Post by moco on Feb 2, 2020 4:11:46 GMT -8
steelguy71,I hesitated before writing this post as it isn't completely positive about the benefits of the op. But then decided that as you ask for different experiences I should give you any available info.
My husband, Peter had the decompression op for cervical stenosis at C4-C7 (laminectony) over 7 years ago. His op was "successful" in that it opened up his spinal cord and gave the nerves more space but significant damage had already been done and the op added some extra damage to his right side which had previously been unaffected. There is no explanation as to why this happened - we have spoken to many neuro docs and there is no real explanation. Some docs are of the opinion that he left it too long (he had symptoms going back many years to his rugby playing youth). Peter was greeted by the medical community as "interesting" for quite a while. Not something he aspired to
The op was back in 2012 and following it he was pretty immobile, in pain and had no stamina at all for a while - though he never completely lost his ability to walk. Now he is much improved, his spasticity is still there but he manages it with baclofen, exercise and stretching is significantly better now. His left side is stabilised at where it was before the op and he is now getting more strength in his right hand side - improvements are slow and a bit up and down but always an upward curve overall. Physio and daily exercise routines have played a huge part.
Two things I observed from staying in touch with a few others who had similar ops at the same time as Peter. The younger ones did significantly better in terms of recovery time particularly in regards to mobility though not always better in terms of less pain. The two who had complications following the op were older (Peter was in his mid 60s then and so was the other guy with a poor outcome) and both had had symptoms for a long time and put off the op until they deteriorated quickly. Maybe co incidence or maybe significant.
Peter also felt that there was no choice about the op as he deteriorated very fast in early 2012 and was told if he didn't have it he would lose all movement from chest down quite quickly. The other thing I have learned from a recent conversation with a neuro physio is that techniques for laminectomy ops have improved a lot in the last few years.
Re the new symptom you mention. Peter used to get similar before and after the op. But his felt like a shiver ending in a tight banding feeling round his ribs which could stay for quite a while. It was very distressing. It seems to be caused by spasms in the intercostal muscles. It gradually got less troublesome and disappeared completely probably 4 years ago (fingers crossed). He tried several things to alleviate but can't remember if much worked. I think relaxation and deep breathing helped some. Might be worth asking again on the forum but as a new topic as I know it is quite a common problem. Also I remember getting a lot of info from MS sites as it is a common MS symptom.
Hope this is helpful - and again I hope not too discouraging - but knowledge is power. Good luck with whatever you decide (if you haven't already) and I hope you find some peace and comfort