Thank you for your thoughts and info, Haile Selassie.. I hear ya on the pain level - there are so many times I can't function because it hurts so bad, but I have no choice.. Many times my wife has had to help me to the bed or the couch because I'm in the fetal position somewhere in the house - or in the room on vacation, like you..
Yeah, I would be getting anterior cervical surgery, like you, where they go in through the front to ether fuse or replace C3 - C5.. I keep saying C3 and C4, but its actually the two discs between C3 and C5.. I imagine you had a fusion done? Would be very interested in hearing your story and recovery.. A lifelong friend of mine just had C4-C7 done Monday and 4:20pm and was home Tuesday at 5pm - and not even having to wear a neck brace.. Florida might be a little too far to travel, but if they could confirm I needed it and they'd do it, maybe.. that's a tough one due to follow ups and whatnot.. but, I'd still be interested..
Yeah, as a I diver I'm a little concerned with a fusion, considering you dive horizontally with your head back most of the time.. Little bit concerned with mobility after a 2 disc fusion, although I know 1 disc = 7 degrees mobility loss.. So, 14 degrees in my case..
If you got artificial discs, I'd be especially interested.. I have not been able to talk with anyone who had that done, yet...
Thanks so much, again - I really appreciate the info and look forward to hearing more.. Steve
Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..