I am sorry to hear that you have to go through this surgery. I am 60 and have been through two of them. Last time C3-7. It was my experience that I needed help for over two weeks. You should not be left alone. I could not have gone through it without the help of my housemate. I was in bed for the first week non stop, and could not feed myself, or wash myself. The second week I was up in my chair, in the recliner and most uncomfortable. Can you get a neighbor to come in and help with meals? personal care? I wish I were your neighbor and could help you out myself. Call your church, maybe you can get someone to be with you until you feel more comfortable by yourself. My friend up in Missouri, had home health care visits, but it was not enough eithor. He had the same procedure as you are going to have. He did manage, but it was a rough go being alone most of the time.
Please try and get someone to be with you, especially those first days untill you feel OK about being alone. I hope to hear from you. Let me know if you can find some help. Maybe others on this site would have more information about community service agiencies. My best wishes for you. ginnie

So sorry you are having C5-6 issues. Yes your pain can indeed be because of this area. I have had two cervial fusions the last 21 months ago at C3-7 with all the hardware. I would recommend you see a Neuro Surgeon, as well as your ortho surgeon before you submit to the surgery. I didn't do that the first time around, and the issues in my entire neck were not addressed with that first fusion. I have DDD. The cervical issues had to be resolved by a second fusion as I had the domino effect. I should have gotten that second opinion. I was too in a hurry to have the pain overwith. I also had no health insurance, and beggers can't be choosy. I didn't have the money for continued exams as the private expence for this 1st surgery were huge. I had an auction on my behalf. I do think about this, and if I could have avioided more trouble if I had been a little more educated the first time. This is just my experience. I don't want to scare you, as I did get a fairly good result from C3-7. Not pain free, but much better. If there are any questions you need answered just keep posting. this site is here for you and so am I. ginnie

Hi ABBB,

The "cage" (AKA "fusion cage") is a receptacle for the grafting material, which is then inserted between the vertabrae (in place of the disc that has been removed) being fused - an implant.

Here is one description of the procedure; a little more than halfway down they discuss the "cage".
http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-ACDF.htm

Doc

Good luck to you in your upcoming surgery. We will be here for you when you come back during your healing. Ginnie

I have not posted here for a while....I have walking pheumonia !!! I was in the hospital for 3 days !!! I am finally home, they wanted to keep me for a few more days...I just wanted to get out of there !!! It's one step foreward and five steps back... At least my arm pain is gone, because everything else hurts now...lol. I am finally out of the soft collar. I just have to be carefull not to over do it now. At this point there is not a whole lot that I can do anyway. I am so weak and tired, breathing is a good thing !!! Take care everyone. ^..^ Karen

glad you got out of the hospital, that is no good for rest that is for sure. Get lots of sleep now for healing. Anytime you have surgery, your body is at risk for other illness. Do as any mother would say, drink chicken noodle soup, and orange juice, I hope you recover fast now. ginnie

...and the Boogie-Woogie Phlu?

(Sorry... Sense of humor gets the better of me...)

Feel Better!

Doc