*Updated 6/14* Cervical Total Disk Replacement

[Zone50BugNerd]

27 minutes ago, electricstart said:

First if discs are ruptured replacement surgery is the only repair

That's where I am at now, total rupture.  When the ortho showed me the recent MRI the disk looks like a squished jelly doughnut; and the compression on the nerve root from the disk contents makes the nerve look flat.  You are correct, this is the only option.  My wanting a second opinion is to just confirm, and hopefully get some possible reassurances.  If the first surgeon is right, this is just remove the old and put in the new disk; no bone grafting, plates or screws.  So, for a crappy situation I am really not in a bad way; could be a lot worse.  Thanks for reaching out and sharing your own story!  

[electricstart]

14 minutes ago, Zone50BugNerd said:

That's where I am at now, total rupture.  When the ortho showed me the recent MRI the disk looks like a squished jelly doughnut; and the compression on the nerve root from the disk contents makes the nerve look flat.  You are correct, this is the only option.  My wanting a second opinion is to just confirm, and hopefully get some possible reassurances.  If the first surgeon is right, this is just remove the old and put in the new disk; no bone grafting, plates or screws.  So, for a crappy situation I am really not in a bad way; could be a lot worse.  Thanks for reaching out and sharing your own story!  

Alot easier now. 

[Gman]

9 hours ago, Rjtfd said:

How long ago did you get it done? Did you have fusion?

Thanks

was about 8 years ago, I was 52.  yes cleaned out the nerve channel in the disc and fused. 

[Booner]

46 minutes ago, Zone50BugNerd said:

So true in life, not just surgeries but most things.  I am going to do it, I have no options; once I find the right surgeon my confidence will be up.  If I do nothing then I will definitely continue to be in pain, so at least with surgery I have a great chance at a great outcome.  It is just a matter now of squaring away work priorities, childcare, and I guess I'll need someone to mow the lawn for about 6 weeks (that chore I won't immediately miss, haha).  So once I get the surgeon and plan, and some support in play I am going for it.  I do plan to move fast, say by the first week of July if possible; might put me in a tree by this October.  Thanks for the well wishes!  

Talk to Dr Shah over at Princeton brain and spine. That's who I use. His credentials are at the top of the list. And as a doctor I like him. Nice guy.

[BHC]

[Gman]

I used Dr. Patrick Roth at New Jersey Brain and Spine,  he was out of network for my insurance and he didn't charge me a dime... supper guy   

https://njbrainspine.com/doctor/patrick-a-roth-md/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpuajBhBpEiwA_ZtfhXCkxAErItmLHyXRBS7zNsNALWt5xUCTLQeEUo5drxDoRg6nv0blBRoCCe0QAvD_BwE

 

https://njbrainspine.com/dennis-kavanaghs-story/

[SPEARFISH]

Good luck and wish for a speedy recovery.

[ratherbhunting]

21 minutes ago, Booner said:

Talk to Dr Shah over at Princeton brain and spine. That's who I use. His credentials are at the top of the list. And as a doctor I like him. Nice guy.

I have a C5-6 issue that I have been dealing with for a few years (not knowing at the time what it was) that has been bad since the beginning of December 2022. I have been doing well with physical therapy and I will stay that course for now. I have been seeing Dr. Mark McLaughlin from Princeton Brain and Spine, he had done a surgery on a friend of mines neck a few years back and my friend is happy with the results so far. 

 I think when it comes to your health especially a surgery and even more so when it comes to your neck and spine the more opinions you get the better off you are (I walked out of 2 other Dr.'s offices because I didn't like their bed side manner, one of them I couldn't understand a single word he said) 

Best of luck to you.

[Zone50BugNerd]

3 minutes ago, ratherbhunting said:

walked out of 2 other Dr.'s offices

I did that as well when I was searching for a pain management specialist.  Those offices, while needed, were just full of folks that I assume were just looking for pills.  So far I like, and trust (I vetted him), the first surgeon.  I did vet the Dr. I am seeing at HSS next week as well.  As long as these two opinions are aligned, then I will trust the diagnosis, but will likely get the surgery at HSS; no offense to the local surgeon  

[ratherbhunting]

28 minutes ago, Zone50BugNerd said:

I did that as well when I was searching for a pain management specialist.  Those offices, while needed, were just full of folks that I assume were just looking for pills.  So far I like, and trust (I vetted him), the first surgeon.  I did vet the Dr. I am seeing at HSS next week as well.  As long as these two opinions are aligned, then I will trust the diagnosis, but will likely get the surgery at HSS; no offense to the local surgeon  

I should of mentioned the  reason that I walked out of the one was he was pushing pills and shots without even looking at me or my disk from my MRI. . . I have not had any shots or pills so far.

[Live to Hunt]

Agree with Nick. Listen to the doctors and take the time to heal and be smart if you get the surgery. To many people get the needed surgery then rush recovery. I stress take the time to heal. I sounds like you have used your head so far. Tried to avoid surgery but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Good luck keep us posted 

[Zone50BugNerd]

29 minutes ago, ratherbhunting said:

I have not had any shots or pills so far.

I avoided pills and went with the shots and ablation.  Both did buy me quiet a bit of time, almost 2 years.  So, if you want more time, I would say try the ESIs.  The big hurdle for me is that I am allergic to meds like ibuprofen, NSAIDs and even aspirin, so my options for "pharmaceutical" relief are limited (Tylenol only), I refused all the opioids to date, but may consider them post-operatively if it helps aid recovery.  I just didn't want to take them as a means of daily, long term pain management.  In all honesty, on the nights when I am crawling out of my own skin, I will take cannabis edibles.  Not enough to get "stoned," but enough to get me calm enough where I can get 4-5 hours of broken up sleep.  

[Zone50BugNerd]

12 minutes ago, Live to Hunt said:

To many people get the needed surgery then rush recovery

My wife's biggest fear to be honest (me rushing), I have a hard time sitting still and watching others work.  I made some calls today to see about getting a short-term housekeeper, some additional childcare for some weekday afternoons, and my neighbors kid will be on the payroll to mow my lawn and other yard chores.  As for work I will be riding a desk for the first 6 weeks at home, no travel.  My role will be that of grumpy old man telling everyone they are doing their jobs wrong, haha.  All of this is to say I will be mindful of recovery and will not rush it, while at the same time not burden my wife with every other thing that needs to be done.  

[BHC]

Cannabis is something I say I want to try but haven't....will not smoke it but will try like gummy or something like that. 

I'm on various pain, anti inflammatory pills but not the addictive ones 

[Zone50BugNerd]

18 minutes ago, BHC said:

Cannabis is something I say I want to try but haven't

Nothing to fear at all.  Up until October I was under the mindset that cannabis was bad; it’s not.  I only use edibles, 10-15mg, a few nights per week. PM me back if you want my experience with them, and what I use and when.  It really has helped.