Welcome to Neuro Talk. You have been though the ringer with your back. I can't figure out why they fused your neck into a position where you looked down. Is the hardware all the way from C3-Pelvis? Wouldn't they have to remove hardware, and replace it? This would have me concerned too Cherd. I am not sure what I would do either. Have you had multipal opinions?
Would like to hear a bit more about what your doctor plans to do with this C6-7.I am not sure doing just one, would make your whole neck and spine straight. You have had so much surgery already Cherd, I wish I knew more about your particular condition. Leesa is the best at understanding MRI's etc. So sorry you have had to go through so much. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

Hi Cherd,

Wow 6 spinal surgerys!!! I will never complain again about anything!! I assume this is all the kyphosis ? Is it Schuermanns? So-- thru all these surgerys they havent been able to fix the curve ? Hows you pain level? To me 60 is young-- did this start with osteperosis (sorry dont know how to spell it) later in life or did you always have this curve-- since you were young? The halo doesnt sound fun at all either. Seems you gone this far does your surgeon think #7 surgery will finally fix the problem? Im very sorry to read all you been thru and in advance for asking all the questions--I dont know to many people having done so many spinal surgerys. I wish you nothing but the best and hope something will give you the relief you really deserve.

I went through numerous doctors for 3 months towards the end of 2012. Slept on the couch, propped up. Immense pain. Come to find out I had a few bulgings discs in my neck, bone spurs, etc. This was all just wear and tear over time, no specific event. I am now 37 as of a few days ago.

I had Cervical Fusion surgery 1/3/13. After 3 months in a brace, I was released. Took it easy for a few weeks, then started back in the gym, very light. I'm happy to report now that I exercise regularly with no restriction including weight work. I can play with my young boys again. I can go to events without being in terrible pain.

I do still get occassional sensations down my arm, and my neck isn't 100% mobile, but I am largely pain free and doing MUCH better. I hope you experience the same in your surgery. I had a 2 level done. C5-C6, C6-C7.

Hi every one,
I am 6 Days Post Operative recovery of an ACDF performed 16 Aug 2013. The procedure went as schedule and took about 2 hrs. I was suppose to be just an overnight stay but it was apparent by that evening I was not passing fluids as needed. I had to have a Foley Catheter inserted to my bladder to relieve the build up of 950ML. Felt almost immediate relief though I stayed in Hospital until Sunday. I did have a temperature that needed Icepacks to get under control.

I was sent home in a neck brace and oxycodone and Robaxtin It wasn't long and I figured out why I was having such pain when swallowing just to take the meds. I threw the Brace across the room today I only have mild sore throat pain. Have not had a Narcotic for two days now, sleeping much better.

Taking only Aleve. Great care in not moving my neck to far in any direction
I guess it was successful for me anyway. I have almost no neuropathic pain in my arms and shoulders. This only 6 days after surgery. My diet has returned to normalcy, slightly hoarse still. I am an exception to this sort of Recovery. I'm sure. Praise to our Lord!

I see my surgeon Monday the 26 Aug he should ok me to drive and return to work with limitations of coarse.

I will follow up with my Primary Doc also next week.

Continue with my exercises, some stationary Bicycling.

Glad to hear you are doing great.