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Cervical Fusion C3,C4,C5,C6

by rmoore007, Sep 27, 2007 10:31PM
I was hurt  at work 10/28/05.  On 08/12/06 they fused C3,C4,C5, and C6.  I know it takes time  to heal but 13 months later and I have more pain now then before the surgery.  Workers Comp is now trying to get me to come up with a settlement amount.  First question, why so much pain still, sharp shooting pain from C2 down and neck and it doesn't take much to get the shooting pains.  Also sick to stomach now 24/7 and left arm goes numb about 2-3 times a week.  Second question, would you consider a settlement when your still having so much pain and how much.  I already told them I am not talking settlement until I know why still so much pain and that it's worse than before surgery.
I am 57 years old and was in great health until I was hurt at work.  After surgery they had me back at work in 2 months and I worked (light duty) until I was laid-off on 09/13/07, due to plant closing.  I live in Michigan if that helps at all.
Member Comments (25)

by jotabravo, Oct 02, 2007 10:01PM
Not sure why you are still in pain.  I'm in Indiana. I'll try and keep your thread alive.  Hope everything works out.

by Tammyin Saipan, Oct 02, 2007 11:48PM
To: RMOORE007
Do not settle until you are 100% better! I settled in a car accident, a long, long time ago.
Had an artificial disc surgery (*clinical trial) and am STILL IN PAIN!
Muscles are very stiff, and am trying all the things I have read here on the forum, exercise, posture etc....feel a little better, but have a long way to go.
I feel better when I correct my posture, and am remembering more often now to sit correctly, and stretch when I need to.
Good luck, but don't settle!

by rmoore007, Oct 05, 2007 07:53PM
Just wanted to give an update.  I was scheduled for an MRI last Wednesday, but they couldn't do it.  They said to much metal in my neck was messing up the MRI.  I now I am scheduled for a CAT scan with dye on the 8th of October.   This has me a bit worried since after the CAT scan I have to stay flat on my back for 24 hours so the fluid they took out of my spine to put the dye in can rebuild it self.
I will not settle until I I have no pain and then only for $$ not medical.  Since I am not long able to do my normal trade (Industrial Maintenance) which I have been doing over 30 years.

by bev62, Oct 05, 2007 09:12PM
To: rmoore007
Yes be sure you lay flat as much as possible.  When I had it done as I was leaving the hospital I received a call that my brother had been killed in an accident.  So I was unable to lay down at all.  I ended up with a spinal headache and it took going back and getting two blood patches to get rid of it.  Good luck.

by rmoore007, Oct 07, 2007 08:43PM
To: bev62
Thank you for the information, & sorry about your brother.  We are planning on going on our first vacation in 10 years on the 11th.  Sure hope I am ok by then to go.

by bev62, Oct 08, 2007 03:15PM
To: rmoore007
I'm sure you will be fine.  The first 24 hours afterwards is the most critical.  

by corkybrat, Oct 17, 2007 11:50PM
To: rmoore007
I know how you feel. I had the same ones fused. I still need C7yet. It was 7 months ago. I won't get
the other one done. I still hurt all the time. The pain is so bad still. My neck hurts constantly. I get headaches all the time. I had to have the blood patch done before. The headache from the spinal tap hurts something awful. I wouldn't settle until your completely better. I wonder when that will be? Cause like me I still am no better. I feel worse.

by rmoore007, Nov 02, 2007 11:26AM
To: corkybrat
On 10/28/08 it was 2 years ago I was hurt.  On 08/12/06 I had the surgery, some things are better some are worse.  I go to doctor on the 5th of this month to see what CAT scan with dye shows.  I hope it shows why I am still in so much pain all the time but at the same time hope that don't say need more surgery.  I am not ready for that and not sure I would go through it again.

by rmoore007, Nov 05, 2007 12:51PM
OK, here are the results of the Myelography CT
C2-3 No Disc herniation or bony stenosis
C3-4 There is a ventral epidural impression which may represent a small central                
          protrusion versus a prominent posterior longitudinal ligament.
C4-5 Mild uncovertebral ridging is seen resulting in mild right neural foraminal
          stensis.
C5-6 Mild uncovertebral ridging is identified resulting in bilateral mild neural forminal  
          stenosos.
C6-7 Mild right uncovertebral ridging is seen resulting in mild right neural foraminal
          stenosis.
C7-T1 No disc herniation or stenosis.

Can someone put this in english for me.

by corkybrat, Nov 07, 2007 09:16PM
To: rmoore007
Hi, I wished I knew what it meant. Hopefully your Doctor will explain it in laymans terms. I hope you find the answers and the treatment to help you. I know the constant pain is hell. I can't afford the medical cost anymore so I suffer. Good Luck!!! Let me know what happens? I hope your family gives you the support you need. It sucks going to bed in pain and waking up in pain. As much as I hurt, I doubt if I would have another surgery. It is worse after the surgery