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cervical fusion

I fell from a horse in Nov 2000.  Had an anterior cervical fusion c4-c6 with some synthetic disc replacement and a titanium plate and screws. Did not do well postoperatively - I vomited for 3 days because of the pain treatment. Did not wear a collar or undergo physiotherapy postoperatively - and was back at work after 3 weeks.  Had disphagia, severe pain between my shoulder blades and R arm, as well as chronic spasms of sternocleidomastoid and suffered anxiety attacks.  Symptoms did not resolve - went for a second opinion in 2002.  MRI scan was done - dit not look good. In June 2002 a posterior cervical fusion of c4 - T1 was done with bone graft and wiring of spineous processes (apparantly the upper level of the previous fusion was loose, as well as the level below the fusion).  It went very well postoperatively - all the pain resolved and the muscle spasms subsided. No anxiety attacks any more. After the second op I did wear a collar and underwent extensive physiotherapy. Went back to work after 2 months.   However, the following symptoms reappeared 2 weeks ago: disphagia, sternocleidomastoidspasm, pain between shoulder blades and R arm pain.  I am presently undergoing physiotherapy.  I am a Unit manager of an intensive care unit - mostly performing admin work.  Did not do any heavy lifting.  What can the reason be for returning of symptoms?  I am an asthmatic and allergic to certain foods .  Is it possible for me to reject any of the synthetic material used on me? Can you please give me any advise on what to do, or what can possibly be wrong? Thanking you.  Hettie

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I would like to tell you what happened to me after I asked my question.  My symptoms worsened.  I developed pains in my right upper leg, anterior, as well as severe pains on my diaphragm area.  I also had a severe migraine attack and painful, cramping, tingling muscles in my back . I developed fequency of urine and stools.  Was admitted to hospital and a MRI was done.  I now have a centrally collapsed disc at c3c4.  The physio also said some of my symptoms were an autonomic reaction because of severe spasms in the thorax,  after physio and IV anti-inflammatories my symptoms are better and I am now on a physio rehabilitation program to prevent worsening of the prolaps in order to prevent furher surgery.  I would like to thank you for your support, it helps to know that one is not alone. Hettie
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Avatar universal
Not likely that asthma/allergies have a role in the return of your symptoms, especially if this was a similar problem in 2000 after the first surgery.  One clue that may help is that these symptoms went away after the second surgery which was deemed successful. Contact your surgeon and let them know that you've had return of your symptoms. You may need follow up MRI scans of the neck to make sure everything is ok with the hardware that was placed and that nothing slipped or broke or is pushing on a nerve. If everything is ok from their standpoint, consider seeing a neurologist for further evaluation, especially if the symptoms are actually different from your prior ones. There may be something else going on. In the meantime, take it easy with PT and don't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk until you see your surgeon. GOod luck.
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Avatar universal
I am interested in your cervical fusion, particularly multiple levels and the wiring your spoke of. Especially interesting is the synthetic disk replacement in C-spine - I haven't had much luck finding patients with c-spine synthetic disk replacement. I will keep an eye on your file.
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