Help me figure out questions to ask the neurosurgeon.

I see the neurosurgeon on the 10th.

Here are the questions I have so far. Do you have anything to add?

Questions for Dr. Schrot:

• In your opinion, is surgery really necessary? What other options are there that haven’t been tried?
• Is it possible to get a second opinion? I’ve been in a lot of pain and want a solution soon, but the idea of surgery scares me.
• I’ve heard some encouraging news about surgeries that preserve motion. Are these surgeries being performed regularly? How well are they working? Is there a chance I could receive such surgery?
• How many cervical fusion surgeries have you performed and what are the odds of complications developing?
• What are the most common complications?
• I am a singer. I need to know what kinds of complications may come up that will threaten my vocal cords and/or the nerves that control them.
• How much flexibility will I have after recovery?
• How long will I have to wear a cervical collar?
• How long until I can start functioning normally (able to lift, etc.)?
• How long until I feel 100%? Will my diabetes interfere with my recovery?
• I’ve heard that quite often problems develop in the discs above and below the fusion. How often does this happen and what is the average time after surgery that problems begin to occur? Is this more likely to happen to diabetics?
• Currently, I don’t have a good support system at home. Would it be possible for me to get some home care following surgery?
• I suffer from severe depression and have undergone ECT. If I get really sick again, will the metal left in my neck contraindicate ECT?
• There is a technology being made available that was originally developed for epilepsy: Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Will fusion surgery contraindicate this treatment for me?

o Information on Vagus Nerve Stimulation:
o http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/15131a.htm
o http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p0104vagus.html
o http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Depression/treatment/vns/index.asp

DO ask for assistance with home health, but realize it may not be for 8 hours a day. More likely than not it will be quite limited.

The diabetes issue is important to address, since diabetics are slow healers.

If I'm not going to be 100%, I need to know what percentage I can reasonably expect.

And yes, I'm aware of the problems in getting home health. I've been trying for years because I'm not able to fully function. I've moved twice (soon to be three times) and have never been able to actually settle in due to pain.

LH

we have a cockatoo at the office (big tangerine colored one) that I have grown quite fond of.

My Amazon is doing great. I've been putting him in his carrier and carting him off to bed at night. :) I've been a bit lonely (not THAT lonely...get your mind out of the gutter :D :D).

more/less headaches after surgery? I would ask that. Any time you have something done to your spine/neck, it'll affect your head as far as headaches go.

in this dimension and not a fake journalism school.
Please choose your surgeon carefully okay and I know it's really hard but get a few opinions.....we will be pulling for you.

my wife had back/neck surgery and has been in pain for 4 years,explore the procedure's results......

Would you doctor give you a referal so you could try one before agreeing to a surgical option?

what kind of results have you had with patients who have my condition?
do you have a former patient who would be willing to give you a reference?