I know my neuro recommended surgery...

[Deja Q]

but I'm increasingly noticing tingling in my neck and both hands, nevermind the other effects I'm currently having that tie in to the same diagnosis (spine curvature and a disc pinching some nerves).

Do you think that will convince them to get me under the filet knife more quickly?

I just want to be cured. And for once I will not choose to endure what can't be cured. Everything I like in life depends on mobility. And, yes, I am a coward. And mobility is a mandate in our laughingly called "culture of life".

[Elidor]

1. Good luck to you, HT

That is rather serious. I, too, am partial to mobility. I hope you'll get it taken care of quickly and painlessly and return to full health.

[shraby]

2. If he recommended surgery,

I would suggest that you get it done because the more damage there is the less likely of full recovery. I'm no medical person, it just seems to make sense.

[Mend]

7. I agree...the longer the nerves are compressed

by discs in the neck, the more likely you will have permanent damage. Several people I know have had the surgery done and it was successful.

[liberalhistorian]

3. HT, I had similar surgery about

eleven years ago and it worked PERFECTLY! The difference is incredible. Sure, I have to exercise more to keep my back in shape and to try to slow the inevitable degenerating of the disk, but I feel a lot better doing that anyway. Get it done ASAP, you won't regret it, I guarantee you.

[blueknight]

4. when it comes to surgery, always get a second opinion

[Deja Q]

6. Thank you ALL so far!

I will remain chipper and optimistic, though I am inclined to make a silly joke once in a while anyway.

I especially appreciate your comments. I have this irrational belief that they're going to screw things up. (I also heard that a supervisor 20 years older than me recently had asimialr surgery and it went fine.)

It isn't too late. It'snever too late.

[Maat]

5. I just think that you should go for it.

My friend did, and she is very happy that she did. I remember a day when, seemingly, surgeons messed up fairly regularly with that stuff. But, from what I have heard - no more! They've come a long way. And we just prayed when 'K' had her surgery. We knew she could keep going to the E.R. in such pain. I hope I understand right. She had the same disc thing - the result of an accident in which she tried to stop a car from running over someone when she worked at a car dealership. She had the surgery, and was up and fully functioning very soon - it seemed like great progress in a few weeks - completely functional within a few months. It was so nice to see her happy.

[welshTerrier2]

8. i'm no expert here ...

and i'm obviously not at all familiar with your specific diagnosis ...

i have read that IF you have a herniated disc, the body will eventually reabsorb the disc and that the prognosis is generally no different with or without surgery ...

of course, when you add in the numbness issue, perhaps that's a whole different ballgame ...

mrs. wt2 had a spinal fusion done when she was a kid for a very bad curvature of the spine ... that's something you really want to avoid if it's at all possible ... i'm sure the techniques have improved but she frequently has back pain ...

i would definitely get a second opinion before having the surgery ...

[Deja Q]

9. The disc has been out of whack for some time; over a year...

I know I've a history of back and neck problems, most of them work related and documented.

My appt coming up will be the 2nd opinion, but I'm already prepared for the worst.

[welshTerrier2]

10. best of luck ...

a good friend of mine had surgery for a herniated disc and is doing great now ...

keep us posted on what you decide and how things go ...

[Deja Q]

12. Thx...

(The MRI also had shown the disc pinching quite badly too.)

I hope it works, but if it doesn't, I do know that, all things considered, I never wasted my life. I never met my own expectations of success, but I know where I came from and as such overcame a hell of a lot. And that's what life is about; beating reality at its own game for as long as possible and ignoring the rationality of following up on what we want reality to be.

[welshTerrier2]

14. ask the dr. this ...

ask whether it's true that a herniated disc will be naturally "reabsorbed" by the body and ask whether it's true that statistics show that the prognosis for those with herniated discs is no different with or without surgery ...

i'm sure i'm generalizing with this information but it might be useful to get a very clear read on these points from your doctor ... there are also different methods of doing the surgery ... my memory stinks but i vaguely remember reading that there were more problems with the arthroscopic (i.e. small incision) surgery than there were with the more traditional method ... i think i read this about 4 or 5 years ago so it might not still be the case ...

anyway, i would also do extensive reading on this topic on the web ... it's always good to bring lots of good questions to every appointment ...

[LynzM]

11. I've seen good things happen from it

My aunt had it done for a herniated disc quite a while ago (10 years?) and she went from mostly immobile on the floor 95% of the time to fully functioning again in a short time (a few months? I don't remember). For her, it was a really good choice. I'd get a second opinion if you can, but it sounds like it could make a really positive difference for you. Good luck, and let us know what you decide!

[OhioBlue]

13. best of luck

and good wishes sent your way - I'm glad you are getting a second opinion.

[progmom]

15. HT

Good luck with this. Sounds like surgery is looking like a good option. Make sure you have a well-respected surgeon, and that you follow through on all the post-op rehab.
Hugs!!!!