Dr’s prognosis: C3 to C7 severely degenerated. Disks bulging, and bone thickening. The only thing that could totally relieve pain, and reduce the symptoms, would be to fuse all 5 vertebrae. Unfortunately, at my age this is not a preferred choice, and we will first try other options. Step 1: I will undergo a rhizotomy which is a neurosurgical procedure that selectively destroys problematic nerve roots in the spinal cord. This is done by Radiofrequency ablation (or RFA) which is a procedure used to reduce pain. An electrical current produced by a radio wave is used to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, thereby decreasing pain signals from that specific area. This will be followed by intensive physiotherapy, and the wearing of a neck brace for a certain number of hours daily. If this does not give effective relief, the following will happen: Step 2: C7 and C6 will be fused, and a platinum disk will be inserted between C6 and C5 to alleviate the pressure. C7 – C5 are worst affected at this stage. Last resort: C3 – C7 will be fused, limiting the function of my neck… This will NOT steal my joy! I vow to live each day to the fullest, and keep focusing on everything I have to be thankful for!
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 08:31:50 +0000
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