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One week ago, I went to a nerosurgeon to find out why numbness and weakness in left hand, right shoulder and balance problems. Thought some exercises, change how extremities are used. SURPRISE, SURPRISE,, A MRI, shot down my spinal chord and voila, extreem narrowing of area around chord at C-3,4-neck.
Doc said ASAP surgery because further narrowing has great chance to cause Quadriplegic. Of course, something could happen during surgery or surgery does not do the trick, I still could be paralized. No choice really.
He goes in first through front of neck, places titanium plate, turn me over, bolt back plate to front plate to keep separation of vertibrae (remove 2 discs).
They attach morphine pump so I can Hit it when pain is bad enough that the regular dose administered automatically-Luckey it isn't going to hurt much! 5 days hosp, 8 weeks stiff collar, therapy.
Hopefully, I can recover more strength in both places and remedy the balance problems.
Questions:
Assuming operation goes as surgeon plans,
1. What will be my range of motion side to side and up and down
2. scaring of cuts
3. Mosst important-What quality of life after rehab?
Thanks so much

This is major surgery for something that obviously could have major consequences. You saw a neurosurgeon and that is probably the right specialty. However, there are spine surgeons (Orthopaedic Surgeons) who also do this kind of work. Often times they have different approaches. Check to see if there is one in your area and how he would approach the case..

A couple of thoughts:

1) How many similar cases has this doc seen...what was the success rate?

2) Get a second opinion from the most prominent guy in your area. If he is the most prominent guy in your area then get one from the 2nd most prominent guy. If there are no prominent surgeons then travel to somewhere where you can find the best.

3) Deal with surgeons no differently than you would with your mechanic. We have a tendency to ask more of a mechanic as to what he will do with our cars and tend to be more intimidated when talking to Docs. Become informed, write down intelligent questions and expect him to give you clear answers. The best have no problem with this approach.

4) I can't answer the questions that you posed but your docs ahould. It's possible that there are support groups and forums with people who are considering or who have undergone similar procedures. Check it out but take personal opinions with a grain of salt. If nothing else, it might help in developing the right questions to ask your doc.

Hopefully, one of our resident docs will chime in.

Best wishes, good luck and keep us posted. You'll certainly be in my thoughts. Keep a good positive attitude and commit to whatever you and your doc decide. These surgeons are amazing!!!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Thanks JJ,
I have seen orthopod, same treatment.
My doc is considered one of the, of not the pre-eminent neuro in Colo. That said, I raealize things can happen, but I do have trust in the man.
Everyone I have seen says 'surg. asap', if not 'paralized'
Thanks for input, concern, and wishes

Sounds like you have a clear path to the best surgery can offer! Having confidence in your surgeon contributes to a positive attitude. Attitude is important in overcoming lots of issues...stay positive!!!

This sounds like the same thing Lee Trevino (golfer) had done some years ago. He's still playing golf on the senior tour in his late 60's and has done well. It never did correct his slice, however!

We're all rooting for you, Bob!!! Get well soon.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

dang,
I thought it would cure my slice also

Bob...

Your in our prayers no matter what you decide, but I will tell you that if you do not trust the man then find someone you do and that you can easily talk to, it makes all the difference.

-Paul-

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-Paul-

Patriot Guitars

You are in my prayers too Bob, hang in there and keep us informed, we'll try our best to help keep your morale up!

Serge

My best to you, Bob.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Will keep you in our prayers, Bob. Hang in there, the outcome might make you as good as new.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Bob,

You certainly have my best wishes! As JJ wrote, ask the questions. In fact write them down, as you did here, and hand 'em to your doctor. Make sure he gives you straight answers that you can fully understand. You deserve that, and in fact, it's part of his job!

Remember, there's the distinct possibility that you'll come out of this feeling better than you have in a long time!

I dont know anything about the surgery you are going to have, but having just recovered from rotator cuff surgery I think finding a good physical therapist is just as important as the surgeon. Getting good physical therapy can have a dramatic effect on long term range of motion. The woman who helped me was a saint, and I credit her with just as much as the Doc.

                        Peace, Paul

[QUOTE=bob J] Everyone I have seen says 'surg. asap', if not 'paralyzed'[/QUOTE]I hate the thought of surgery. It would take something like that to get me in. I'm sorry for your trouble. I hope you have a great outcome with little pain and increased mobility. I'm sure glad you caught this soon enough to avoid paralysis.

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"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered." G. K. Chesterton.

I don't know how it compares to what you mentioned but I have a friend that had a double fusion on the vertebrae in his neck,I think thats what he called it. He's doing pretty good with it, He had to go out on disability because of the nature of his job. But he pretty much does what he wants to. Well I'll put it this way, we went dove hunting last year and he didn't have any problems going through 2 boxes of 12 gauge #8 shot.

Best of luck Bob our prayers are with you & keep us up to date.

Bob -- good luck with everything!

When you are back on your feet with regained mobility I hope we have the opportunity to meet on a course and work on your slice.

     Your in my prayers Bob! The morphine is kind of weird, it doesn't really get rid of the pain per se, but it kind of makes it like you don't care. Didn't care for it much, but it's better than the alternative.

   Really hope things work out well!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

I can't find the words to convey my deep appreciation for your thoughts, and blessings.

Although fear creeps up (not death at all, but being paralyzed -quad), I am confident that the surgery will be sucessful.

Paul, thank you, I already have picked a therapist whose name was given me, by 4 separate orthopods and 3 neurosurgeons.

I will keep in touch but will be in hospital for 5 days or unill I am ambulatory on my own. Will be in contact post hosp.
Thank you all again,

Good Luck with the surgery Bob,You will be in our prayers

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

You are in our prayers. Go in with a positive attitude knowing that every day will be better than the one before, and yes morphine is wierd. I don't care for the feeling either- makes it hard to drive, but it wil get you through the bad part with minimal discomfort.
As for the surgery scar, just think of it as a minor ding on one of your guitars. It adds character.
Take care and You'll be fine

AlA Peebels38955.9246759259

I thought the only good scar was a scar from a saber slash to the cheek

Bob when you due for surgery?

Dale,
It was origionally set for Monday, but the hospital whinned enough that my surg. reset for Tues.-12th
Geee I'm excited, can't wait?

Bob, i sent you a PM, i meant what i wrote in it. You remain in my prayers my friend, keep the faith my good man!

Serge

Serge,
I think I found the rarest of commodities in US today, a good, compassionate man.

Thank you so much. I am so sorry I alarmed you.

Hey bud, no problem, i just want you to know i'm here and i care!

Scares a good value Bob, they remind us that we are not indestructible, they also remind us that we are resilient, that we are repairable, that we are remarkable.

Best of luck Bob, what ever the out come of your surgery you will adapt, after all you always have in the past despite what you imagined.

See what I mean by remarkable .

Cheers all

Kim