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Neck update

Karl_K

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Aug 4, 2008
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Got my Neck MRI results and they are not good.
Multiple problems with my neck at c5-c6 and c6-c7.
They are recommending surgery as soon as I can get it.
Have a referral to neurosurgery in Madison WI about an hour and a half away.
 
Oh no, Karl! But maybe the neuro will have some answers especially with the advancements happening in technique. Are you in a lot of pain? What was their plan management for that?
 
Oh no, Karl! But maybe the neuro will have some answers especially with the advancements happening in technique. Are you in a lot of pain? What was their plan management for that?
Lightning bolts up and down my arm all the time.
At times it gets beyond annoying, usually end of day.
I take a half of t3 when it gets bad once a day.
Its working for now.
 
Today I was thinking I should ask you about your results. Did they mention instability or plain old nerves being compressed misery? Instability is the more dangerous as I understand it. Do not jump, fall, jar or jostle your self.
We refer to Madison and Froedtert in Milwaukee, both top places.
 
Got my Neck MRI results and they are not good.
Multiple problems with my neck at c5-c6 and c6-c7.
They are recommending surgery as soon as I can get it.
Have a referral to neurosurgery in Madison WI about an hour and a half away.

So sorry to hear this and I hope the neurosurgeon can help you! Hopefully they can see you soon!
 
HI:

Oh Karl what a business, and I am sad you are in pain. It will be interesting to hear that the neurosurgeon says. There is always a big picture involved.

kind regards--Sharon
 
Today I was thinking I should ask you about your results. Did they mention instability or plain old nerves being compressed misery? Instability is the more dangerous as I understand it. Do not jump, fall, jar or jostle your self.
We refer to Madison and Froedtert in Milwaukee, both top places.
No injury that I know of other than what I would describe as a jar when I was having dizzy spells.
Here is the report:
CONCLUSION:
C5-C6: Diffuse annular disc bulging. Central disc extrusion with disc osteophyte complex. Mild ventral effacement of the thecal sac. Bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.
C6-C7: Diffuse annular disc bulging. Hypertrophic and degenerative changes. Large right lateral disc extrusion with disc osteophyte complex. There is effacement of the thecal sac and underlying cord. There is encroachment of the right neural foramen. Mild left neural foraminal narrowing is also present degenerative in nature.

OTHER LEVELS:
Additional multilevel disc disease and spondylosis with mild narrowing of the bony spinal canal and neural foramina at the remaining levels as enumerated above.
 
Got my Neck MRI results and they are not good.
Multiple problems with my neck at c5-c6 and c6-c7.
They are recommending surgery as soon as I can get it.
Have a referral to neurosurgery in Madison WI about an hour and a half away.

I am so sorry to hear that, @Karl_K. :| But I would look at this as a way to find relief... a good thing. Book that surgery as soon as you're able. I wish you great success with the procedure! Here's to a pain-free future!!
 
" There is effacement of the thecal sac and underlying cord." This looks the worst to me, although I'm not a doctor. The surgery might address the foraminal narrowing and the osteophytes but I'm guessing the main thrust will be to decompress the nerve. Sometimes that means removing things that are pressing on it. Maybe just a laminectomy, I don't know. I see a lot of cervical fusions (bigger deal) and after 3 months or so, people seem to do pretty well.
They want you seen ASAP because nerves get tired of that compression and there can be long-term damage if ignored.
 
Lightning bolts up and down my arm all the time.
At times it gets beyond annoying, usually end of day.
I take a half of t3 when it gets bad once a day.
Its working for now.

I’m so sorry to hear this @Karl_K ! I had those electric shocks too!! They. Are. The. Worst!! Nothing like nerve pain because nothing helps with that kind of pain. Is it positional? I too had some neck work and it was the best result I could have asked for. Happy to gently guide you through should you need it. Sending vibes for an easy surgery and quick recovery. ❤️
 
@Karl I wish you a speedy, successful surgery..free of pain. Big hugs if that’s allowed. I’m older so I think wifey4ever would think it was okay! :bigsmile:
 
I’m so sorry to hear this @Karl_K ! I had those electric shocks too!! They. Are. The. Worst!! Nothing like nerve pain because nothing helps with that kind of pain. Is it positional? I too had some neck work and it was the best result I could have asked for. Happy to gently guide you through should you need it. Sending vibes for an easy surgery and quick recovery. ❤️

position doesn't seem to matter.
Touching or picking up something feels really weird.
It feels like anything I touch is vibrating or shaking.
I will certainly take you up on your offer of advise as this goes on.
 
@Karl I wish you a speedy, successful surgery..free of pain. Big hugs if that’s allowed. I’m older so I think wifey4ever would think it was okay! :bigsmile:
That cracked me up, she is ok with internet hugs.
hugs!
 
position doesn't seem to matter.
Touching or picking up something feels really weird.
It feels like anything I touch is vibrating or shaking.
I will certainly take you up on your offer of advise as this goes on.

Yes. Please do! I stop in daily. It is good and normal that you are seeing a neurosurgeon. This surgeon will be present during the surgery. I had similar problems but mainly serious spinal cord stenosis. I’ll say those electric shocks have been gone since.
Sorry it’s not so much positional as that would help you manage the nerve pinching between now and the surgery. You got this!!
 
Lots of healing thoughts Karl. I’m so sorry, but at the same time glad there’s a plan to move forward with! I will be thinking of you ❤️
 
I'm not a doctor, but deal with this in my line of work. In a nutshell, what you have going on is degenerative and some people really don't have much relief, or very minor, with an ACDF or similar procedures. I'd ask about that issue and what percentage of people actually get the relief and results you want with your surgeon.

For me, seeing what I do, I'd only do spinal surgery personally with degenerative conditions if it was truly the last stop and PT, meds and noninvasive failed due to percentage of people that it doesn't help if it's degenerative. Also, please ask about adjacent segment disease as many people that have ACDF go on to need an additional procedure post fusion. Spend some time researching the options they give and ask a lot of questions so you can determine what is best.
 
I'm not a doctor, but deal with this in my line of work. In a nutshell, what you have going on is degenerative and some people really don't have much relief, or very minor, with an ACDF or similar procedures. I'd ask about that issue and what percentage of people actually get the relief and results you want with your surgeon.

For me, seeing what I do, I'd only do spinal surgery personally with degenerative conditions if it was truly the last stop and PT, meds and noninvasive failed due to percentage of people that it doesn't help if it's degenerative. Also, please ask about adjacent segment disease as many people that have ACDF go on to need an additional procedure post fusion. Spend some time researching the options they give and ask a lot of questions so you can determine what is best.

Great advice, elizat. Thank you for sharing this.
It's possible his insurance will require conservative treatment before authorizing surgery. Maybe PT and a steroid injection.
 
Thinking of you @Karl_K . Hope you can get some relief soon!!
 
I'm not a doctor, but deal with this in my line of work. In a nutshell, what you have going on is degenerative and some people really don't have much relief, or very minor, with an ACDF or similar procedures. I'd ask about that issue and what percentage of people actually get the relief and results you want with your surgeon.

For me, seeing what I do, I'd only do spinal surgery personally with degenerative conditions if it was truly the last stop and PT, meds and noninvasive failed due to percentage of people that it doesn't help if it's degenerative. Also, please ask about adjacent segment disease as many people that have ACDF go on to need an additional procedure post fusion. Spend some time researching the options they give and ask a lot of questions so you can determine what is best.
I'm very high risk for surgery so plan on asking a lot of questions to see if it can be avoided.
 
Just met you, but wish you well. Good luck!
 
I'm sorry to hear of your pain and discomfort. Glad you have a diagnosis and imaging underway. Praying that your specialists get the answers you both need. Sending you positive energy my friend.
 
I'm sorry to hear this, Karl. Best wishes for a successful surgery.
 
I am very sorry you are going through this @Karl_K and I am sending you bucketloads of healing vibes and well wishes.
 
Good luck. I hope the surgery will help.
 
Good luck @Karl_K ! I hope they find something that can help you.
 
Best of luck, i hope you can get some relief soon. Injuries suck :confused2:
 
wow sorry to hear this! neck pain in the worst, hope you get relief from the surgery!
 
i was hoping for better news on your neck Karl :(2
thoughts and prayers sent your way

(no hugs yet - still covid weary ):lol-2:
 
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