Reply #15: Sorry you're having so much difficulty philboy

[skygazer]

Let me tell you about my experience with a similar situation.

I had minor neck pain for several years which steadily got worse, with pain and numbness in my shoulders and arm down to the fingertips. Saw doctors and chiropractors but nothing seemed to help. Finally got x-rays and MRIs done that showed similar damage to what you have.

I tried physical therapy which helped somewhat for a while but the thing is, none of this is going to go away - in fact, it generally gets worse.

I did end up having a cervical fusion. It was a big decision and I did a lot of research. Not a step to be taken lightly but from what I found, the recovery rate is very good. I also met several people who had the same procedure done and they had positive things to say.

I had my surgery in 2004. I lost a little bit of mobility but no more than I had already lost from pain. I have had no problems with my neck since then.

Right after the surgery, I was somewhat immobile more from the soreness of my leg where bone was taken to graft into my neck than from the neck itself. That soreness was pretty manageable within days though and I got around fine. I wore a brace for about 6 months or so. That was a bother but I got used to it.

As for your doctor withholding medical records, that is crazy. I once had a doctor who pulled similar crap on me - a friend called them and told them he was my "legal adviser" and that the records were my property which they had no right holding on to. It worked, for what that's worth. I wish you luck.