Forthcoming 3 level cervical fusion

[LC in UK]

Have been told by the GI Physiology doctor this week that I've suffered irreparable nerve damage largely caused by lumbar surgery. I suspect the Anterior Fusion is responsible but at least I won't now be expecting an improvement following the ACDF . Incredible that it's taken 13 years to finally learn what's caused these problems. I suppose it's impossible to have so much instrumentation put in without damaging the pudendal nerve?
C'est la vie..............

[mmglobal]

LC... what makes him say it's already permanent? I've seen many people who've been told this by their doctors and discover that the doctors were wrong. Please see JackH on the GPN page... he had been told that for many, many years.

Could be permanent, but the doctors who are saying that... how do they know. It is my understanding that EMG results give a different 'signature' if the nerve irritation is due to compression, versus a lesion on the nerve (which is more likely to be permanent.)

All the best,

Mark

[LC in UK]

Thankyou for that advice Mark, will indeed check out the GPN posting.
I hope the guy's wrong, although he did do extensive testing.
Will pm
Lynette

[LC in UK]

Was called to Kings last week to see Mr Kulkarni who has taken my case over from Mr Gullan who has left. Had an hour and a half consultation with him which included going over the MRI scans together.
Mr Kulkarni says I probably need a 2 level cervical fusion and that the leg weakness is caused by compression of L1/2 and he showed me the critical point on my spine. How come my orthopaedic consultant didn't see this last November??
EMG tests are lined up for arms and legs (4 week wait ) and will see Mr K again after the neurologist has reported on the results.
Thereafter cervical fusion and lumbar decompression will be carried out at Kings.
I appreciate the time Mr Kulkarni spent with me in discussion and explanation but feel angry again about wasted time and more delay.
Sorry that you're C-spine is giving you trouble Mark, it certainly takes the shine off life doesn't it?
Will be in touch
Lynette