PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,277 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,277 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
123 
Member since 1/7/09
Posts: 2310
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 6:48 PM ET
Wondering if anyone here has had a cervical discectomy? I was told I needed one and I'm looking for feedback on what it was like and, more importantly, if it helped with pain and movement. Thanks
  
Member since 2/9/04
Posts: 18027
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 8:33 PM ET
In reply to hazelnut
I have not, but I will encourage you to get a second opinion, and to do lots of internet research. My cervical discs are as thin as paper, and one day I may have to address the whole thing.
------
iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 1/7/09
Posts: 2310
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 9:32 PM ET
In reply to Doris W. in TN
I do plan on getting a second opinion from a spine specialist. My orthopaedic doc thought it might be necessary and sent me to a neurosurgeon who recommended it. I have bulging/herniated discs pressing on the spinal canal nerve and giving me grief, along with some other stuff going on in there too. Surgery was not the news I had hoped to hear.


-- Edited on 6/18/10 9:35 PM --
forgot to say thanks
-- Edited on 6/18/10 10:22 PM --
  
Member since 1/4/08
Posts: 6167
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 9:57 PM ET
I have tried to post three times and keep losing my connection, so here goes for the fourth time...

Just got back from vacation and was reading back issues of the local paper. Came across this article entitled "Spine Time" by Lauran Neergaard, AP medical writer that states that people might be better off to explore nonsurgical means of dealing with back pain. Often surgery does not help and creates even more problems. She states that you should seek more than one opinion before resorting to surgery because many problems are self correcting with time and certain treatment such as exercise, etc. I will try to locate the article online, but will click the post button to ensure that this entry is not lost.

Here it is from online:http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=health_fitness&sc=health&sc2=news&sc3=&id=106695

sorry, I couldn't get the http button to work. if you can't access, let me know and I'll try again.
-- Edited on 6/18/10 10:01 PM --
------
Yards sewed 2018--301 yards
Goal for 2020 - 400 yards --- Made it --sewed 400.76 yards. I have no idea about how many yards I have in my inventory.
2021 --200.125 yards
2022-- no specific number---Just redo inventory and sew more than 2021



Machines: Designer Diamond, #1+ (2), H Class 100Q, Viking 400, Baby Lock Creative Pro -- Sergers: Viking 936, Babylock Accolade, Babylock Vibrant, Singer Coverstitch
  
Member since 1/7/09
Posts: 2310
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 10:21 PM ET
In reply to katlew03
Thanks, I will read the article, but I bet it's says the same things that I have read and maybe even tried. I have pretty much exhausted all the non-surgical forms of treatment over the years and it has just gotten worse. I'm currently doing another round of P.T. I'm not one to jump into surgery - in fact I've been putting off other elective but necessary surgeries I'll eventually have to have. My P.T. person suggested a spine center for another opinion and I am going to go that route to see if there's anything else that might work. But in case they say the same thing (surgery) I would like to talk to others who have went through this. Thanks again....off to read your link

ETA Finished reading it - good article, makes a lot of sense, esp. for back problems. I plan on going to the spine center and will probably meet with a physiatrist (sp?) first. I'll leave my options open until then.
-- Edited on 6/18/10 10:46 PM --
  
Member since 2/9/04
Posts: 18027
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 10:32 PM ET
In reply to hazelnut
A lot of chiropractors do a decompression technique. Each practitioner's equipment varies, but it does help a lot of people.
------
iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 1/4/08
Posts: 6167
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 10:56 PM ET
In reply to hazelnut
hazelnut -- I certainly hope the spine center can help you. I would assume they have more options than a doctor in private practice. Back pain is really hard to take because you can't move. DH had a few episodes where he couldn't even get out of bed.

You sound like you have done a lot of research. I sincerely hope you find the answer. Lots of luck.
------
Yards sewed 2018--301 yards
Goal for 2020 - 400 yards --- Made it --sewed 400.76 yards. I have no idea about how many yards I have in my inventory.
2021 --200.125 yards
2022-- no specific number---Just redo inventory and sew more than 2021



Machines: Designer Diamond, #1+ (2), H Class 100Q, Viking 400, Baby Lock Creative Pro -- Sergers: Viking 936, Babylock Accolade, Babylock Vibrant, Singer Coverstitch
  
Member since 1/7/09
Posts: 2310
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 10:56 PM ET
In reply to Doris W. in TN
Thanks, but I really won't do that at this stage - too risky (I guess a lot depends on what method they use on how risky it could be). I know a lot of people swear by them but I'd rather meet with a physiatrist.
  
Member since 1/7/09
Posts: 2310
Send Message
Posted on: 6/18/10 11:07 PM ET
In reply to katlew03
Thanks, but the biggest problem is my neck, not my back (although I also have some back problems but ortho feels I'm at the beginning of those problems and they can be helped with P.T. My DH had a lumbar fusion (laminectomy)when we lived in FL. He lived for years with back pain until he started to have sciatica and the dropped foot problem and they said he could have permanent nerve damage. He hasn't regretted it, and it's been around 9 or 10 yrs. but he still has some pain if he overdoes it. He does back stretching and back exercises diligently every morning since the surgery. I think that has really added to his success.
  
Member since 10/24/09
Posts: 13
Send Message
Posted on: 6/19/10 10:23 PM ET
Hi, Hazelnut-I am new to posting on forums (in fact this is my first time!), however, when I saw your post I wanted to reply. I am presently recovering from this surgery. I had the surgery, with two discs removed and replaced with donor bone grafts and a metal plate and screws over 3 vertebrae, in Nov. of last year. My situation was such that I had no choice, as the spinal cord was badly damaged, and I was in danger of paralysis from the neck down. I had excellent doctors and many tests and MRIs. I had many serious symptoms of spinal cord injury. Your situation may be different, and it may not be mandatory, however, you will not know that until you get the proper tests from highly qualified doctors. The neck is very different from the back in the dangers involved if there is spinal cord damage. I hope you will follow up with the tests. I had a neurologist and a neurosurgeon at a spine center.

However, to answer your question...I won`t go into a lot of detail, here, but I believe (?) there is a way you can send me a PM, and I will try to answer any other questions. I have many underlying health issues, so I did have some complications, however I do not think that is usually the case. I also am not so young anymore.My bone graft has not healed, and am now wearing a spinal bone growth stimulator. The surgery was performed through the front of the throat. A very slight scar, if that concerns you...you can barely see mine! I was in the hospital 4 or 5 days, but most are "overnighters". They give you a pain pump in hosp. & pain pill prescription for home. I was in the ICU for a while, but, again, that may not be usual. I was required to wear a large hard cervical collar for a few months (I had to wear it before surgery, as well, but that was not usual.) Later, a soft collar. The usual surgical restrictions apply. The good news is, I can walk again!!!! Although difficult to go through, I can do things I could not do for a very long time...the horrible dizzy spells are gone! I am in physical therapy now, & have a long way to go, (trying to heal to avoid a second surgery) but am so grateful to the wonderful doctors and for my wonderful, supportive family, church, & friends! (my sis-in-law even teaches at the college of nursing at this hospital, and on this floor, as well...I received very good care.) ;)

I found PR late one night, while trying to keep my mind busy after learning I had to have surgery. I was so scared! I joined then, receiving a lot of comfort from all of the wonderful fellow sewers, who seemed to be like a big family! I lurked every night after that on my laptop in bed.I am glad I had the surgery and I wish you the very Best!

I apologize to all for such a long & personal post!
  
123 
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns