Hi Guy, I had cervical fusion involving C-3 thru T-1, my surgery was 2 years ago. I still go to PT. I can tell you that I am lifting my arms above my head. This was not always so. PT is important, and so are the home excercises that they give you to do. I too, am a new person to this forum. I'm Deb, in my mid 50's. I tell you this so that you don't have the mistaken notion that my body is somehow much younger, and therefore easier to heal. The process is long, hard, and at times very discouraging. I guess that's why I searched out a place of understanding. I by nature don't tell people my problems, and if someone asks me how I feel, I smile and say just fine. But the truth is this type of invasive surgery really does impact the remainder of our lives. I don't want to be to heavy here. You are looking for a place to see hope, I can do that by saying that I can lift my arms now, and I too could not, for about 9 months post surg. I hope that helps you.