C5-7 Fusion 7 months ago and pain returns

[tata616]

Hello-

I had a fusion with donor bone and cage 7 months ago and have been healing. Recently pain has returned sporadically. I went to my NS and he took an X-Ray and all looked well but the pain (as bad as it was originally) is returning with numbness in my hand mainly in my pinky finger. I also have numb feelings in both feet which is quite bothersome. I take Tylenol Arthritis and Ibuprofen several times for pain and its not helping much. Should I suggest that my doctor order a new MRI? I have not had one in a year.

Thanks so much.

[tata616]

Sorry to hear about your situation. My surgery was not laser the doctor's team was great. They never promised  or guaranteed to alleviate pain post surgery only that my particular surgery would be necessary to support the affected area. They went in through my throat and spent 2 hours with the discectomy I spent one night in the hospital and went home with an electronic bone stimulator. I have a good fusion going and I am off all meds except for the Tylenol and ibuprofen. I am glad I did the surgery as the pain was constant prior to this procedure and very irritating. One doctor (I got 3 opinions) wanted to rush me into surgery another said wait and see as well as the doctor who ultimately did my work.

The pain that remains is mainly annoying and varies but almost always can be put away with a Tylenol and massage.

I hope all goes well for you.

[willy851]

Can I ask how the surgery was performed. My doctor warned me about having surgery, saying that he has never seen anyone satisfied with the results. I read many advertisements for laser spine surgery stating that the results are better. I am getting the feeling they lie about their success rate.
I am a 45 year old male with cervical stenosis and problems at C3 through C5. I have always had issues with my neck and lately more than normal. The anxiety and depression are harder to deal with than the pain at this point. I always looked forward to the future now I fear it. I wish I could find some statistics that could convince me I don't have a time bomb in my neck.

[tata616]

I should mentioned above that the pain is mainly in my shoulder where it has always been and the pain is as bad as it ever was but it is intermittent.