I am scheduled for surgery on Friday 1/26/07, to fix a spur at c5-6. After listening to the Doctor's it sounded like it would be a fairly simple procedure that would eliminate the pain that runs from my neck down my right arm to the tips of my thumb and pointer finger. After reading some of these posts I am beginning to wonder how long recovery really takes and if the pain will really be gone.
My pain came on in 3 days time and has been aching now for almost 6 weeks. I would really like to hear some feedback on how you are feeling now after the twelve week period in which you are required to wear your brace and collar. The bone they are using to fuse in will come from my hip which they say is the better way to go than to use a cadabber bone. Feedback?
Not looking forward to trying to sleep comfortably with the collar or even using the restroom. How did you manage that? I am 6'6 and 300#'s and I detect a little difficulty. I will get some practice in once my collars are fitted on Tuesday before surgery. Any feedback is welcome.

Thanks,
Tripn

I've not had spur removal, and I'm sorry that it's something that you're having to make a decision about having. (I do have bone spurs, only surgery for that, alone, hasn't been something my doctors favor).

From what you've written it sounds as if the spurs are impinging on or compressing nerves - as do mine.

Did you get opinions from more than one neuro or ortho surgeon?

I was 6 months into pain before I was referred to surgeons. My insurance mandates conservative treatment for, at least, 12 weeks.

Possibly, I've read incorrectly, yet it seems you stated that your pain has persisted 6 weeks.

Most patients seek opinions or consults from at least 2 or 3 surgeons before deciding on surgery.

You've probably done that, too.

From what I understand by people whom have undergone fusion self-donating (hip bone): It may, not that it will, cause a secondary layer of problems. Some experience hip problems/conditions as an effect. Because it is self-donation, it could also improve the chances of fusion "taking" and less risk of "rejection" and non-fusion.

Has the surgeon discussed all of this with you as thoroughly as possible?

Y'know, if you have questions or concerns that have not been addressed to your satisfaction, you can always bump back the date on your scheduled surgery.

I'm not saying you need do so, only, it appears you have more questions than answers and, for me: I'd not have any type surgery if I was not going into the OR feeling totally confident.

I mean, you entitled your post as "spur removal" yet you are also talking about fusion. Is it anterior or posterior? The surgery encompasses more than spur removal.

As long as there is spurring, spurs are most apt to recur.

In all sincerity, it seems that either some info. is missing - that explains why fusion is being done - or possibly that the operation hasn't been explained as fully as it should be.

Why is fusion being done for, i.e., spur removal?

Hi!
My ACDF that is scheduled for feb 28th includes spur removal.. my neuro says that spurs are far less likely to recur since the space between will be larger than it was...he says spurs occur when ther is too little space, and "micro-abrasion " occurs. I trust him, and hope this helps.
Dave

Hi Tripn,

I responded to your post with questions under Kathi49's post at http=1951&page=2

Best wishes,

Kim

i hope all goes well with you in your surgery. i had the same except the hip bone for fusion. i wore the collar for six weeks and couldn't drive. so be patient and careful while you recover. keep us posted.