cervical fusion

hi i had my neck fused 10/07 c- 5, c-7 disectomy plate and screws i returned to work in four weeks, as time progressed i seem to have gotton worse i am always in pain and feel miserable i went from management back to sales for less stress but i cant overcome the pain i also have protrused discs at l4 l5 i have aflac and i was wondering what do i need my doctor to say so i can take time from work and hopefully heal without as much pressure on me.i have a two year disability policy.

[ellijaygal]

I had a cervical fusion with hardware. The surgery went great I could lift my arm after the surgery, which I was unable to do before the surgery, and the neck pain was completely gone. Now, a year and a half after the surgery, my neck pain is back but on the opposite side. I have been told by my neuro that fusions can sometimes cause weakness and disk deterioration above or below the fusion area. It would have been nice to have known that BEFORE I had the surgery, but at least I understand now why I still have neck pain. Hopefully that's not your situation. Good luck to you.