Anyone had fusion of the cervical spine?

[gandalf456]

I have been referred to a neurosurgeon as my neurologist thinks surgery is the only answer now.

My problems are chiefly the c8 junction and my ulnar nerve has neuropathy. C5-c6 and c7 have degenerative changes.

I have weakness but no pain in left arm from elbow with the two little fingers feeling slightly numb. I drop change, keys and break zips. I can't carry anything heavy or bulky without dropping it.

My right side is a bit stronger but is growing weaker. I have slight numbness in my little finger and cramping pain from neck to upper arm. I also get pain right down to my toes - a sort of burning - and slight numbness down my right side. My right leg feels heavy and crampy too.

So, my question is, has anyone had cervical fusion here? All I can see are horror stories on the Internet. What's the recovery like? And will I be able to.go back to my old.job ? I work in a supermarket and the work is either heavy or repetitive