I have just returned from a consultation with the neurosurgeon here after the 3rd MRI and he has confirmed that I am indeed in need of an URGENT operation. This showed up so clearly on the 3rd MRI (under flexion) that even I could see it and I'm no doctor. The problem is C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6. There is a severe narrowing of the spinal canal in this area and virtually no spinal fluid.

They can go in from the front or the back. If they go in from the front, there is a slight risk that they could damage my vocal chords as they have to move my throat out of the way in order to be able to remove 3 discs and replace them with articifical ones, or they can go in through the back, which means a more difficult operation, longer recovery and more pain for longer as they would have to cut through my back muscles and remove bone from my spine in order to be able to rectify the situation.

So, a slight risk of damage to my vocal chords (bear in mind I make my living with my voice as singer, voiceover artist and lecturer) or a far longer and more complicated operation with God knows what other potential complications...

They have said that, for them, it is a fairly 'routine' operation and that they have 15 specialists in this area. My g/f says they would not let someone without experience do this kind of operation so, in any case, it would be undertaken by an experienced specialist, maybe assisted by a junior surgeon. I discussed going 'private' and whether the consultant I've met would undertake the operation. His answer?

"Unless you have private medical insurance, the cost would be far too high and it won't get you any better treatment. Will I do the operation? It depends on whether it is one of my days here or not but I will certainly be responsible for it. I am only in this hospital 20 days per month and at this point I cannot guarantee that it will be me but we have 15 specialists here and you will be handled by someone with experience if it is not me."

Although he is very professional and obviously has a good reputation in Austria, he makes it sound as if it is like having a haircut... Then again, there are good barbers / hairdressers and bad ones.

This is my SPINE we are talking about. My neck is on the line - in more ways than one. If they get it wrong or I choose the wrong guy, I could end up in a wheelchair for life with no value in my voice.

I have emailed a specialist surgeon in London for some advice...

What would YOU do?

Follow That Dream

Sam
Karaoke King

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Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what