New here and freaking out a little (ok a LOT)

[Hucky :)]

When you go to see the Ortho on Monday, if you can, take your husband or friend. If that's not possible take a tape recorder. Sometimes the info coming at you is overwhelming and you won't take it all in.

Prior to going. Write a list of any questions you may have. Unfortunately, some people go blank when they're at the doctors and forget to ask questions.

It certainly is a good idea to get a second and third opinion, but also, do your research. I was advised by four surgeons to have discectomy and fusion/ADR, but 3 years later, my radicular pain and parathesia has resolved from a 10 + pain to a handleable 3, without medication. I have learned to moderate my lifestyle and hope to avoid surgery altogether. It was my NS who advised waiting as long as possible before submitting to surgery.

Hucky

[KL Aguilar]

In my humble opinion, you should continue to research and not rush immediately into surgery. However, you have two troublesome findings on the MRI: narrow spinal canal space of 7.5 to 8 (stenosis) and the osteophytes. Stenosis can be dangerous if one has a serious fall or car accident or the like. Osteophytes are likely to grow and get worse over time.

Due to the similar problems at C5/6 and 6/7, the surgeon was probably recommending a two-level ACDF. There may be other surgeries that could deal with your problem: ADR (artificial disc replacement), laminectomy, foraminotomy, etc. All of these surgeries have advantages and disadvantages.

I am in a similar, although far worse, situation. I have seen or had my films and records seen by 9 surgeons and have had the following recommendations: 4-level ACDF (2 surgeons), 2-level ACDF (1 surgeon), 2 level ADR (1 surgeon), 2-3 level ADR (3 surgeons), 2-level foraminotomy (1 surgeon), and 2-level ACD without fusion. The two surgeons who recommended a 4-level ACDF were not top-notch surgeons; one was a neurosurgeon, but not even a spine specialist. All the other were top-notch spine specialists.

You need a second, and third, opinion from a top-notch surgeon who SPECIALIZES IN SPINES. Where are you located and what are your financial options (i.e., what kind of insurance do you have)?

[momoftwo]

Thank you everyone for your support and advice. I am actively seeking second third and will probably get a fourth opinion.

KL- you asked where I was, I live in Austin Tx. I am checking out Drs in Houston and Dallas too, since it isn't very far away. I have Aetna Choice PPO for insurance, but based on other experiences with them with our whole family, I don't hold out much hope they will pay for anything BUT a fusion from what I read.
Mom

[fortitudine]

Hi Mom,
I have a similar story to KLAguilar. My MRI's read 'moderate' and 'severe' stenosis at c3/4/5. I was first diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago. Freaked out is right. NS here wanted to do a 3-level surgery. Others offered different solutions. Told I could be paralysed. Had no pain. Have since been on cycling trips and fallen on ice and am still okay. However starting to have a bit of pain.. I had planned to have surgery but family stuff got in the way. Will get back to a plan soon.

For sure get another couple of consults. I don't think you need to panic. Take your time, so that you can be confident about your decision. There used to be a poster on BrainTalk called Blueberry who had a similar situation, who had, at the last time I connected with her a year or so ago, been seven years without surgery.

BTW, swimming is great exercise.

[KL Aguilar]

The reason I asked your location is perhaps people on this board could recommend surgeons near you.

Fortitudine, I have been a cervie for 12 years, and have had only minimally invasive surgery in January 2000. However, I am getting progressively worse and will have to have something major in the next year or so, but what procedure and which surgeon is still undetermined.