Originally Posted by ginnie

I am sorry you have been through so much with your neck. I too am a spine patient. I have had two fusions. My second was C3-7. Before you decide on surgery, go for the third opinion. I did indeed have what they call the domino effect. Thats why I needed more surgery. Sometimes the ones above or below the fusion fail, and that leads to more surgery. That is why I went for a third opinion as well. My own fusion turned out GREAT!. There is hope that things can get better. Just make very sure of your choice, and the physician doing the surgery. Ask him about the domino effect, risk, and further surgeries. Don't be afraid to confront him with all your worries. Keep a list of questions so you won't forget anything when you go in. My recovery was awful. Much like you went through. It hurt for quite awhile. My doctor did give me good pain control. Make sure you have a pain specialist in your corner for after the surgery if you have trouble. I am three years out, and doing fine. No other verterbre are failing, but I am very careful as well with my activities. I sure hope you get the best possible outcome. ginnie