"Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion"

As the result of a car accident 35 years ago, I sustained damage to C4, C5 and C6 area of the spine in my neck. During the last ten years I have suffered increasingly severe pain in my neck and shoulders, with numbness in the extremities of my fingers on both hands and down my left side. A year ago, I became unable to fully extend my right arm, with severe pain in the elbow and a deterioration of grip in my right hand.

During this period, I sought medical assistance and guidance, if you are reading this, you may have encountered similar frustration in obtaining a clear diagnosis or treatment plan.

Then I was referred to the doctor at the Orthopaedic and spine specialist hospital in Peterborough. Within two short clinic appointments, the doctor was able to provide an explanation for my symptoms and a clear option for surgical resolution via anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, by removing the collapsed disc in between the c5 and c6 vertebrae. Taking a section of bone from my hip, shaping it into a disc and inserting between the vertebrae, releasing the trapped nerves between.

The operation took a mere two hours, I was released within 28 hours of admission.

My experience has been one of clear, measured diagnosis with empathetic explanation of procedure, risks and outcomes, to both myself and my wife, from the doctor and his entire staff within the facility, the level of care has been exemplary from everyone.

The operation was an immediate success with the pain and numbness previously suffered removed and mobility in my arms, hands restored.

I can’t thank the doctor and his extended team enough for the life that they have returned to me, they removed frustration, doubt and anxiety for both my wife and myself and have provided me with improved mobility and a pain free future.

As the doctor said, at 52 years of age I am still a young man with a lot of living ahead of me.

Thank you.