Spinal Fusion

DEFINITELY GET A SECOND OPINION.

I have herniated cervical discs, and was told by one neurosurgeon that I needed surgery (discectomy and fusion) immediately. That I was a walking spinal cord injury waiting to happen. That if I was in a fender bender, I could be paralyzed. He would schedule me for surgery the next day, if his schedule was open.

I left there in a panic, feeling convinced that my situation was that grave, and I had no idea how I'd care for my then 18 month old son, when I couldn't pick him up for 10 weeks.

Well, after much pressure from my parents, I got a second opinion, and the second neurosurgeon told me that it was probable that I'd need surgery at some point, but certainly not immediately. He put me on anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers, and after about a month, I was symptom free, and have remained so now for 2 1/2 years.

Now, I'm not suggesting that he did anything magical by giving me meds, but my point is that there are VASTLY differing opinions in the neurosurgery world. And I am a little confused about your situation, why they didn't do the fusion with your original surgery, if it was something you were going to need eventually anyhow.

Please don't be afraid to get another opinion about your situation. And here's a **hug** for your pain. I know how bad it can get.

I had back surgery in 1988 without a fusion. The doc told me that there was a chance that I would have to come back for a fusion within 5 years but he preferred to see if I could heal without one. Ok, the first couple of years, I was a bit unstable and I could feel the bones scraping. It was NOT comfortable but I was not in pain.

You will know when it is time. It will be time when you realize that the pain you are experiencing is likely worse than the pain of a second surgery.

From my experience as a physical therapist, I would try to put off a fusion as long as you can. Your spine is like a chain, and when you fuse (lock) one link, it puts more stress on the links above and below it. Often, you end up having to fuse THOSE parts later, and so on and so on and so on. If there are other things you can do to put it off (medicines, therapies), it would be worth it. Surgery is never fun, as I'm sure you know. Good luck and I hope you feel better!

I would suggest getting a second opinion. My brother was thinking about having this procedure done, but once you do, your movement can be limited. There is a new procedure, where they replace the disc with an artificial disc. I believe the doctor was at OU Medical. Good luck!