I Have Cervical Myelopathy. Should I Have A Spinal Fusion, Laminectomy Or Let It Go For Now?

One Response for "I Have Cervical Myelopathy. Should I Have A Spinal Fusion, Laminectomy Or Let It Go For Now?"

1. MsSmurfy December 17th, 2009 at 6:07 am

   I can empathize with you…my situation was very closely the same…however I suffered far longer…my choice to have the surgery was finally forced upon me when the neurological changes began occurring beyond my control….suddenly could no longer even drive safely not knowing when any movement would cause TIA symptoms as if mini stokes…very scary…as well as migraine headaches beyond description causing delirium and misery beyond tolerance. I feared the 50/50 risk factor…my Neursurgeon had me wear a cervical collar for several months to see whether the immobilization helped alleviate my misery at all…IT DID! Amazingly! Then in Oct 2000 on the 12th, I was my Neurosurgeons 13th patient he ever performed the spinal fusion upon [at C3/4,C4/5,C5/6] with a bone graft taken from my hip[I chose not to have cadaver bone used], and titanium plates & screws were secured in place. My 2&1/2hr surgery ended up being nearly six hours when the Dr. discovered over 100 bone spurs within my cervical area & he needed to carefully grind & remove! Amazingly, I went home from the hospital the next day [again my personal choice]. My Neursurgeon calls me his ‘miracle angel’ and I call him my Teddy bear Angel~ This choice may have saved my life~ but was one of the scariest decisions I have ever had to make. The recovery period was long, with several different cervical collars including a bone growth collar I wore additionally 3-4 hours a day to encourage healthy healing. I reccommned you do ALL the research you possibly can…then only “YOU” can make the ultimate choice. I can honestly say I am so glad I finally made the choice to have this done! By the way…the hip area where they took the bone from was more painful than the cervical surgery itself, if you can believe that! Amazing~ I wish you comfort & guidance in your choice~ Take care~