Neck Surgery in HKG

[HKDriver]

Hi All,

I'm looking down the barrel of a C5/6 disc replacement. The specialist is Dr Raymond Yip. Has anyone had similar surgery with him or another HK Dr they could recommend? He tells me he's done this surgery on a few CX/KA pilots. I understand it's no big deal with aircrew medical status, but frankly the whole idea of someone messing with my spine gives me chills.

Please PM if you don't wish to post publically.

Thanks in advance.

[asianeagle]

Given the general ineptitude of the Hong Kong surgical fraternity, I would be inclined to ...... stay the f away, especially with my neck!

Recovery will be the key, and once again staying away from most physio's and the like is probably a good idea.

Go to a first world country, get a proper diagnosis with a proper surgeon

[Cyber Bob]

I have a problem with my C7 disc and nerve. Consultant surgeon said he could delve inside, no problem. However, could make things a whole lot worse. Believe it or not it's really not an exact science especially when nerve's and cords are in such close proximity.

That why you get the expression 'A Pain in the neck' - it can be really debilitating and right royal pain in the A$$

Rule of thumb though, if you can live with it - do just that. Best advice I've had I reckon

Either way - feel for you fella, neck pain ain't nice

All the best
CB

[Border Reiver]

Hi,

The system won't let you receive PMs for some reason.

I've had 2 discs replaced by Dr Yip no problems at all.

Send me a PM if you want quite happy to chat about it.

[iceman50]

Tried sending a PM as well no luck.

I can only recommend Dr Yip.

[Some How I'm Tired]

Dr Darren Mann used to be in Hong Kong, not sure if he still is. A General Surgeon who is on The UK Board of Surgical Examiners. Volunteered time in the war zone I believe. I know 2 people whose lives he saved (removing cancer), and he did a great job on me. Cannot speak highly enough of this gentleman.

[FlexibleResponse]

Recommend that you get a second opinion from a Neurosurgeon.

[oriental flyer]

Sorry totally disagree with the doctor recommendation
I have had surgery from this individual and wouldn't let him near me after that experience
Go to a specialist in the USA expensive but worth it

[BillytheKid]

Anything cervical should be performed by a neurosurgeon, full stop.

Don't know if you're having numbness in your arms, but a change in lifestyle can have a dramatic effect. For example, stop doing exercises above your head at the gym.

[AnAmusedReader]

I have friends who have had discs replaced. Raymond Yip is the best in HKG and highly regarded elsewhere, e.g. USA.

[welliewanger]

A pilot friend had 8 hours of neck surgery by Raymnond Yip with very good results.

A member of my family consulted him about another serious neck problem. She chose to have surgery done in England. She is a retired GP and had access to some of the very best surgeons there. Now, a couple of years later, she has to go back to do what Yip wanted to do in the first place.

[JamaicaJoe]

Buy a decent inversion table and try decompressing your disks using gravity. I have really bad c5-c7 compression, pressing on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Whenever I have an MRI the technicians mention it is bad and usually these folks defer to the Surgeon to deliver the bad news.

For me it has helped. I would give it a try before the do surgery. In the US they only replace disc at one level, or the fuse spine at two levels. Plates and screws. Then all the forces go to the discs at the levels above and below, which does not seem good. I hope in HK they have better surgeons than the US.

[HKDriver]

Thank You

My sincere thanks to all who took the time to post or send me a PM. Your advice and encouragement was very much appreciated.

I'm off to get a second opinion in Australia, and then work out what is best for my situation.

Safe flying and thanks once again.