forminotomy surgery

[honey_1991]

Hi I am new to this forum I wonder if the Dr. can help with some questions on a forminotomy. I have a problem with the T6 in my neck. I was born with a narrow spinal canal. The T6 disc is protuding also I have some trapped nerves. My nuerosurgeon on seeing my M.R.I. results wants to take away part of the disc and do a forminotomy. He tells me that this is the only solution and it may noit work however its the best shot at my problems. How long is recovery before I can drive and go back to normal tasks. Is it very painfull post operative ? is it a common operation ? how  long does the operation take ? is it done with a general anesthetic ? thank you for any help.

[Paul J Slosar]

The thoracic spine is a bit tricky to access with surgery and most surgeons perform a surgery called costotransversectomy in order to access the disc.  T6 is not your neck.  Do you mean C6?  very different answers depending on the T vs, C (thoracic v. Cervical),  The thoracic it tougher recovery and the cervical foraminotomy is less painful.  Both are done under general and can take 2-3 hours depending on the complexity.

[honey_1991]

sorry yes I do mean c6. it is definatly in my neck the surgeon thinks that the operation is the only answer. my symptoms were numbness in my index second finger and thumb. I had carpal tunnel syndrome years ago and had the operation, they thought it had gone again and this was the reason for nerve conservation tests which showed that it was not carpal tunnel I was then sent for an M..R.I.scan that showed these problems with the disc and trapped nerves.I also have fibromyalgia. How long is recovery on average ? can I expect much post operativa pain.? I am really worried about having this operation. Thank you for your reply, I look forward to hearing from you.