Thoracic disc herniation

[mother5590]

I am post C5-6-7 fusions and then in Nov 2005 I had a diskectomy at T-8-9, due to a herniation into the cord. There was also cord  atrophy and progressive disabling symptoms . Both of my disc issue have progressed to myelpathies requiring me to have surgery. The last surgery was a thorocotomy so, a major impact on my life. In Nov of 2007 I began having new pain in my R axilla, chest and arm and increased pain in my R leg and sometimes bilaterally. The R side of my chest goes numb as well as new numbness in my R foot and leg. I had an MRI that was read inappropriately initially ( said that I still had T8-9) and it is saying that I have a new herniation at T7-8. the orientation is medially so I was told that I needed to have surgery on the other side to take care of it. I went to the Mayo Clinic for my last surgery but it was a great financial burden.( I lived in Wa state at the time)  I am currently in OK and am looking for my options and wondering if something like this at this point is an imminent problem or do I have some time to get a better evaluation.

[heidisgirls2]

Can you tell me why pain returned after cervical diskectomy, I have pain in jaw,right arm and shoulder. After my surgery I could lift my right arm up over my head but now only slightly and with pain.I have to use my left arm to help raise my right arm. My employer let me go because of liability issues and now I am currently looking for work and collecting unemployment. My question is will the pain go away ever and am I able to work. I am starting to doubt that I'll be able to work.I am approx 12 weeks post opt. I do have an appointment this thursday with my surgeon what are some questions I should ask him in regards to health.

[mother5590]

I went to UW but they did not have a surgeon on staff that could help me at the time.They sent me to Mayo Clinic. I live in Oklahoma and need some helpe here. Any ideas??

[Charles Rosen, MD]

Dear mother5590,

Hard to say, but you have a fine spine surgery dept there in the Orthopaedic Division of the Univ of Wash.  I suggest you go there if it’s closer.   I don’t know how to answer your “time” question except to say I would get opinions sooner rather than later.

Dr. Rosen

Charles Rosen, MD
Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Spine Surgery
University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine
Founding Director, UCI Spine Center  
Orange, California