It is indeed a good idea to get another opinion from a neurosurgeon. You want to ask about the condition of the verterbre above and below the proposed fusion site OK? This is important, as any hardware you would have installed, puts strain on those above and below. My first fusion was C6-7. After 6 years however, this situation occured with me, and i didn't know the condition of the other verterbre, I didn't investigate it to begin with. I had to have additional surgery C3-7, as I had the domino effect more or less. I know you are scared. I have been like that too. In the end, after all was said and done, I am in a better place now. I am not 100%, but with a little help I get by OK and certainly have less pain than I did. I wish you all the best, and hope that you get the right physicians to help you. ginnie