Has anyone had cervical disc replacement surgery?

[themom]

Hi.  I've been diagnosed with multilevel degenerative disc disease c-4 through c-7.  I'm now 43 years old.  I've been waiting 3 years for disc replacement surgery to be a little more mainstream treatment.  I'm interested in hearing anything about this procedure for the C-spine.  I'm considered a surgery candidtate for c-5/6 and c-6/7 levels.  Thanks, Jolene

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

In my experience:  it is better to go for MRI and referral to Neurologist, before you go for your Visa/Immigration medical.

The Immigration Doctor picked up on my problem (I did not mention anything to him) and referred me to get a MRI and the whole Visa process was put on hold until I could send a report to him that I've had the operation and that it was successful.

If your Immigration Doctor notice it during his examination, then he might do the same and that delays the Visa-process dramatically!

All the best and let me know how it goes.

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

Sorry, only noticed your post today.  Did you have the surgery yet?  How are you going?

[dpolo1]

I am considering going to Dr. Clavel in Oct of this year to have a 3 level ADR done.  Did you ever have him do it?  if so, are you happy with the results?  what type of disk did he put in?

Thank you so much

[bet739]

Hi,

I also have a lumbar spondolosis and cervical sponsolosis, and might go for fusion for my lumbar problem, do you think I will be granted Canadian PR visa if I go for the surgery?when is the best time to go for surgery, before my medical or after my medical?(i might have my m,ecial in Sept 2013

[uncle57]

Oh man, I'm in the same boat. I've been suffering pain down my arms for 3 years now. The 3 surgeons I've talked to so far all say "Sure, I'll do your neck" but cannot give a straight answer when asked if I SHOULD have it done or if it will help me. It seems like a complete crap shoot. You could be better, you could be worse. Next step for me is to go talk to yet another surgeon - this one some kind of high-powered guy in Seattle (I live in Hawaii) - to see if I can get some genuine advice from him. I'm only 56 and have always taken care of myself. It's just unfair.

[Chris5161952]

Iʻve been there with most of you. Iʻve been in 5 rear-end collisions since I was 21 ( yes 5, I think Iʻm wearing a target) 2 side collisions and 2 of these resulting in bad whiplash. L1 thru L6 and my SI joint are so arthritic from the accidents, I have pain thru the entire bottom 1/2 of my body. I have trouble walking and standing.Iʻm also scoliotic Iʻve had pain so long ( Iʻm 60 now) it was something I just lived with. I had a discectomy in 2002 which didnʻt seem to help at all. 10 years of facet and spine injections convinced me and my surgeon it was time to try something else. He suggested doing a neuro-stimulator trial for 5 days to see if my spine and back could take it. It stimulates the pain nerves to tingle instead of have pain, and OMG it was so great, I cried when they had to take it out. The 3 weeks I had to wait to have the permanent one installed seemed like forever. Since the surgery, Iʻve been walking and doing most of the things I havenʻt done in years. You control the sensations, the speed of tingling, and the area of coverage. Itʻs amazing! once itʻs set you pretty much forget you have it.Check out the site for "Medtronic". They are also one of the makers of pacemakers and defibrillators.    
I also have the grinding and crunching of neck bones because of the multiple whiplashes with all the crashes. I had been seeing a chiro but it seemed to hurt more, so I took it upon myself to stop going and I havenʻt had much pain at all anymore.