I was reading some of your responses to other people in our situation and it dawned on me that I needed to ask you a question.

You said you had experienced the "domino effect", which my OSS warned me could happen. I am currently comparing my before surgery MRI results and my after, and while I see big improvements (thank GOD!) I am now concerned about C4-5 which was normal prior to surgery but now is showing signs of trouble. How soon did you notice other discs having issues after your first surgery?

I told my dr I would try a block. He said it really could go either way. I agree with your statement that if it doesn't work the first time not to try it again. We have not done PT, I don't think he wants to try that as it may not benefit me. As it stands now, if I go a whole day of activity, I'm no good for two days after....

Yes I did have trouble. 6 years ago I was fused at C6-7. I had lot of pain, and there was compression on the cord. I was NOT told that other verterbre had issues, and I never got my medical records, big mistake...
Right out of sugery, I still had alot of pain that did not resolve. This first neuro, just batted me around, denying I was having trouble basically. I went for pain contol after that. My spine did continue to deteriorate, and the ones above and below failed. My pain specialist did some infusions, and could see the condition of my neck through the monitor. He told me he could not help me enough with the pain, and recommended the very best neruo surgeon around. It was at that time I discovered the true condition of my neck. I was then fused C3-7, taking the old hardware out first. I had reversed the curve of my spine. That is indeed why I mention these things to folks, sometimes we are not informed enough, and you should question everything better than I did. After this second fusion, I still do have pain. C1-2 and T1-2-3 ache. I take a low dose of morphine. I will not do any more surgery. I am also very careful with my neck. Just make sure you get a second opinion, and question the doctors about the condition of the vertrebre above and below. None of this easy, and I am very sorry you have to go through this. If you have any specific question, I am here for you anytime. Just keep asking the questions until you are 100% sure of which direction you should go. ginnie