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c6-c7 anterior cervical fusion

I am a 39 year old male, 170 pounds, who works at a computer.  I have experience pain since last december in my left arm, shoulder, and neck.  Back in April, 2000 I experienced numbness and tinkling in my left arm.  I lost strength also.   My doctor sent my to PT, and I got better.  Most of my strenght returned, but not like before.  This condition has continued to nag me, and I decided to go back to the doctor who recommended I have a MRI.  I did.  The results showed a herniated disk at C6-C7.  I he referred me to a neurosurgeon.  The neurosurgeon after introductions said that I needed to have surgery, and that my condition would not improve only become worse. He said that I had spinal compression that would begin to affect other areas.  I was shocked, but I went ahead and scheduled the procedure for early December.  But I have reservations due to the fact that I do not hurt as much as before.  I am afraid that the surgery will open up complications that will be worse than my present condition.   Should I wait, and have surgery when this is unbearable or should I get this corrected now early on in the game?  I only have about 10 days before going to the hospital.  
Would more PT be effective, and as long as I'm not suffering much do I really need to go under the knife?  My doctor said see me now or see me later.  

Bruce
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Avatar universal
Things are good today.
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This whole thing scares me to death.  I have been to 4 different neuro surgeons since I first injured my neck 24 years ago in an auto accident.  Each time it is after I have done something to reinjure it again.  All have told me the same thing Surgery. After about 6 months my pain goes away and my neck returns to a mild ache and numbness of my left arm and hand.  I now find that my quality of life is such (headaches, numbness, complete weakness of my arm) that I may just give up and have the surgery.  My fear is that I will return to that terrible pain that happens right after you injure another vertibra.  I have over the past few years herinated C-4, C-5, and C-6.  My last x-ray was done 3 years ago when I had had a pain from my neck to my head for 5 months that would not go away.  The x-ray showed a lot of damage and narrowing of my spinal canal.  The report said I needed further studies. I just can't imagine going through the whole procedure. I guess I need courage, because right now I am having a hard time just making an appointment to be re evaluated.
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Hi everyone its good to hear of others in the same boat as myself. I am waiting to speak with the Neurosurgeon on March 6th about a possible operation to my cervical spine. I must say I am very nervous after reading the correspondense on these pages. My problem has and is my neck, left arm and between my shoulder blades. I am not able to do any manual jobs or even my desk job at work. I am at my wits end and am looking for support, the pain is really getting me down. I tried all the medication, NSAID and physio plus osteopathy and nothing seems to work. The surgeon has said that an operation is a possibility but I'm frightened I have to admit. What if it makes things worse, this is my problem, if you can help me and have some words to encourage, please email me at ***@****. Thanks
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Glad to hear so many success stories. Have several friends that fall into success catorgies also. I also need surgery dont know how many sections yet? Very, very scared See N.S. friday pray for me.
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I don't know exactly how it should take to heal.  I am going to have a xray taken in about a month from now.  The xray should reveal if any healing of fusion has taken place.  A good friend of mine, who is a surg tech, said that within three months I should have some bone replacement at the fusion, but not complete healing.  She has said that it should take between 4 to 12 months to heal properly.  

But, I really don't know.  It is driving me nuts.  It has been about 6 weeks since surgery, and I feel good.  I have reocurring tinkling in my left arm which scares me.  My doctor has said that many activities are off limits until the healing process is complete.  This is driving nuts also.  I want to get well so that I can return to normal activities.  My worst fear is that I will have to have a revision of the surgery.  My doctor said that he implanted the bone graft into my back very well.  He had a little attitude about whether I could sneeze it out.  But, being cocky in this situation is fine.  

I will let you know.  

Bruce
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Avatar universal
Anyone out there know how long cervical fusions
take to heal?? I wrote a message a week ago
to Bruce in reply to his question about how
long a brace is required post surgery. Last
week I had another doctors appointment because
I continue to suffer with the same symptoms
I had before surgery, but becomming worse
over time. Found out that my fusion never
healed, it's been 4 1/2 years since my accident
and 3 years since my fusion. Apparently the
hardware called "Songer Cables" placed in my
neck "slipped" and caused the fusion to not work.
The new surgeons say the only way to fix the
problem is to have it fused again. Anyone out
there have advice? Another surgery is the last
thing I want to go through again! Cant find any
info on the "Songer Cables" techinique.....
Simmi
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Avatar universal
So glad to hear that a lot of you have been able to go on with life.  Wish I could say the same?  Since 1994 I have had five cervical fusions.  I am bone from C-2 to C-7 with the disc at C-7 to C-8 ruptured and causing extreme pain.  I have my good days once in a while.  Unable to work and even really do a lot of normal light stuff around the house.  I tried all of the normal things before going under the knife.  So please do avoid it if you can.  My problems go to just bad neck karma nothing was left after the years of hard work.  Being only 115 lbs. I still did all the things the big boys did if they lifted the end of a 300lbs beam I carried the other.  So everyone just remind yourself if it hurts don't do it pain is there for a reason.  Mostly to stop you from doing the same stupid thing again!  LOL
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Avatar universal
Rebecca, I'm so sorry to read your story, and the problems that have occured resulting from your cervical surgery. My surgery was 2 weeks ago today, my throat is getting better, but food still chokes me up. I had my doc appt. the other day, and he said the collar would stay on another month or two, and then will be able to go with soft collar and start physical therapy. He said everyone's surgery's are different, and with mine, It will not be a fast recovery. ? I have no idea why. Although, I will say the pain is improving every day now, but I can't sit up or do much for very long. And the worst part is the sleeping. Only catch a couple of hours at a time, the collar is hell, and the neck feels broken. He said if they was no improvment with my throat in 4 weeks, he would have to send me to a specialist. That anything over 6 weeks requires looking into. As for the voice, it is still deeper than normal. Again, he said he gives those problems 6 weeks recovery, otherwise testing will be done. I wish you the best, please keep us informed. As for the fusion, I learned w/my previous lumbar fusions, that will take 12 to 18 months to basically take, until then, be very gentle with the neck and it's movements.
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Avatar universal
TYPKitty:

And the rest of the Cervical C4/5, C5/6 survivors. I had my surgery on Nov 9, 2000. (11 weeks) I just went back to work today.  I am still not talking without squeaking and I am having a difficult time not choking when I swallow. Very scary. I also suffered some damage to Carotid artery. My right eye is half open and the pupil stays very small, almost Pinpoint.   Also, ever since I came home from the hospital my sinuses have been stuffed up Soooo bad??!!  Anyone else have any of the above?
Now for the good news. The right arm pain and numbness has subsided. Only occasional spasms and neck jolts.
Mine started with a snowmobile accident 4 years ago. I broke my sacrum, pelvis, 2 ribs and my thumb. Lucky to be living today!! I also had a lumbar laminectomy last year at this time.  I hope to be an overhauled person now.  
Take care everyone and the best to all of you !!! Keep me posted.
Rebecca
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Avatar universal
Bruce,
Hope your doing well. I just found this site and read about your "story" which is much like mine. 4 1/2 years ago I was in an auto accident. Although the insurance company doctors claimed nothing was wrong, 18 months later I finally found a neurosurgeon who found cervical instability at c6-7. After the agony I had been through and much thought, I proceeded with the fusion taking a bone graft from my hip.  Now, 3 years later, I remain in constant pain. I "finally" have an appointment with another neurosurgeon tomarrow. Hopefully he will be able to figure out what to do with my constant headaches, tingling and numbness in my hands with a heavy dead feeling, and constant pain and severe stiffness in my neck, shoulders, and down my spine. I cant work, sleep, sit, stand,....without pain and frankly, I am miserable. Hope all goes much better for you. Oh, I wore my neck brace 2 years and now about 1/2 to 1/3 of the time per doctors orders. After surgery I wore a philadelphia collar for 4 months. I read a medical research journal that said a full fusion does not occur for at least 6 months.
Take care....
Simmi
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Avatar universal
Thank you Bruce, that made me feel better. I actually ate a piece of white bread w/butter this morning,and only gagged a few times! With my lumbar fusions, I was given material to inform me of what to expect the whole way thru, it just seems w/the cervical fusion everyone acted as if I'd be good as new in 2 weeks, and I still hurt all over, besides the throat problem. Your note helped. Thank you...and best wishes with your recovery!
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Avatar universal
hi, I came across this site tonight, while doing some search on cervical fusion myself. I won't go into all the details, but I had my cervical area fused  a week ago (on the 8th) this was my 3rd back fusion in less than 3 years. So, I'm familar with the process and the time frame of recovery depending on the area (cervical, lumbar, etc), anyway, I'd read everything, had my doctor tell me this would be a breeze compare to my others, the works, but I ended up 4 days in the hospital (I had a 2 level fusion C-4-5-6-7), am still in a great deal of burning pain (shoulders, upperback, arms) and the big problem is my throat. I could not swollow for 3 days after surgery, and then started with injectable steriods every 3 hours for 24 hours. I could then start swallowing some,and was able to go home, but just eating a banana in small bites is horrible.I'm living off scrambled eggs, ice cream, banana's. I still can barely swollow my pain pills, and throw half back up (they stay caught in my throat),,and sipping a drink is still a painful chore. I spoke with my doctor's office today, (been 8 days since surgery) and they say this is not abnormal, and will see how I'm progresing when I see them this week (4 days)..nothing I read on the net will elaborate about the throat problems just that swallowing may be difficuilt from days to a couple of weeks. Amd I haven't come across any comments from anyone experiencing this paticular problem Anyone have this also?????
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Avatar universal
TYPKitty:

My throat also gave me grief for the first two weeks.  It was
swollen, and I experienced difficulty eating and talking.  I expected it after talking to a surgical nurse, and my case didn't seem as bad as I expected it to be.  My throat got much better after the second week.  

My doctor warned me to view the results of this surgery one day at a time.  He said that I should look at how I feel three months after the procedure as compared with before surgery.  The recovery time will present its own problems that will be overcome with time.  I have days that slip me back a notch, but overall I see a progression of healing that will soon return me back to my original health.  It is just going to take a while--maybe up to 3 to 6 months.  

Don't give up.  Look for the little improvements.  One day at a time.  

Bruce
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Joe:

I have noticed that many of my symptoms are beginning to go away. I had my surgery on December 5, 2000.  I seem to be getting much better every day.  The scar is quite beautiful, but it is also looking much better.  Taking it easy is the best answer for a great recovery.  

Thanks for the update.  

Bruce
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Joe
Hi Gang:  Time for an update...it's been about three weeks since surgery.  Returned to work Jan 3rd after having the C4-5 and 5-6 microsurgery/fusion done on Dec. 13th.  Wearing the soft collar most of the time, except when just sitting.  Will have to wear it about another two weeks or so.  Have been driving after first week of operaton and able to get around pretty good.  Still have some numbness in shoulder and arm, but not as bad as before.  Continue to have muscle spasms in shoulder area and neck where incision is remains tight and sometimes hard to swallow.  Have only taken pain pills a couple of times when the neck really bothers me.  Hope the fusion is going ok,but it sure feels strange.  Will see Neurosurgeon in about two months, when he'll take an x-ray and see what going on.  Hope all goes well for those who had the operation.  For those considering, weigh all aspects and make sure you get several opinions.  I really can't say I've been relieved of all the symptoms, but they do not seem to be as bad as before the surgery.  Some of the pains in the neck/shoulder area are new, and I'm hoping are just from the fusion process that will go away with time.  

Joe
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Avatar universal
I had my surgery Dec.5th,2000.
Iwas diagnosed with Brown Seguard Syndrome, no idea what that meant, only that I needed to get out of pain. My c-5 blew out and my symptoms were numbness from my rt. armpit down to the bottom of my rt. foot. The numbness involved my whole rt. side. stomach,breast even only my rt. butt cheek was numb.
This was really freaky for me.
Then I was losing strength in my left hand. Iwas dragging my rt. foot. I looked like I had a stroke.
I am an active 44 year old woman, who is a work aloholic, so the idea of surgery,at a very busy time of the year (I am a restaurant manager) was shocking and scary.
Still, walking like I was and being in intense pain was not how I wanted to live my life.
I am still in my hard collar and see my Doc. for post-op MRI and consult for my future.,Jan.9th.
I returned to work Dec. 26th, light duty, 40 hours for me.
I know it was probably too soon, but I work for a mom and pop corp., that I, think want to weed me out, because I no longer have the desire to put my health last.
Oh well, there are better days a coming.
Any comments?
To those who are in pain but dragging their feet because of fear
Be brave and find a good Neuro Guy who listens, you won't be sorry.
Kathy T.
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Avatar universal
To Pam R:

The surgery that I had could be classified microsurgery, but the incision is about an inch and one-half long in the front of the neck just above the collar bone.  I had a problem between c-6. c-7.  It has been about 4 weeks since the procedure, and I am beginning to return to normal.  I go for a follow up at six weeks.  I will let everyone know how the fusion is going.

Bruce
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Avatar universal
Hi Bruce, et al.

Are you guys talking about a microsurgery procedure?  I have been referred to a neurosurgeon that was involved in the pioneering of an outpatient surgical treatment for these pesky herniated cervical discs, and was wondering if any of you have had experience with this. I am supposed to have a cervical myelogram to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies (pretty certain that C6 is the culprit).  From what I've read, the myelogram procedure is more involved than what the surgery will be!  Any comments on either?
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Avatar universal
Kathleen:

Glad to her your comments.  My doctor said to wear the soft collar for two weeks 24-7.   I have done that and more.  I had my
surgery on December 5, and want a good bone fusion.  I only had one level worked on, C-6,7, and have good bone strength.  I go back on January 18 for a follow up.  I am hoping that the Dr. will do an x-ray on my neck so that I can have some input on what in going on inside there.  

I am still having tightness in my left arm and some tingling.  I still am having headaches on my left side.  I am planning to return to work on January 2, 2001.   I have not gotten out very much since the surgery.  I get this tightness in my neck around the incision, and figure that I have quite a bit to go before that I am healed completely.  I have not been able to walk much due to the inclement weather that we have been having.  Ice.  I can tell that I am having some strength come back in my upper back now.  I can roll over in the bed much easier now.  At first I was afraid to move once I had gotten into the bed.  Who knows-- my bones have have done nothing since the surgery.  I am hoping to find out soon.  I was a very active person before this, and I am looking forward to returning to some on those activities.  I must be better by the spring for I have a big yard to take care of.  

Thanks again for writing.  Our group needs to keep each other informed on the events occuring related to the surgery.  

See ya later.  

Bruce
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Avatar universal
Hi Joe and Bruce:

I also had anterior cervical disc fusion on C5-6 and C6-7 done on December 6th.
I was told by my neurosurgeon to wear the hard collar for one month and it may be as much as three months depending on my followup visit January 4th.   My bone strength fell into the "B" category.   As far as driving I was told no driving for one to three months also.  I cannot lift over five pounds and cannot push, pull or use my arms to lift my self up.  My stomach and leg muscles will be awesome after this is all over.  The worst part for me has been having to rely on my husband and children to take care of the house, cooking and grocery shopping especially over the holidays.

I was told to walk every day for exercise but be careful because you can dislodge the plate and grafts.  I have sneezed and every time I do I can hear a      ing sound.  Makes me wonder.

I have some occasional pain in my left arm and numbness in my index finger which has concerned me but have been told some pain and numbness is normal for awhile.

I was scared to       before surgery as I am in the medical field myself and know the risks.  Also I was told I cannot return to work until March.  My neurosurgeon did not really tell me how limited I would be in my activity before the surgery.  It is driving me crazy.

I would be very interested to hear how you all are doing and how much of your activity has been limited by your doctor.

Happy New Year.
Kathleen
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Joe
Great news for you Bruce!  Glad it's working out.  By the way, I meant to say my operation was on the 13th of Dec., not the 8th!  

My fusion seems to be ok, just a little stiffness but I seem to be getting a good range of motion.  I feel prettty strong, and it's only a week after the surgery!  I'm not on any pain killers...only advil as necessary and valium for periodic muscle spasms.  The incision is more prominent than I thought it would be...about 1.5 - 2 inches in the crease of the neck on the left toward the front.  I'm hoping I'll be able to begin driving this week but will find out tomorrow when I visit the surgeon.  Another week or two with the soft collar and that should be it.  My fingers are crossed.  I'm not sure when they'll scheudle me to see if the fusion took place as it was suppose to.

Oh, one slight problem....I did slip going down steps five days after the surgery and landed on my bottom. (Yeah, I know, dumb me....thinking I was back to normal!)  Other that a bruise on my arm and a sore left leg, I don't feel any negative results from the bump.  I now appreciate the warning of going slow and not moving around too much the first few weeks!

Good Luck!
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Avatar universal
To Joe:

Glad to hear that you are recovering nicely.  It has been two
weeks now for me.  I am still wear my soft collar most of the
time.  I have not driven a car yet, but I think today may be the
day.  I am getting stronger everyday.  My neck still is a little
stiff, and my incisision is almost completely healed.  I can tell
that the sutures have not completely disvolved yet under the skin.  My scar is looking better.  I met a lady who had this
surgery, and you could not see her scar.  It had faded into her
neckline.  I am returning to the doctor on January 16th for a x-ray and follow up for the bone fusion.  Overall my back feels much better.

Bruce
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Joe
Well, I had the surgery on C4-5 and C5-6 five days ago...Wed the 8th and am recuperating without significant pain.  The operation lasted nearly six hours, from start to regaining consciousness.  Very stiff neck and pain from neck scar, swallowing problems and hard to talk for the first day or two.  Discharged from hospital next day, wearing soft collar for 2-3 weeks.  Worst part for me was having the anesthesia get out of my system.  Took perkiset (sp?) for pain and valium for muscle spasms for first day or two, but now just taking advil and valium as needed.  Also, very difficulty getting into a comfortable sleeping position.  Haven't had a full night sleep yet.  But getting there.  Some dizziness and overall weakness yet.  The numbness and tingling in arms and right shoulder are remarkably diminished, but still some numbness in right shoulder which was my primary concern.  I see the surgeon for followup on Thurs the 21st.  Hope I'll be cleared to drive at that time.  Expect to return to work Jan 2nd.

Glad to hear the success of the others who have gone through this.  Glad I did it, considering I only found out of the problem five weeks ago!  I lived with the numbness and tingling for nearly a year.  Good luck to all considering the operation!
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Avatar universal
This all sounds so similar.  I slipped almost 2 years ago and caugth myself by my elbows.  The muscles of my right shoulder girdle and neck went into sustained spasm and pretty much stayed that way.  I have seen chiropractors, GP's, PT's, pain specialists, and physical medicine MD.  I have had it!  I am a 34 year old mother of 2, thin, and was once very physically active.  I am a nurse in a dialysis clinic, work full time, and attend college full time to further my degree.  This accident has really put a dent in my plans.  The first MRI was basically negative but the second MRI showed moderate disc buldges @ C3-4, C5-6, and C6-7.  It also indicated a significant annular tear at C6-7 with disc material in places it should not be.  I am very discouraged and do not want to even discuss surgery.  I have had very negative experiences with epidural steroid injections and until last month agreed to try with a different anesthesiologist and had a positive results.  Things just do not last long because I refuse to stop.  I was placed on antidepressants this year because I just felt like this was taking over every thing.  This really stinks.  I was reading remarks placed at this site and was wondering if anyone has had the same type of treatment attempts or modalities.  (Such as postural rehab with protronics, alpha stim, etc.)
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