[livingwith]

I had to have 2 cervical fusions and 1 lumbar fusuion after an injury 4 yrs ago. My last surgery was 3 yrs ago.
In the last 3-4 months, I have been having alot of pain in my neck and also at the middle back(thorasic area) now. I just went to Dr today. After xrays were made, I now have severe arthritis(osteo)in my entire spine,curvature of the spine(thorasic area). I also am experiencing pain in left arm and tingling and numbness in left hand and legs. At times now when I walk,my left leg will co...Read the full article

[sandracampbell45]

I can totally relate to your situation. In 1996 I suffered with Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy and spinal cord compression at the C3-4 C5-6 Levels... I was in extreme pain and was losing function in both legs. I underwent an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion with the titanium instrumentation . The surgery was a success yet I still suffer from Neck Pain.
In 2003 I started having severe low back pain. extending down my right buttock and had numbness in my left toes. After numerous tests I now have degenerative disc disease in my L4-5 L5-S1 levels.. My pain is absolutely unbearable at times. I have no life due to the pain. I can't do anything physical and I had to retire from work and applied for social security disability, Luckily they approved my claim. I've been on disability for 6 years now.

I'm presently seeing a pain specialist who prescribes me Avinza which is basically morphine, Percocet, and Soma . These meds help on some days but Im still suffering badly.
I'm seriously looking into having surgery to releive my compressed discs cuz I don't want to live like this anymore. I have zero quality of life. I'm just scared because I've heard horror stories about this surgery.

I wish you luck in relieving your pain.
good luck