For the most part I do agree with Leesa. Try all conservative treatments first.
There are several things in your report that give hope that PT may improve your pain. When the MRI says "mild" or "moderate" That is a clue to how severe your condition is. When the MRI says "SEVERE" and cord impingement, then sometimes surgery may be necessary.
The only other thing I can add is that I did C3-7 and it did resolve alot of my pain issues. I did have definate "structure problems" with reversing the curve of my spine, and nerve impingement. I am not pain free, but it is much better than what I was experiencing before.
Keep getting those opinions. I had a Katemine infusion in the cervical area several times which helped prior to my surgery. We will be here for you, and hoping this has a good resolution in what choices you make. ginnie

Hello dear friends! My apologies for not posting sooner, but here’s an update!

I had C6-7 ACDF on Weds, Feb 27, using a bone graft from my right iliac crest. All went well, and I was released from the hospital late the day after surgery with lots of pain, muscle spasm, and constipation meds. Recovery was going well at home with lots of help from my son and daughter, mother and sister. I also had a visiting nurse and quick visits from an OT and PT to ensure things were a-okay.

About a week into my recovery, I began to feel increased pain in the hip area below the bone graft incision. I called the doc’s office and told the visiting nurse. They said it was to be expected and graft pain is often more significant than the fusion site. I began using a cane, but I wasn’t moving too much except between my bed and the bathroom. Although the pain was pretty significant, it wasn’t getting worse, so I continued taking it easy.

On Weds, Mar 13, around 7PM, I was getting out of bed with the aid of my cane. As my right foot touched the ground, I heard/felt a “pop” in my hip and lowered myself to the ground, in horrible, horrible, horrible pain. My son came upstairs and tried to help me…the help was to call 911.

I was transported to my local hospital, which started me on dilaudid and took x-rays. X-ray indicated an avulsion fracture of my iliac wing. Basically, there was a vertical break from the graft all the way down to the bottom of the wing. I was transferred by ambulance to the hospital that did the original surgery for further treatment.

Long story short, I was readmitted to the hospital, suffered from excruciating pain for a couple of days until the docs reached a consensus for treatment. I was on self-administered morphine, and something else I can’t remember the name of, but it barely touched the pain. I had surgery late in the evening Mon, Mar 18, on my iliac wing using a plate and quite a few screws to reattach the chunk of bone that had fractured off. I was released from the hospital on Fri, Mar 22.

So here I am at home recovering again! I’m looking on the bright side and feeling a little better each day. Thank God for my family, visiting nurses, and everyone who has helped me through this!

The graft was the dark "triangle" towards the top left of the wing. The pointers show the beginning and end of the fracture...ouch!

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Kate---WOW ---sick--- it snapped from your hip. What the heck is the chances of that??????? --Im sorry ---and i know the hip has a bad blood supply too. Im so very sorry to hear this news.

So sorry this happened to you. I had never heard of the hip giving way like that after surgery. You have been through so much. Get well soon, I am glad you had help during all this too. Sending prayers for recovery your way. xxxginnie

Kate --i feel so bad for you !! Did your get the machine to wear around your neck ? By chance are you a smoker ? If you are you really want that machine to help achieve a solid fusion.

I did not get the device for my neck, but they took an xray of my neck when I was in the hospital. Fusion is looking very good and I'd say that 95% of the pain I had in the neck, shoulders, and along shoulder blades prior to the ACDF is GONE!!! YAY!!!

Thats great news!!! Im glad you posted to because it will help others who may be needing this surgery in the future ----that many of us so have a good outcomes ---not perfect but gives you a life back.

As soon as I'm feeling more up to it, I will definitely post a blow-by-blow of the ACDF...right up until "the troubles"!

Katie - what a crazy thing to happen! Glad to hear it sounds like your recovery is back on track now though.

I usually post in the post concussion syndrome section, but follow along in this forum because I suffered a neck injury back in 2011 when I also suffered a pretty bad concussion. I'm also in the Philly area and have an appt with a neurosurgeon at Jefferson in mid May (earliest avail appt!). I really want to see another surgeon before that though because the weakness in my arms and hands is getting worse. It's getting difficult to carry groceries, do chores around the house, etc. I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind posting the name of your surgeon at Penn or possibly pm'ing me. I've been living with mild cord compression at c5/c6 (along with more stuff going on at that level) as well as what I think is some minor stuff at the other cervical levels. I just want my life back! Thanks in advance.