I am facing anterior and posterior cervical decompression and fusion C3-C7 on August 12th and am scared to death. What should I expect? I have suffered severe chronic pain for over 20 years, with the last two becoming unbearable with the addition of neurological issues.

No one believed me. I never had an MRI until 1 month ago. I was told many times that there was nothing wrong with me...I just wanted drugs...you could not possibly hurt that bad...try meditation.

Finally found a doctor who listened. MRI results (short form):
Mild levoconvex cervical scoliosis, apex C4.
Grade I retrolisthes of C3 on C4.
A syrinx which extends from C2-T9 and is 4-6mm.
Facet degeneration and hypertrophy.
C4-C5 Large posterior disc bulge. Severe spinal stenosis. Severe right foraminal narrowing. Moderate left foraminal narrowing.
C5-C6 Posterior osteophyte. Mild spinal canal narrowing. Moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.
C6-C7 Posterior disc osteophyte complex eccentric to the left with a left foraminal component. Mild spinal stenosis. Moderate left foraminal narrowing.

Would love to hear from anyone who has undergone this 2 part surgery...

Hello & welcome.

I think you will get most replies by copying your post onto our Spinal forum-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Or use the search tool for past postings with similar keywords.

If you scroll down to near the bottom of the page there are similar threads listed also.

Hello MelodiB,

welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I had acdf surgery level 3 on June 24th and the first two weeks the pain was intense which of course is natural it is part of the recovery and healing process. Recently the pain has not gotten any better and I have been dropping things like I did before the surgery.

In my case I had degenerative disc disease in the cervical and some in the thoracic two herniated disc and two bone spurs. When they did surgery they found that my neck was a lot more damaged than the MRI showed. They had to take an extra hour and half of surgery.
My case I needed to have surgery and the higher the level the lesser the chance it will fuse. Even though my pain is still intense if I had to do it over again I would because the surgeon said that even a minor accident could have left me a lot more worse if I didn't have the surgery.
My follow up is in August. A level two surgery the fusion rate is between 85-90% and I have heard people who have had one surgery and fusion that last 20 plus years.
The tingle and numbness in my arms are not completely gone but better. I think with the level two fusion you will have a much better rate of fusion than myself. I would opt to really think about it do more research on the procedure. But all in all I would really think about having the surgery. Hope this helps and hope that you feel better soon.
Dave

Welcome gators1.

Someone will be along to help.

Welcome MelodiB.

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!