Complete Cervical fusion
 

My back and neck were injured on a parachute jump in 1990. My neck is now quite bad and my Dr. says I need a complete Fusion of the Cervical Spine. Has anybody out there had a completed Fusion of all discs in your neck (Cervical)?
If so; Did it work? How long was the recovery?

Hello Rocky A!
 

Welcome to NT! :hug:

You've come to a great place for support and understanding! I'm sorry about this trouble you are having. The folks at the Spinal forum should be able to give you some good feedback.
Here's the link to take you there so you can post your question where they will see it.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=22

I hope you will get some answers soon!
It's great to have you here,
Rae
:grouphug:

Nice to meet you!!
 

Rocky,

:Wave-Hello: It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you. :smileypray:


:hug:

Welcome to NT

So sorry you're having this much pain and suffering.

You are facing a major surgery, my friend.

Here is a link to start out with. http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/se...ervical+fusion

I hope you find some info here that helps you.

Keep us posted.

Dear Rocky
 

Weclome to Neuro Talk. I am sorry to hear of your jumping accident. I have also sky dived and loved it. I quit because of health. I am fused all except for C1-2, which is at the base of the skull. I still can turn my head. With complete fusion, you will have trouble doing this. Looking up or down is also a problem to a degree. T1-2=3 will help with upper body turning. Driving can be an issue, as the degree to which you can turn around is compromised. I hope you can get some physical therapy, to help with movement.
This surgery for me was the second. I had alot of pain the first week or two. I had help in the house for the first weeks too. Ask your doctor for a muscle relaxant on top of your pain killer, like Soma, there was quite a bit of muscle spasms for me, which hurt like the devil. Make sure your Neuro informs you of the condition of T1-2-3, that they are strong enough to support the hardware. Do you know if you will have disks replaced? I had donar bone, and not out of my hip, so there wasn't the addition of added pain from the hip surgery. Please be good to yourself after your surgery, and take it easy. Sleep all you can. I am here for you if you have any other questions. My surgery turned out OK. I hope yours does too. ginnie

Hi Rocky ---just to be clear you need c1 thru c7 fused? I know most many of us have had what you called a muti level fusion-- but I never heard of a complete neck fusion. I know usually docs try not to touch c1 or c2 discs to this level is high risk? Did they mention posterior(back on neck) or anterior(front of neck) on your surgery? What kind of symptoms so you have going on right now? You have neuro or ortho surgeon? Sorry for all the ? just looking for clairity to try to help you.

Im new here and dont know how to do my own post so Im starting by replying to others. My heart goes out to everyone. I had C5/C6 ACDF Oct 2011. I felt better at first but then went down hill. On Dec 10 2012 I wil be having anterior C5 & C6 corpectomy, C4/5 & C6/7 fusion, and posterior wiring. I have been trying to find anyone that can give me some info. The nurse told me that its going to be a long and painful recovery. I cant find anyone that has had this much done to give me a personal point of view. Someone please help me.

Hi crazy
 

Welcome to Neuro talk. I came here with the very same concerns you have. I was freaked out, crying, and not reallly in control of myself due to the pain.
My first surgery was C6-7, I thought I was done. Wrong.... long story but I am now fused C 3-7. It was a long recovery, and it was painful. The meds given were pretty goo however and I got through it. I started PT at 4 weeks.

If you choose to for forward, please make sure you go for that second opinion, and be absolutely sure you want the surgery. bring a list of questions to your doctor, and make sure What medications he will prescribe for you, and all the What if's explained. No it is not easy to go through, but the outcome can turn out OK, even with the second round of fusions. Keep coming back here for support. You will be OK. We are here for you and so am I. ginnie:hug:

Great to meet you!!
 

crazywithpain,

:Wave-Hello: It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Click on the following forum you will find dear friends there to help you out.

Spinal Disorders & Back Pain:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=22

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you. :smileypray:

:hug: