go back and do it all over, I would like to have been a surgeon. I find it fascinating and could watch vids like that all day long.

quote:

Originally posted by Fly-Sig:
Best of luck!

…I would say don't get your expectations up for how well you'll be doing in the first month.

quote:

Originally posted by snoris:
…Oh, and the neck brace they’ll give you shouldn’t be too uncomfortable, but it will be quite annoying for several weeks.

My understanding at this point (I could be wrong) is since there is no fusion involved brace use should be minimal.