I am glad they got the results to you so quickly there is nothing like waiting for test results...

I wish there was better news in the report, however knowing what is wrong will allow you to get the proper treatment that is needed to correct and manage your pain....so it is significant that you follow up with them and talk about your future...I hope they can help you and not hurt you any more to fix this problems....hugs bill

hi Jasmine::: I'm happy you're done with the MRI. I hope some of your DS friends can help ease your mind about what will happen. I know when I was facing surgery, my doctor told me not to look at the net. I didn't even tell him I use a computer, but think he knows we all do that.

I hope your next consultation is soon so you can figure this out and get all the information you need to get better.

many hugs xo

We're here for you, jasmine, you can count on us.

I'm so sorry for your diagnosis but hope that as you move forward with your treatment things will get better. It'll take awhile. I'm sending positive thoughts your way for strength.

((((Hugs)))

Thanks for your support guys. I really need it because I am so scared.

Hi Jasmine,
I am so sorry about this. If your surgeon choses to do something surgical about c2-3 he will have been trained to be VERY careful with that level of your c-spine.

I might be facing another fusion at that exact same level and my best friend who happens to be a Doctor { internal medicine, though } told me that when she was on surgical rotation she saw patients with upper c-spine fusions in halos that were fairly comfortable and healed well. With no scarring from the halo.

Another way you can control a part of an, out of your control, experience { surgery } is to write a letter of intent for the anesthesiologist to read regarding how you want to be treated and medicated or not during your procedure and recovery.

At least you are finding out now and can do something about it. I wonder if you have any numbness or tingling in either of your arms?

Hi Jasmine!
Did your doctors order an EMG?

Salto my surgeon is well recognized and has recd many awards. He only operates on the spine- nothing else. I am extremely comfortable with him as my doctor. He has already operated on me twice.
Aronia I have not had an EMG just a Ct scan and MRI. To be honest I have had them in the past and since my doc isn't asking for one I will certainly not volunteer for one. Lol. I am a coward.
Thank you both for your input.

Oh, my, Jasmine! This is pretty disconcerting..
( especially in light of your reply on the " Fear " thread.

I wonder if there might be anyone on the back pain board with specific experience of the upper cervical spine treatments and/or surgeries?

Given that it's mild herniation at the upper level..
Maybe they can address the spurs without doing a fusion.

Gees.. I'd be kinda feaked about being cut in the front and back simultaneously.
( I wasn't automatically given anything for spasms when I had my double cervical fusion ...
So..was pretty freaked when I couldn't swallow ( that was just from spasm, though... from having everything in my throat moved over to the side so they could get at the spine.

Hmm.. having said that.. maybe it's a GOOD thing they're going from both ways on you... they won't have to be moving things aside so much?

I'm sure this is pretty scary to you.
No matter how many times you've been there.. every surgery is different. Maybe your family just views it as more of the same?
You'll probably get a chance to clarify to them how different these surgeries are.
( they haven't actually said they'd do a fusion higher up, though, right?
So.. hopefully.. maybe an orthroscopic removal( grinding down.. whatever).. of the spurs.. will do the trick on that one.

OK.. this was a bit of a ramble..
I just wanted you to know I'm really thinking of this, and you.
Hugs
jc

Jc, actually now that it shows a herniation I do believe he will fuse it. How he will do it is another story. The front and back cuts will be for the C7-T1 level. He said that there is a very good risk of non union so he wants to be very careful. He will also be using a bone stimulator.
Jc I am truly petrified. I have had surgeries before but the level of my fear is off the charts. I swear I need to calm down before I make myself even sicker.

OK..
First..
I have several herniations that they aren't doing fusions on..
Degree matters. So.. try not to assume anything.
( I know.. easier said than done.

I think you should email your Dr.s office TODAY
( I know.. they won't get it until tomorrow..still..
You need to ask if he plans on doing that level that has you so terrified.
And.. if so..
You need to let him know just how extremely anxious it's making you ..
And maybe there's something he could give you for anxiety?

How's your blood pressure?
I agree that too high a level of anxiety can be detremental to you.

I'm sorry you're so afraid.
It's a pretty scary thing.

Have you tried talking to your family any more about it?
Hugs

Jc I am seeing the doc on Thur and yes I am making good use of my tranquilizers (not overdoing it though). When I saw the dr initially he did say that if it was herniated he would address it because it is compressing the spinal cord. That and the bone spur are almost completely blocking the opening. Thankfully I have very low blood pressure. Sometimes when they take it they have to do it twice because it is so low. As far as family, my SO isn't very compassionate. I know that when the time comes he will wait on me hand and foot, but talking to him about my fear is another story. My daughter called me this morning and said she is a very positive person and although she loves me very much, she can't change who she is. My other daughter is away on vacation so until she comes back there is no one to talk to. So in answer to your question I am on my own. I honestly don't know what's scaring me more. I thank you so much for your caring. I can't tell you enough what it means to me.

Jasmine - the reason why I m asking about the EMG - Jancam is right - just because there is a herniation, it doesn't always mean the level has to be fused.
mRI , CT and EMG usually together give a pretty good picture of where the most critical problem lies - spinal cord compression and severe radiculipathy are usually the indications for surgery and EMG frequently can pinpoint exactly at what level the compression of the nerve is.
I am so happy you love your doctor. I m sure he will take excellent care of you.

Oh and btw -- there were quite a few patients I dealt with who had A/P cervical fusion and many of them had excellent pain relief after.
People especially reported how the pain in their arms and shoulders was gone and that they could hold objects again.

Hi Jasmine

I hope you have had a chance to email or speak with your Dr to let them know how you are feeling.

I have positive thoughts flowing for you.

You have a lot to absorb at the moment. And you are amongst friends. I know we cannot change the MRI results. But if we could we would. It is a great thing that you have a wonderful surgeon. No matter how great he is it is just super scary to have anyone come near your spine and change it in any way at all.

I think you have an advantage though as you have been through surgeries before. So you know some of the do's and don'ts. And it sounds like you know that good preparation is needed and you will do that, like researching as much as you can, and prepping your body wellbeing wise as much as you can. You know that your SO will be there to help once you come out. These are a food good things to have on your side.

I really hope that you are able to get some rest and sleep.

This may not have been much comfort but I'm here. Just wishing I could be right there with you.

Lots of gentle hugs.

Nessa thank you so much for your kind words. Yes I know he will be there for me after the surgery but after thinking it over and getting the support from my friends here, I think I will try and talk to him again and let him know how I feel.
I think the shock is slowly wearing off.
Thanks again.