My second was C3-7 also. Have you asked your doctor why posterior rather than anterior? Going from the front in most cases is less traumatic. I would ask about this.
This surgery isn't easy, but it can and does get good results. I hated to go through another one too. Make sure you are on the same page with your doctor about after surgery medications. Also while in recovery, make sure they know what you were taking before the surgery. They did not do this for me, and I wound up for 24 hours not having enough pain medication. What I was taking at home was not accounted for.
Do you have help at home for awhile? If you have any specific questions, I sure will try to answer them for you. I hope that your surgery is successful and that you get the relief you need. ginnie

Thank you, the support has been helpful, truly. As for posterior-actually, I am getting both. I have multilevel spinal stenosis, several osteophytes, and severe foraminal narrowing-mostly right, but also left. I have suffered for many years (over 20-with the last 2 just becoming unbearable to the point of no longer wanting to live) while listening to doctor after doctor tell me there was nothing wrong with me (being misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia did not help). None would do an MRI- said I did not need one and insurance would not pay.

Finally found one to listen and get me the testing I needed. The surgeon says I have the worst compression he has ever seen. I have a syrinx that runs from C2-T9 that he believes is a result of the compression. My understanding is they are doing the ACDF from the front to release the compression and then doing a posterior foraminotomy to release the nerve roots and to provide additional stability to my messed up cervical spine. He wont guarantee any relief, but believes I should get some, based on what he sees. Regardless, the progression has to be stopped as I am already having pretty bad symptoms including difficulty walking, coordination, and incontinence.

I have been told to expect to have to deal with chronic pain management with narcotics for the rest of my life. I just pray I get some relief from all the neurological issues and some of the pain. At least I am no longer being accusing of faking it to get drugs. Trying not to be bitter, but it is hard. Tempted to revisit every one of those doctors who said there was nothing wrong with me and slap them! Grateful though, that someone finally figured it out.

Surgeons office has been very compassionate and are going out of their way to make me more comfortable. I am sure I will have no problem getting the pain meds I need now. I have a wonderful support system in my family and they plan on looking out for me for as long as it takes to get back on my feet.

It is super awesome to be able to talk to and read about others who have gone through this, not that I would wish this on anyone, but it helps. I have felt alone for so long. Thank you for responding.

You really have been through a lot. No it doesn't help when doctors do not believe you when you are in pain. Seems like that happens too often. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you go forward. I hope the surgery is successful. You have done all your homework, I can tell from your response. It is good that your family and friends surround you. I would not wish this on anyone either Melody, hard to go through but the alternative isn't so good. I had to do it or risk being paralyzed, I reversed the cervical curve. That was no fun..... You face worsening problems walking balance etc, no choice. I know that feeling in the gut where you don't feel so good about any of it. Take care during your recovery. It will be OK Melody. Please post when you are able to. Ginnie

Hi! I had an ACDF 2 level surgery on 8/2/14...c5-c6,c6-c7. I would say that the surgery went great and that I am healing fine. I go for the 2 week nurse check tomorrow and I see the surgeon in about 4 weeks. The only thing that II am struggling with post operatively in extreme pain in my shoulder blades. This seems to be pretty common as I see it discussed a lot on this form. But I tell you what... the pain in my shoulder blades is tough... but nothing like what I was dealing with on an everyday 24/7 basis with the nerve pain and tingling in my arm before I had my surgery! I think you will do great and you will be so glad you had the surgery! My only advise to you is to research your neurosurgeon!! Make sure he has an incredible reputation with amazing results!

Welcome S.Leah2014.

Hello S.Leah2014,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

All the best with your recovery.

If you've not found it already, here is the link to the
Spinal Disorders & Back Pain Forum

Hi there,

I need a 2 level ACDF. I have arm pain, left thumb numbness, biceps are hard, formatms need trigger release both arms.i do now have flattening of spinal chord at C5-C6 level. How are you now? Do you still have arm pain? Do you have shoulder blade pain or muscle spasms in your neck?

I had a posterior C2-C4 laminectomy and a C1-C5 fusion due to multiple infections (osteomyelitis, meningitis, epidural abscesses, cerebellar abscesses). The reason mine was posterior was due to the brain abscesses as they had to due an incision and drainage and wash-out and removal of part of my cerebellum, which required a crainectomy, so it had to be posterior.

I'm much better now, but my recovery was difficult. I had to re-learn how to walk, speak, swallow again (I also had central pontine myelinolysis), was in the hospital for 4 months, followed by a rehab hospital for almost 3 more. I was on narcotics for 9 months following discharge and finally stopped them cold turkey one day (absolutely DON'T do that) due to the side effects.

I still have daily headaches and neck pain, but I only had the infection for a couple weeks before I went into the hospital, so I can't compare it with prior pain (I had some headaches due to a traumatic brain injury, but nothing like now, and no neck pain).

I hope you get relief with your procedures. Your MRI does sound pretty impressive (not in a good way).

I'm pretty well educated in all that's involved. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to try and help.

Good luck.