Medical forums? (OT)

[rspurr]

Just wondering if anyone knows some good medical forums where you can talk to people with similar medical issues.

I have a bulging disc at c5-6 that is narrowing my spinal column and causing weakness and numbess in my arms and legs. My neurosurgeon said I need the disc removed and have the 2 vertebrae fused. I am very hesitant to get this surgery. I am only 34. Has anyone else here been through this or can anyone at least direct me to a good forum to discuss these issues?

[j-bird]

I don't know of any medical forums for you rspur but I can understand the pain.I had back surgery(micridiscectomy,L3,L4)done 18 months ago and feel pretty good.I understand the hesitation to have surgery done so I's recommend at least two other opinion from orthopedics & neuros.
Most insurance companies will likely require this.I put off having surgery until I really had to(at age 51)but there have been great advances in this field.If you're at a point of numbness in the arm & leg some nerve damage might be done already.Talking to others in a similar position is fine but I'd trust the MRI & the "pros" to make the right call.
Good luck to you.

[Vote for Kalas]

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/f...splay.php?f=18

General Health Board with discussion of neurology, surgery and back issues.

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/index.php

General neurology board

http://www.spine-health.com/index.html

Back-related website