yea that's right. Placed on IR on November 10th and it's now January 9th. Shouldn't take 3 months to get a proper diagnosis and determine the best course of action. Also doesn't take 3 months for swelling to subdue if that's what they were waiting for. Should have been done a month ago (at minimum). Be as sarcastic as you want but that's the truth.
Cardiac surgeons and what Wilson is dealing with have zero in common.
I'm pretty sure the doctors that are monitoring this whole situation and are working with Wilson on the best course of action know more than you do. I'm not generally an appeal to authority at all costs type of guy but this is one case where fans on a message board sound pretty fucking stupid questioning things they have absolutely no clue about.
unless there is no choice whatsoever. There are some on here who can speak to the surgical aspect of it, but i'm rather certain they tried all that they could to ameliorate the problem before opting for correction.
I have had some neck issues on and off for a few years. My Neurosurgeon gave me exercises to strengthen my neck with surgical intervention being the last resort. i have been doing strengthening(on my own) 3-4 times per week this past year and my Neck is virtually pain-free right now. this is something I will do for the rest of my life
but I know the Giants employ several, and I'm sure they did their due diligence and have made medical decisions appropriate to what is best for David Wilson.
The problem with cervical stenosis (as opposed to disc herniation) is that you can't be certain when to do it, how many levels need be done, etc. stenosis surgery is usually reserved for people who have signs of cord compromise which Wilson probably doesn't have yet.
I had my first fusion at age 33 from a sports injury, and did well for 26 years before re- injuring myself playing Hockey. I then needed a multilevel laminoplasty because of cord damage
Although nothing is absolute, and this stuff is more art than science, one can be reasonably certain that this kid will have real problems, including the risk of paralysis, as he gets older.
I recognize the money is good, and that this is his livelihood , but one needs to ask oneself if it is really worth it
While I don't pretend to be an expert, I do know more than most being that my father and grandfather are/were both cardiac surgeons.
Josh, surgery should be the last resort. Every course of action should be tried before surgery. You don't perform this surgery unless you have to. My guess is that they were trying to avoid the surgery and unfortuntely it wasn't working so they will perform the surgery. I don't believe they would just sit around for 2 months twiddling their thumbs and then say, oh yeah you need surgery.
I agree with you to a point and I'm not pretending to know anything as fact. It just seems that it shouldn't have taken 3 months to have determined that this is the best course of action. Our medical staff seems to always remain ultra cautious and it ends up that they waste precious healing time. It was the same situation with JPP last offseason and Nicks the year before.
You having relatives who are in completely different areas of medicine than the case we're talking about, has as much relevance to this discussion as the price of milk in China.
Why would people EVER stand for having their health and medical decisions questioned? You wouldn't stand for it if it happened to you or your family, yet we feel like it's fine to do in sports.
at anyone on this board saying it should have been done earlier. Josh in the city doesn't have a fucking clue whats going on yet he knows it should have been done a month ago.
Back and neck surgery are a last resort, particularly neck. You don't do them unless you absolutely have to.
It could easily burn three months waiting to see if a spine heals
on its own. I can tell you first hand, it's truth. Shit happens, it is what it is.
Not for nothing, but these dudes are human beings and the team wants them to lead long, productive, normal lives. In the end, football is meaningless beyond a paycheck.
RE: Josh, you must wait with a neck as long as possible
unless there is no choice whatsoever. There are some on here who can speak to the surgical aspect of it, but i'm rather certain they tried all that they could to ameliorate the problem before opting for correction.
I have had some neck issues on and off for a few years. My Neurosurgeon gave me exercises to strengthen my neck with surgical intervention being the last resort. i have been doing strengthening(on my own) 3-4 times per week this past year and my Neck is virtually pain-free right now. this is something I will do for the rest of my life
I've had neck issues as well and have bee recommended a similar course of action. But our situations are nowhere close to the same thing Wilson is dealing with.
is that Nicks underwent foot surgery in May 2012 and JPP underwent back surgery in June of 2013. I don't pretend to know better than our medical staff but it's completely fair for me to question them when this is the 3rd year in a row that an important player will have waited significantly longer than necessary to have a surgery that could have had much more time to heal.
You're conflating unrelated individual medical cases
not at all I'm just pointing to the facts that three of our best players have had this same thing happen now in back to back to back years. You don't see this with other teams.
....this is the 3rd year in a row that an important player will have waited significantly longer than necessary to have a surgery that could have had much more time to heal....
yea that's right. Placed on IR on November 10th and it's now January 9th. Shouldn't take 3 months to get a proper diagnosis and determine the best course of action. Also doesn't take 3 months for swelling to subdue if that's what they were waiting for. Should have been done a month ago (at minimum). Be as sarcastic as you want but that's the truth.
So you're a spine specialist? Where did you do your residency?
The truth is you have ZERO idea what you are talking about.
it's forbidden to question the Giants staff (since they always know best, of course) on BBI. My bad. Our medical staff has such a great tract record that I don't know what I was thinking.
regardless of the timing, the biggest issue here is that Wilson intends to try to continue his career. We know the Giants are a very conservative organization when it comes to neck injuries. They scuttled the Al Wilson trade with Denver because of it. They (quietly) failed Antonio Pierce because of it. Kiwi was shut down early on. Even going back to Andy Headen's career was ended because of it. The same doctors and staff (Dr. Warren, Ronnie Barnes, etc.) have been around the organization forever.
That said, if Wilson comes back from this and the Giants docs clear him to play, that would be a pretty good indication that the Giants think he can still play football and feel pretty confident medically that they are doing the best for Wilson. If they didn't or don't, you can be sure they would fail him. I would imagine at the least Wilson will start the year on PUP, assuming all goes well.
That said, between Brown's injuries and Wilson's neck (and Gilbride's bell cow RB call), I would think we will see the Giants select a RB in the upcoming draft somewhere relatively early and also could well take a shot at a veteran either as a free agent or a trade. It also would not be out of the question to see an entire new RB corps next year.
The Giants are going to bring in lots of help at OL, TE, and RB next year. I hope Wilson can contribute, but I'm hedging my bets that we see him productive. This feels in many ways like it did with Kenny Phillips. Granted, it's a neck and not a knee, but the same issue in that they were first round picks who due to injury concerns, the Giants will be lucky to get productivity out of their rookie deals, when for first rounders you expect to have them play through their 2nd/more lucrative contract. Kind of a recurring theme for Giants 1st and 2nd round picks the past 6-7 years.
You are taking precautions to obviate the risk of this happening again
I'm sure some of
the waiting was attempt at measuring just what the risk is, and to allow for any edema around the cord and the various vertebral ligaments to resolve
The cervical spine is not built to take the trauma that NFL players submit it to, and if you have a congenitally narrowed canal, the risk of damage is greatly magnified
BTW, I am not a spine surgeon, but I am an MD, and have spoken to enough spine surgeons over the past several mos (including pro sports Spine Docs) to know a bit
Caution in a stable situation is never wrong
sorry that you never learned anything from your father or grandfather. I was pre-med and ready to go into medicine until I started making money in real estate on the side and changed majors. Your comparison is a joke.
@RVacchianoNYDN
Can Reese count on David Wilson being ready to be the No. 1 back? "I dont think so," he said. ... Said if he's healthy it'll be "a bonus".
weird, someone in real estate should know the difference
I'm sure there was rhyme and reason behind what they did and why they waited this amount of time. To act like it was just totally random and unnecessary is.. well, ridiculous.
They probably set some sort of parameters and were looking for certain things to change or progress within a timeframe and if that didn't happen, they'd move onto exploring the possibility of surgery. I don't know what those timeframes were or what they entailed but what I do know is that there was probably a legitimate medical reason for it.
David Wilson is a man before he's a football player. His well being long-term is more important than being sure he can be good to play ball in the fall (though I am sure he cares immensely about that). This surgery is the last resort and the last thing they and he wanted to do so they did everything they could to avoid it but unfortunately wound up getting to a point where they no longer could.
I don't think this is something that could have been expedited. I feel very confident in saying that despite my lack of medical knowledge.
Josh, with all that medical background at your disposal,
(not a cardiac surgeon), and I have no clue how they should have taken care of David Wilson's neck. I will tell you that they are totally different parts of the body, with the heart being in the chest and the neck being between the head and the rest of the body. That much I feel pretty sure about....
You just come off like a child, whining about a player not getting surgery as soon as humanly possible. Especially in a case where surgery is THE LAST RESORT.
I understand your frustration I guess, because I'm a fan, too. But try taking a step back from that and exercise some patience, respect, and understanding.
Just like with Chris Snee's decision to hold off on surgery, it's simply not your body or your decision to make. Complaining about it is what makes you seem childish and ignorant.
glad you aren't my doctor. A guy at HSS wanted to do surgery on my back within 6 months. I got 3 separate opinions all telling me the guy was nuts and they wouldn't operate on me.
Best 3 visits I ever made. 2 years later my back feels great, and I have very little pain/sciatica.
Fans thinking like fans when it comes to medical situations always make me laugh.
@RVacchianoNYDN
Can Reese count on David Wilson being ready to be the No. 1 back? "I dont think so," he said. ... Said if he's healthy it'll be "a bonus".
That's the proper way for Reese to look at this. Between Wilson's neck, Brown's various injuries, the mileage on Hillis, and Cox looks like a speed/change of pace guy and that's it, I think Reese will need to invest in a fairly high pick at RB and then a veteran. Unless they get a good veteran, then maybe they can lower the need pick and drop it down to later in the draft.
From what we know about Reese (and Ross) in recent years, they tend to draft for areas of need and draft younger/junior entries in the first 3 rounds. Should keep an eye out for RBs who fit these qualities during the combine and individual workouts.
I can understand why Josh is questioning the timing...
Hell, you can question why Wilson is waiting to have surgery in the middle of January, implying another week or so, when one week often means a world of difference in the League.
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
its clear the Giants aren't rushing him, nor should they. 1 additional week, likely needed for surgery prep, Dr. scheduling, etc, means nothing in the grand scheme of things. Wilson's 2014 season won't be made or broken on 1 additional week in January.
RE: I can understand why Josh is questioning the timing...
Hell, you can question why Wilson is waiting to have surgery in the middle of January, implying another week or so, when one week often means a world of difference in the League.
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
It's ridiculous to phrase the question in an accusatory fashion and throw in exclamation points and practically stomp your feet in apprehension.
b/c his neck injury is most likely an effect from a narrowing of his spine (ie: spinal stenosis). An injury like this will very rarely heal on its own to the point that a competent medical team would ever allow him on the field again. If he had surgery, they could stabilize the bone and if all went well could allow him to at least try and resume his career.
IMO (again not professional but I do understand enough about this) the chances of him playing again WITHOUT surgery would have been slim at best. Now this is all based on the fact that his back/spine injury is what led to the neck injury which I do remember reading earlier in the year. If it's not related then you can throw everything I said out the window.
Can he even play after that? I know Peyton had that (or similar)
Hell, you can question why Wilson is waiting to have surgery in the middle of January, implying another week or so, when one week often means a world of difference in the League.
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
It's ridiculous to phrase the question in an accusatory fashion and throw in exclamation points and practically stomp your feet in apprehension.
Yes, the tone and syntax of message may have been inflammatory. I dont fault him for asking the question, however. At the end of the day we're of course going to defer to the Giants medical staff.
I'm done talking about it. I still don't understand why it took so long to come to this conclusion but it is what it is at this point.
Josh because even with a proper diagnosis some patients sometimes decide they want to wait to see if rehab and time work. Even the best neurosurgeon will sometimes give a best guess but allow can't make a patient go under the knife. SO they few months. Your post about your dad and grandfather and the truth came off arrogant and you were just wrong.
I worked in the neuro area for over 10 years and used to call on Barth Green. I highly doubt you know who that is, Does that mean I can talk about Wilson's injury? No way and I know a lot for a lay person and can wonder why he may have waited but to assume there's malpractice is just wrong and ill informed
Hell, you can question why Wilson is waiting to have surgery in the middle of January, implying another week or so, when one week often means a world of difference in the League.
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
No offense, but this is a ridiculous stance to take. This isn't a ACL injury.. this is a guys neck and something that needs to be treated as carefully as possible. Getting this right is more important than having one less game of Wilson in 2014. His livelihood comes before his football career and fans need to understand that.
of the vertebrae? I'm no doctor, but that sounds very serious, and something that wouldn't be done unless it was absolutely necessary. It sounds like he could be done playing football. Best wishes David.
Sounds to me like this is total sh*t for Wilson. What terrible news for him to have to undergo this. I hope he sails through it and comes out in great shape. Whether he ever plays ball for the Giants again is a different, smaller matter. Hope so, but, you know, not so important after all.
That's a serious, complicated procedure that will take significant time to heal. I don't see how Wilson plays this season anyway and will most certainly start the season on PUP.
RE: RE: I can understand why Josh is questioning the timing...
Hell, you can question why Wilson is waiting to have surgery in the middle of January, implying another week or so, when one week often means a world of difference in the League.
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
No offense, but this is a ridiculous stance to take. This isn't a ACL injury.. this is a guys neck and something that needs to be treated as carefully as possible. Getting this right is more important than having one less game of Wilson in 2014. His livelihood comes before his football career and fans need to understand that.
I'm not suggesting otherwise. The question can still be asked and the answer may very well be that Wilson or the Giants wanted to proceed with exceeding levels of confidence. Or the answer could be that the Giants medical staff was initially wrong, or that Wilson was reluctant to have the surgery, or that his preferred surgeon wasn't available for a period of time...those are all possible responses to a perfectly reasonable question.
He came out stomping his feet like a little girl and then proceeded to use his knowledge of cardiac surgery to make it seem as though he knows better than the doctors and Wilson in this case.
Maybe he couldn't assign up for care because of the web problems.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. But, one should have a certain amount of information in any way useful. First, I doubt there are many on the site who have experience in the relevant medicine field. Second, I doubt anyone on the site has access to the medical records or the medical people involved in Wilson's treatment. Add the fact that the Giants have invested millions of dollars in Wilson and have a far more serious interest in his health than anyone on this site. Last, Wilson and his family are far more interest in his treatment than anyone on this site. Has anyone actually to Wilson or his parents or other family members? Again, you're entitled to an opinion but not sure how useful it is other than shooting the shit.
Well, it turns out he needs to have a pretty serious procedure done. Personally, I do think it is pretty ridiculous to throw a tantrum over the procedure not having been done already... which is basically how Josh reacted to it.
You want to say "I wonder if they could have figured this out sooner.. " , sure.. go ahead, I guess that's fair.
"What took so long?!" or "What were they waiting for?!" type of responses are completely unnecessary, IMO.
b/c his neck injury is most likely an effect from a narrowing of his spine (ie: spinal stenosis). An injury like this will very rarely heal on its own to the point that a competent medical team would ever allow him on the field again. If he had surgery, they could stabilize the bone and if all went well could allow him to at least try and resume his career.
IMO (again not professional but I do understand enough about this) the chances of him playing again WITHOUT surgery would have been slim at best. Now this is all based on the fact that his back/spine injury is what led to the neck injury which I do remember reading earlier in the year. If it's not related then you can throw everything I said out the window.
Don't even bother with Randy. He is an asshole about everything. A lot of others on BBI just like to pile on with there jokes.
I had a few neck surgeries (C5-6 Fusion) and I agree it shouldn't have taken this long to recommend surgery.
that is where you are 100% dead wrong. Wilson ISN'T just thinking about football, hence waiting all this time. There is literally no rush because there is a chance he can paralyze himself.
Just because you watch the guy run down a field doesn't mean he's any more/less of a human being than you are I when it comes to leading a normal life post-Football.
Not sure why people think athlete's all put the game first in every scenario. It's clear to me Wilson is listening to his doctors, and the Giants aren't pressuring him.
b/c his neck injury is most likely an effect from a narrowing of his spine (ie: spinal stenosis). An injury like this will very rarely heal on its own to the point that a competent medical team would ever allow him on the field again. If he had surgery, they could stabilize the bone and if all went well could allow him to at least try and resume his career.
IMO (again not professional but I do understand enough about this) the chances of him playing again WITHOUT surgery would have been slim at best. Now this is all based on the fact that his back/spine injury is what led to the neck injury which I do remember reading earlier in the year. If it's not related then you can throw everything I said out the window.
Don't even bother with Randy. He is an asshole about everything. A lot of others on BBI just like to pile on with there jokes.
I had a few neck surgeries (C5-6 Fusion) and I agree it shouldn't have taken this long to recommend surgery.
Everybody, SHHHH! We have another expert! Please tell us more, X!
what is more important, getting it right or doing it quickly(honestly, doing it in some fans imagined time frame).
We know nothing about the actual injury, procedure, or time frame involved.
Yes, it is fine to have an opinion. Yes, it is fine to question the people in charge. No, it is not okay to say things like "I had a similar problem it shouldn't take this long", because you aren't David Wilson, his doctor, or anyone involved in this situation!
Cervical Fusion is the most severe and invasive cervical procedure that can be done.
No one is pretending that a Dr just thought of doing it yesterday. Obviously, they were considering more conservative options - which is everything other than a fusion surgery.
Peyton Manning had cervival fusion - but he's a QB
I agree that playing next season seems highly unlikely, and ever - unlikely
That said - if the stenosis is only at the level they are fusing, in theory, the cervical spine will be stronger (not weaker) and his symptoms will be gone.
Relaistically, it's a spinal injury and playing again will have real risks
agreed 100%. I think 2014 is pretty much out, and I honestly can't even see a benefit of him trying to give it a go for a "playoff push" if we should even be so lucky.
Right now he's making a rational decision for his health, which also give him the option to return to football should he heal properly.
I really don't see how someone can look at it any other way. Fan time-frame's are always a fun read.
now that I see the procedure they're doing (fusion of the vertebrae) I understand the thought process of the medical staff and agree I was wrong in this situation.
Anyone complaining about the timing of this procedure
need to put themselves in Wilson's shoes. If a doctor tells you there is a 20% chance that your neck will heal on it's own with time and rest wouldn't you take that chance rather than have surgery to fuse your vertebrae?
Sure, you could be right that ultimately the best course of action was to have surgery earlier when we look at this in hindsight.
However, if the patient responds without needing surgery it puts him much further along the path to recovery and much more likely to start participating fully sooner.
The Giants have access to the best medical care available and to hear some here (even if there were neck surgeons on-board) comment like they have insiders knowledge is ludicrous.
Make no mistake about it--we aren't talking about a post like "I wonder why they didn't operate earlier?"
This was mostly Josh (along with X and a few others) basically stating that the doctors and the team erred by not operating sooner. And that is so stupid I don't even know what else to say.
once again, this same medical staff made the wrong call twice in the past two seasons with two of our best players. Questioning them when it seemed it could be happening a third time is only natural. And honestly, based on the information that was readily available before this afternoon...it seemed like it was a mistake. It ended up being a much more serious procedure than most would have expected and therefore I (and others) were wrong.
We simply do not know how it all went down. The Giants' doctors could have make a recommendation a month ago, and Wilson could have been the one to delay it.......and for good reason.
The knowledge is flowing, but I will not share my medical expertise.
I will say that several quotes have come out that said "David Wilson could play this year IF he had the surgery". The time frame would be uncertain if they continued to wait and hope it heals. I believe that TC said it most recently at one of his year end press conferences. As such, I would not rule him out for 2014. Time will tell.
Perhaps players want to exhaust other alternatives before going through surgery, considering it's not riskless, it's painful, and it's not an enjoyable experience?
I mean, holy shit, shouldn't the first reaction be that it's sad to see a player have to go through surgery to heal himself, rather than "fuck him, he should have done it earlier"?
The problem with cervical stenosis (as opposed to disc herniation) is that you can't be certain when to do it, how many levels need be done, etc. stenosis surgery is usually reserved for people who have signs of cord compromise which Wilson probably doesn't have yet.
I had my first fusion at age 33 from a sports injury, and did well for 26 years before re- injuring myself playing Hockey. I then needed a multilevel laminoplasty because of cord damage
Although nothing is absolute, and this stuff is more art than science, one can be reasonably certain that this kid will have real problems, including the risk of paralysis, as he gets older.
I recognize the money is good, and that this is his livelihood , but one needs to ask oneself if it is really worth it
Thank you for sharing. This is one of the under-appreciated benefits of BBI.
Surgery typically corrects things people!! Also I find it hard to believe he would have this type of surgery to live a regular life. This shows that he and the giants are fully committed to having him back. Didn't Reese say they expect him back by fall.
weren't so cheap, they would have a complete surgical unit right in the stadium. As soon as Wilson was injured, they should have wheeled him in and sliced his fucking neck open right there like MASH.
is for? There is a lot of talk about the career threatening stenosis, but it see it being said that the surgery will be a fusion. And a fusion, I believe, would be for his ruptured disc, not for stenosis.
in relation to this injury...is the fact that Wilson, when injured, wanted to come back in the game at that very moment! If I remember correctly he was even angry on the sideline because they wouldn't let him back in the game. This is a talking point because it means that he personally at the time didn't think the injury was all that serious and obviously didn't give him so much discomfort that he wouldn't come back in the game. I think this is something that foreshadowed his future choices. Doesn't mean much, but I hope the guy comes back strong.
For Wilson being done. I don't see him playing next year and he will then be coming up on his rookie deal pretty much not turning the corner for us. I guess maybe we replenish the RB with guys we can trust there for the long term and if Wilson makes it back maybe we get an affordable return guy.
Not a great outcome for us with a #1 pick, not at all.
in relation to this injury...is the fact that Wilson, when injured, wanted to come back in the game at that very moment! If I remember correctly he was even angry on the sideline because they wouldn't let him back in the game. This is a talking point because it means that he personally at the time didn't think the injury was all that serious and obviously didn't give him so much discomfort that he wouldn't come back in the game. I think this is something that foreshadowed his future choices. Doesn't mean much, but I hope the guy comes back strong.
He was standing there with his helmet on when he came out of the locker room, he wanted to go back in but they obviously wouldn't let him.
I think if there's any possibility of David Wilson playing football again, he will. Odds probably aren't in his favor but I'm going to be rooting for him big time.
will be mainly for the disc, but it should help relieve pressure on the nerve root as well, relieving the stenosis symptoms.
I'm not an expert, this is obviously just my opinion, but I think he will play again should the recovery go well. All of his pain will be gone if its successful and the disc will no longer press on the nerve since its been removed.
But 2014 is almost certain to be a lost season for Wilson, as it should be. He and the docs should put life first.
but if the fusion is just being done for the disc, it's not that big a deal relatively speaking, and that in itself should not keep him from playing again
are waiting for since the issues are related to stenosis and herniation. Any competent neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon will try to avoid fusion of vertebraes since it is a permanent result that will limit rotational flexibility. Studies show that the results of surgery and non-surgical treatments have the same effect after one year. Meaning that the herniation will often retract enough to either reduce or even eliminate pain. But, if the pain or reduced response is severe enough they may opt for surgery. Even then, they would normally do a microdiscectomy which removes only a part of the disc, the part or fragment that is impinging on the nerve. None of us here are the consulting surgeons for Wilson's case. Collectively we don't know the risks he faces, so how can any of us criticize the decision as being "not soon enough"?
Original Post - ( New Window )
Wilson can't be counted on going forward as I think his career is questionable at best and Brown isn't a sure bet.
I'm pretty sure the doctors that are monitoring this whole situation and are working with Wilson on the best course of action know more than you do. I'm not generally an appeal to authority at all costs type of guy but this is one case where fans on a message board sound pretty fucking stupid questioning things they have absolutely no clue about.
I have had some neck issues on and off for a few years. My Neurosurgeon gave me exercises to strengthen my neck with surgical intervention being the last resort. i have been doing strengthening(on my own) 3-4 times per week this past year and my Neck is virtually pain-free right now. this is something I will do for the rest of my life
^^^ that's not sarcasm either.
^^^ that's not sarcasm either.
I had my first fusion at age 33 from a sports injury, and did well for 26 years before re- injuring myself playing Hockey. I then needed a multilevel laminoplasty because of cord damage
Although nothing is absolute, and this stuff is more art than science, one can be reasonably certain that this kid will have real problems, including the risk of paralysis, as he gets older.
I recognize the money is good, and that this is his livelihood , but one needs to ask oneself if it is really worth it
Josh, surgery should be the last resort. Every course of action should be tried before surgery. You don't perform this surgery unless you have to. My guess is that they were trying to avoid the surgery and unfortuntely it wasn't working so they will perform the surgery. I don't believe they would just sit around for 2 months twiddling their thumbs and then say, oh yeah you need surgery.
Jon put it best--JFC.
Why would people EVER stand for having their health and medical decisions questioned? You wouldn't stand for it if it happened to you or your family, yet we feel like it's fine to do in sports.
Back and neck surgery are a last resort, particularly neck. You don't do them unless you absolutely have to.
Not for nothing, but these dudes are human beings and the team wants them to lead long, productive, normal lives. In the end, football is meaningless beyond a paycheck.
I have had some neck issues on and off for a few years. My Neurosurgeon gave me exercises to strengthen my neck with surgical intervention being the last resort. i have been doing strengthening(on my own) 3-4 times per week this past year and my Neck is virtually pain-free right now. this is something I will do for the rest of my life
I've had neck issues as well and have bee recommended a similar course of action. But our situations are nowhere close to the same thing Wilson is dealing with.
A child could do it...a child could do it...
And without waiting three freakin' months.
LOL...really...LOL...
I don't have much hope for his return.
By the way, my Grandfather was a damn good blacksmith so if anyone needs any plumbing advice, feel free to ask.
Longer than NECESSARY?
So you're a spine specialist? Where did you do your residency?
The truth is you have ZERO idea what you are talking about.
G
That said, if Wilson comes back from this and the Giants docs clear him to play, that would be a pretty good indication that the Giants think he can still play football and feel pretty confident medically that they are doing the best for Wilson. If they didn't or don't, you can be sure they would fail him. I would imagine at the least Wilson will start the year on PUP, assuming all goes well.
That said, between Brown's injuries and Wilson's neck (and Gilbride's bell cow RB call), I would think we will see the Giants select a RB in the upcoming draft somewhere relatively early and also could well take a shot at a veteran either as a free agent or a trade. It also would not be out of the question to see an entire new RB corps next year.
The Giants are going to bring in lots of help at OL, TE, and RB next year. I hope Wilson can contribute, but I'm hedging my bets that we see him productive. This feels in many ways like it did with Kenny Phillips. Granted, it's a neck and not a knee, but the same issue in that they were first round picks who due to injury concerns, the Giants will be lucky to get productivity out of their rookie deals, when for first rounders you expect to have them play through their 2nd/more lucrative contract. Kind of a recurring theme for Giants 1st and 2nd round picks the past 6-7 years.
I'm sure some of
the waiting was attempt at measuring just what the risk is, and to allow for any edema around the cord and the various vertebral ligaments to resolve
The cervical spine is not built to take the trauma that NFL players submit it to, and if you have a congenitally narrowed canal, the risk of damage is greatly magnified
BTW, I am not a spine surgeon, but I am an MD, and have spoken to enough spine surgeons over the past several mos (including pro sports Spine Docs) to know a bit
Caution in a stable situation is never wrong
Can Reese count on David Wilson being ready to be the No. 1 back? "I dont think so," he said. ... Said if he's healthy it'll be "a bonus".
They probably set some sort of parameters and were looking for certain things to change or progress within a timeframe and if that didn't happen, they'd move onto exploring the possibility of surgery. I don't know what those timeframes were or what they entailed but what I do know is that there was probably a legitimate medical reason for it.
David Wilson is a man before he's a football player. His well being long-term is more important than being sure he can be good to play ball in the fall (though I am sure he cares immensely about that). This surgery is the last resort and the last thing they and he wanted to do so they did everything they could to avoid it but unfortunately wound up getting to a point where they no longer could.
I don't think this is something that could have been expedited. I feel very confident in saying that despite my lack of medical knowledge.
Please be as specific as possible. Thank you.
I understand your frustration I guess, because I'm a fan, too. But try taking a step back from that and exercise some patience, respect, and understanding.
Just like with Chris Snee's decision to hold off on surgery, it's simply not your body or your decision to make. Complaining about it is what makes you seem childish and ignorant.
Best 3 visits I ever made. 2 years later my back feels great, and I have very little pain/sciatica.
Fans thinking like fans when it comes to medical situations always make me laugh.
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@RVacchianoNYDN
Can Reese count on David Wilson being ready to be the No. 1 back? "I dont think so," he said. ... Said if he's healthy it'll be "a bonus".
That's the proper way for Reese to look at this. Between Wilson's neck, Brown's various injuries, the mileage on Hillis, and Cox looks like a speed/change of pace guy and that's it, I think Reese will need to invest in a fairly high pick at RB and then a veteran. Unless they get a good veteran, then maybe they can lower the need pick and drop it down to later in the draft.
From what we know about Reese (and Ross) in recent years, they tend to draft for areas of need and draft younger/junior entries in the first 3 rounds. Should keep an eye out for RBs who fit these qualities during the combine and individual workouts.
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
Wilson will get a "fusion of the vertebrae" on Jan. 16 to repair the herniated disc @ Hospital of Special Surgery
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
It's ridiculous to phrase the question in an accusatory fashion and throw in exclamation points and practically stomp your feet in apprehension.
A micro surgery and he'd probably play this season.
IMO (again not professional but I do understand enough about this) the chances of him playing again WITHOUT surgery would have been slim at best. Now this is all based on the fact that his back/spine injury is what led to the neck injury which I do remember reading earlier in the year. If it's not related then you can throw everything I said out the window.
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Hell, you can question why Wilson is waiting to have surgery in the middle of January, implying another week or so, when one week often means a world of difference in the League.
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
It's ridiculous to phrase the question in an accusatory fashion and throw in exclamation points and practically stomp your feet in apprehension.
Yes, the tone and syntax of message may have been inflammatory. I dont fault him for asking the question, however. At the end of the day we're of course going to defer to the Giants medical staff.
Josh because even with a proper diagnosis some patients sometimes decide they want to wait to see if rehab and time work. Even the best neurosurgeon will sometimes give a best guess but allow can't make a patient go under the knife. SO they few months. Your post about your dad and grandfather and the truth came off arrogant and you were just wrong.
I worked in the neuro area for over 10 years and used to call on Barth Green. I highly doubt you know who that is, Does that mean I can talk about Wilson's injury? No way and I know a lot for a lay person and can wonder why he may have waited but to assume there's malpractice is just wrong and ill informed
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
No offense, but this is a ridiculous stance to take. This isn't a ACL injury.. this is a guys neck and something that needs to be treated as carefully as possible. Getting this right is more important than having one less game of Wilson in 2014. His livelihood comes before his football career and fans need to understand that.
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Hell, you can question why Wilson is waiting to have surgery in the middle of January, implying another week or so, when one week often means a world of difference in the League.
It doesn't mean that the Giants' med staff is wrong but to suggest that its ridiculous to ask the curious question after seeing a demonstrated pattern of dissappointing results is a bit niave.
No offense, but this is a ridiculous stance to take. This isn't a ACL injury.. this is a guys neck and something that needs to be treated as carefully as possible. Getting this right is more important than having one less game of Wilson in 2014. His livelihood comes before his football career and fans need to understand that.
I'm not suggesting otherwise. The question can still be asked and the answer may very well be that Wilson or the Giants wanted to proceed with exceeding levels of confidence. Or the answer could be that the Giants medical staff was initially wrong, or that Wilson was reluctant to have the surgery, or that his preferred surgeon wasn't available for a period of time...those are all possible responses to a perfectly reasonable question.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. But, one should have a certain amount of information in any way useful. First, I doubt there are many on the site who have experience in the relevant medicine field. Second, I doubt anyone on the site has access to the medical records or the medical people involved in Wilson's treatment. Add the fact that the Giants have invested millions of dollars in Wilson and have a far more serious interest in his health than anyone on this site. Last, Wilson and his family are far more interest in his treatment than anyone on this site. Has anyone actually to Wilson or his parents or other family members? Again, you're entitled to an opinion but not sure how useful it is other than shooting the shit.
You want to say "I wonder if they could have figured this out sooner.. " , sure.. go ahead, I guess that's fair.
"What took so long?!" or "What were they waiting for?!" type of responses are completely unnecessary, IMO.
THIS IS FOOTBALL
Yes, I know, putting the cart before the horse...
IMO (again not professional but I do understand enough about this) the chances of him playing again WITHOUT surgery would have been slim at best. Now this is all based on the fact that his back/spine injury is what led to the neck injury which I do remember reading earlier in the year. If it's not related then you can throw everything I said out the window.
Don't even bother with Randy. He is an asshole about everything. A lot of others on BBI just like to pile on with there jokes.
I had a few neck surgeries (C5-6 Fusion) and I agree it shouldn't have taken this long to recommend surgery.
Just because you watch the guy run down a field doesn't mean he's any more/less of a human being than you are I when it comes to leading a normal life post-Football.
Not sure why people think athlete's all put the game first in every scenario. It's clear to me Wilson is listening to his doctors, and the Giants aren't pressuring him.
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b/c his neck injury is most likely an effect from a narrowing of his spine (ie: spinal stenosis). An injury like this will very rarely heal on its own to the point that a competent medical team would ever allow him on the field again. If he had surgery, they could stabilize the bone and if all went well could allow him to at least try and resume his career.
IMO (again not professional but I do understand enough about this) the chances of him playing again WITHOUT surgery would have been slim at best. Now this is all based on the fact that his back/spine injury is what led to the neck injury which I do remember reading earlier in the year. If it's not related then you can throw everything I said out the window.
Don't even bother with Randy. He is an asshole about everything. A lot of others on BBI just like to pile on with there jokes.
I had a few neck surgeries (C5-6 Fusion) and I agree it shouldn't have taken this long to recommend surgery.
We know nothing about the actual injury, procedure, or time frame involved.
Yes, it is fine to have an opinion. Yes, it is fine to question the people in charge. No, it is not okay to say things like "I had a similar problem it shouldn't take this long", because you aren't David Wilson, his doctor, or anyone involved in this situation!
That's a great counterpoint
No one is pretending that a Dr just thought of doing it yesterday. Obviously, they were considering more conservative options - which is everything other than a fusion surgery.
Peyton Manning had cervival fusion - but he's a QB
I agree that playing next season seems highly unlikely, and ever - unlikely
That said - if the stenosis is only at the level they are fusing, in theory, the cervical spine will be stronger (not weaker) and his symptoms will be gone.
Relaistically, it's a spinal injury and playing again will have real risks
Right now he's making a rational decision for his health, which also give him the option to return to football should he heal properly.
I really don't see how someone can look at it any other way. Fan time-frame's are always a fun read.
However, if the patient responds without needing surgery it puts him much further along the path to recovery and much more likely to start participating fully sooner.
The Giants have access to the best medical care available and to hear some here (even if there were neck surgeons on-board) comment like they have insiders knowledge is ludicrous.
Make no mistake about it--we aren't talking about a post like "I wonder why they didn't operate earlier?"
This was mostly Josh (along with X and a few others) basically stating that the doctors and the team erred by not operating sooner. And that is so stupid I don't even know what else to say.
Again with the "My father/grandfather is in the medical field" nonsense???
Oy....
I will say that several quotes have come out that said "David Wilson could play this year IF he had the surgery". The time frame would be uncertain if they continued to wait and hope it heals. I believe that TC said it most recently at one of his year end press conferences. As such, I would not rule him out for 2014. Time will tell.
Perhaps players want to exhaust other alternatives before going through surgery, considering it's not riskless, it's painful, and it's not an enjoyable experience?
I mean, holy shit, shouldn't the first reaction be that it's sad to see a player have to go through surgery to heal himself, rather than "fuck him, he should have done it earlier"?
It really is modern day gladiators; thumbs down.
I had my first fusion at age 33 from a sports injury, and did well for 26 years before re- injuring myself playing Hockey. I then needed a multilevel laminoplasty because of cord damage
Although nothing is absolute, and this stuff is more art than science, one can be reasonably certain that this kid will have real problems, including the risk of paralysis, as he gets older.
I recognize the money is good, and that this is his livelihood , but one needs to ask oneself if it is really worth it
We're not paying Ronnie Barnes to watch the damn game.
This is just a fusion.
You have to be trolling all of us at this point.
Man, fuck these incompetent HSS doctors
most likely, this.
Not a great outcome for us with a #1 pick, not at all.
I'm sorry - ( New Window )
He was standing there with his helmet on when he came out of the locker room, he wanted to go back in but they obviously wouldn't let him.
I think if there's any possibility of David Wilson playing football again, he will. Odds probably aren't in his favor but I'm going to be rooting for him big time.
I'm not an expert, this is obviously just my opinion, but I think he will play again should the recovery go well. All of his pain will be gone if its successful and the disc will no longer press on the nerve since its been removed.
But 2014 is almost certain to be a lost season for Wilson, as it should be. He and the docs should put life first.