Trudi and I got to see my neurosurgeon (Gert Tollesson) around 615pm to discuss the results of CT & X-ray.

We did some more testing which showed my hand grip test was even worse than it was 5 weeks ago in the last appointment (which was bad then!). It was no wonder doing the basics like washing my hair or pouring water is a chore! He said it also explains why I just can't do much work. i.e. the typing and sitting at a desk with no strength in my arms, let alone the pain radiating down my back, into my ears, and then pins and needles and pain down into my fingers.

He showed us the scans and that the bones were in good shape so we could move forward with the preferred surgery which involves disc replacement between C5 & C6. It is called a Cervical Radiculopathy Disc Replacement c5/c6. Brief booklet here: https://rb.gy/ox68yl

He's recommended we do it in Greenslopes Private Hospital (over Brisbane Private) as Greenslopes has a fully functioning infectious diseases, immunology and respiratory department, where as Brisbane Private does not. I have also seen some of their specialists as an inpatient at the Wesley as replacement for Dr Heiner (my respiratory) and Dr Langguth (my immunologist) over the years so that is comforting.

They will do a full medical on me before surgery to ensure I'm in the right shape. e.g. CT's, ECG etc etc.

I would likely stay in for 3-4 days post op. It would then be a 4-6 week recovery. Full recovery within 3 months. He expects given the pain I'm in I'll actually feel better than I currently am very quickly. I won't be able to drive for 4 weeks, but can be a passenger. And sadly no crunches or sit-ups for the first 3 months haha

I find out more details about the surgery on Monday and can then make better plans.

Grateful to have Trudi come with me to this one. And to have Jo flying into Caba last Monday 6th to keep me company and drive up with me on Friday to hand me over to Trudi for the appointment.

Overall, a really good outcome and a big relief. It’s been 13 weeks I’ve been in this critical state and 6 weeks since I started with him…. the longest I have ever waited for a surgery. But understand the need to take this time given all the scans required to work out which one to do etc. Just grateful we can now get on with it! He also was really confident that it will be a simple process and will bring a great outcome for me.