[MalindaK]

I have already had Fusion/Laminectomy on C3-5 a couple of years ago. Then I had L-45 later. Twice, fusion didn't work first time.

While working with my pain specialist on the lower back and Sciatic nerve I began to experience more pain in my neck and shoulder and arms began to revert back to prior C-surgery. Fingers falling, weak, tingling. I waited about 5 months because I thought my spine was just adjusting to my being able walk without pain.

Pain specialist got MRI and xray and found stress fracture on T-2.

Now doc wants to remove prior hardware and fuse (from back) C2-T-3.

Information? Your story? I have read I may not be abel to drive after? I just cannot find any information on this surgery. If I already had a fusion that had to be redone, is there a possibility that it will happen again?

I figure this is the last chance I have to have a neck.

Thanks.

[ginnie]

I sure do have compassion for you. I understand the situation you are in, as I have been in the exact same spot. I had C6-7 fused 6 years ago, with hardware. I wasn't informed that there were other vertrebre that had problems. I had a pain specialist during that six years until 22 months ago. The pain doc, was unable to control the pain, and the symptoms were terrible. I got referred to a WONDERFUL neruo surgeon, and it was at that time, I was told that my origional fusion was not enough to correct the problems. I had the old hardware taken out, and then was fused C3-7. I had reversed the curve of my spine. The ones above toppled over like dominos. This second fusion for the most part worked well. Not perfect by anymeans, but alot better pain wise that what I had. Yes, the old hardware can be taken out, and re-done with other vertrebre. I have fairly good mobility at C1-2 abd T1-2. However these also are having some trouble. I have degenerative disk disease, and Degenerative joint disease. I am not so sure what will happen, but I won't have any more fusions. Before you decide on anything, you need a top notch neruo surgeron. I was at risk of being paralized, and actually had no choice through both surgeries. If you lived in my neck of the woods, I would refer you to my neruo surgeon. He has one of the best reputations on my coast line, near Tampa Bay. He is also a very pleasant fellow who treated me the very best. Please do seek second opinion even if you already decided that surgery is a must. That will give you ease. If there is any question the surgeon presents that causes him concern about your case, again, seek another opinion. In my case because I had reversed the curve of my spine, the whole thing was very painful to endure. I started PT at just 4 weeks. That was one of the best decisions I made, and it helped me to heal and have more mobility. I do wish you all the best. I hope what ever decisions that you make turn out OK. You are welcome to contact me if I can help in any way. ginnie

[ginnie]

I forgot to mention the issue of driving. That was also a concern of mine. I still have C1-2, though it is not so good. I also have T1-2. You need both of them to drive. I have trouble looking over my shoulder as it is. I no longer drive distance or at night. short trips is really all I can do and be safe. If you can keep C1-2, or T1-2 you would be in better shape to be able to drive. C2- T3 is a very long rod, and turning around would be very difficult. Do ask your doctors about this, and get as much information as you can. I am sorry you are going through so much. ginnie

[MalindaK]

Thanks for your support and story.

The problem is that I have a stress fracture on T-2. Unless I can talk him into leaving a part out, T1-2-3 have to be fused. And because 3-4-5 are bad and he wants no more problems for me, he wants to do From C2 all the way.

I trust him lots, he teaches at a research hospital and is the chief of staff for that department. But I have emailed him some questions.

I don't know what I will do if I can't drive. We live in the boonies and... well hubs is 19 years older than me. He doesn't like to drive now. I drive for us.

Originally Posted by ginnie

I forgot to mention the issue of driving. That was also a concern of mine. I still have C1-2, though it is not so good. I also have T1-2. You need both of them to drive. I have trouble looking over my shoulder as it is. I no longer drive distance or at night. short trips is really all I can do and be safe. If you can keep C1-2, or T1-2 you would be in better shape to be able to drive. C2- T3 is a very long rod, and turning around would be very difficult. Do ask your doctors about this, and get as much information as you can. I am sorry you are going through so much. ginnie

[ginnie]

Hi malinda, Is there anyway he can do an old fashioned pinning of that verterbre, and then go ahead and fuse C3- on.... You do need that C1-2 or turning your head will be a problem. I know a friend of mine who had a pin put in, instead of fusion. You might want to ask him about this, and if it is possible for you. Have you gotten the second opinion? I would do all I could to investigate this before I let him do it. There has to be some other option. I would agree to a body cast, any thing I could like that to save my mobility. What happened to you? PM me any time. I should talk about pain to you before you do this too. I am so sorry you are going through this. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Can you post a thumb nail, or allow me to hear more about your MRI. I want to know exactly where your fractures are if you would share. When do you go back in? Keep in touch, I am here for you. ginnie