[Lee]

Hi all, I belong to the "ticking bomb" category which Mark has mentioned in the thread "Rebound Myelopathy". I have cervical cord compression (30-50%) from 2 herniations in C5/6, C6/7 after an automobile accident 6mths ago, with manageable symptoms (stiffness,discomfort in neck,shoulders,head),mild weakness & numbness in left arm & fingers.

Surgeons in Singapore are split in their opinions.Some advised I should get surgery (ADR recommended) done so as to prevent the risk of paralysis should I fall down or possibility of slow irreversible paralysis over time (especially since Im only 27). The conservative ones think I should just wait as long as I could deal with the pain or change in lifestyle. Surgery to me is a very last resort especially since I seem to be coping,but after a high-regarded doc told me I have significant cord compression which should not be ignored,i feel my life has been stalled at a cross road junction until I make a decision. Pertinent question is: Should I address a "sleeping" problem? What if my current manageable symptoms worsen after surgery, especially since I heard that open surgery can lead to internal scarring and the pain lasts for life. Has anyone come across cases where ignored cord compression later led to paralysis?

To add to my frustration,after intensive physiotherapy for 4mths, not only did my first herniation at C6/7 did not improve, I had another herniation at C5/6 after a 2nd MRI. I wonder if my entire structure is now already unstable and I should do something about it before it worsens. Docs say "anything could have caused the 2nd slipped disc, nobody knows."

After much research,it seems that minimally invasive procedure might be the answer for me. Minimal tissue damage & risk but pressure off the cord can be relieved. The question that remains is, my discs seem to be degenerated (black on MRI). If only the herniated portion is removed, does it mean that my pain (asssuming its discogenic) will still be there? This is a question I will ask Alpha.I am also curious on whether abrasion can really help to regenerate disc and whether I will need to do it, and if abrasion is only practised at alpha? Is anyone familiar with the difference between Dr Hoogland & Dr Dekkers departments in Alpha? I've made an appoinment with Dr Hoogland as I've been recommended to him. Appreciate any feedback/ discussion regarding percutaneous nucleotomy (prescribed to me via online consultation) and Dr Hoogland. Chance of re-herniation is 5-8% and so far no major complication from surgery. Laser Spine Institue recommended that I do foraminotomy but i think any prosterior approach is risky. Im flying down to Munich in 10 days.

Cheers
Lee
PS: Upkeeping the optimism...