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

[TERRYBUTZEN]

Yes my friend the good old whiplash did me in too..it was one year after the whiplash I started to get signs something was wrong...x-ray showed 4 bulging disk, a pinch nerve, and artheritis...I never had pain in my life like this, I called them attacks which lasted for minutes, and minor attacks during the day...my head feels like my neck cant support it, headakes, numbness in arms, tingling, all in upper shoulder...now I get elbow pain, hip pain, and knee pain all on my right side, oh the famous musle weakness too....mri concluded narrowing of the spinal canal (nerves) emg says I got carpol tunnel in right hand but its related to the dam nerve in the neck...now its time for cortozone injections, say 5-6 disk are where this **** is happening, I know whats coming...is it worth having the surgery???  did you feel like shortness of breath?? maybe that's the affect of my muscles..

[philnoir]

That's good advice -- surgery should always be a treatment of last resort unless it is required to save the stability of the spine.

[IrishColleen44]

Caution EVERYONE who is contemplating ACDF surgery to exhaust EVERY other avenue before you have the surgery!! MY "trip" down that road began in October 2006. After 6 years of horrible neck pain..med's, physical therapy, injections, working out daily, yoga etc..I finally gave up and had my 1st surgery on C5-6. The surgery lessened the left shoulder pain but didn't do a whole lot to make my neck feel better. I absolutely believe that once you have your cervical spine operated on..the rest of it starts to degenerate because the healthy disk's are not having to do more work. June of 2010 C6-7 was removed and fused and June 2014 C4-5 was removed and fused!! I am now waiting for disability to be approved....suffer MORE AND WORSE pain in my neck than I ever have....according to MRI done 3 week's ago have possible fracture in the vertebrae where the 3rd (last) surgery was done..nerve damage done to my leg's because of 3rd surgery..etc. Now I'm absolutely regretting that I EVER let my neck be cut into! Do a ton of research and as I said completely exhaust ALL other options first!! Don't want anyone to have to endure the pain that I have.

[Elaine_Des]

could you please share with me where you had your cervical implants and which hospital and Dr. I was unaware that this procedure was being done anywhere in Canada.....I am in Quebec....and not getting any help with my condition of DDD and herniated discs in c-spine on 3 levels. Was interested in going to the US, but have no insurance and would cost about $30,000. So any way any help or suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated. I would be willing to travel to BC if necessary.

[CKB777]

Hi vrob!!! :)
I just saw your message/reply to me. Please forgive me, I know its' been awhile since posted message, though I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your reply and your very kind well wishes. Thank you very much!!!
It's very inspiring to me to know that you were able to get your life back. I'm still in same position I was when previously wrote that post; insurance coverage and costs of the policies that the surgeons actually accept, are very costly. I still haven't given up, thank God!!! And keep doing all I can to keep pushing through until I can get the safest procedure(s).
Thanks again!!!
God Bless you and yours!!!
CKB777

[Scottmkm]

how are you now after your disc replacement and would you do it again if you could go back in time ...I am having c7 disc problems now and am not sure what to do ?