New here & 6 Days ADR Post Op

[readingteacher3245]

My journey to pain relief has not been near as long as many on these boards. I feel fortunate to have had my issues resolved in a relatively quick manner.

Intermittent left neck/shoulder pain began in Dec 2012. Attributed it to life stressors. Massages and a range of new pillows didn't relieve the pain. By June 2012, I could barely lift my left arm and the nerve buzzing began. Went to Immediate Care, where I left with a normal xray, Medrol dosepak and Flexeril.

That treatment failed and I was referred for an MRI w/o contrast. Moderate central canal stenosis and significant potential impingement on the left C7 nerve root from a C6/7 left subarticular/foraminal disc protrusion.

Nerve buzzing progressed to shooting pain down the tricep and forearm, and numbing of thumb and forefinger. Referred to a "conservative" neurosurgeon who found lacking reflexes and muscle atrophy. Referred to PT for manual traction but dismissed after 3 very painful sessions. Referred to pain management for epidural injection which provided no relief. At that point, I chose to forego subsequent injections and marched myself right back to the surgeon!

While I had wanted conservative treatment, we both agreed I was a clear candidate for surgery. He suggested ADR; that's when I found this forum!

I'm 6 days post op with a NuVasive PCM system, and feeling great!! Pain is completely gone, and only mild, intermittent nerve flutterings in my fingers. Been off pain meds for 3 days and took a Tylenol once. No collar required unless I'm up among a group of people or taking a walk outside. Swallowing is still difficult, but I can live with that for now.

[TPatti]

Congratulations! Do you mind sharing who your surgeon was?

[Stonewall_Boris]

Yes, did you have your surgery in the states or abroad?

[readingteacher3245]

Dr. Marc Levin of Munster, IN