How Many People have repeat Cevical Fusions?

[JMRIZZ]

I am 38 years old and I am now about 7 months post op from a three level fusion (C5-6, C6-7, C7-T1) and I have experienced repeat pain in my neck and headaches.  I have been treated with Anti-inflammatory meds and physical therapy with traction.  The meds did nothing for the pain and everything the PT department did, made things worse.  My neurosurgeon was hoping that I would get better with these options because he said it would be bad if I had problems with the above levels at this point.  What I would like to know is how many post op patients end up with further complications and further surgery?  Do repeat surgeries often happen so soon, or does it normally take some time to have problems with adjacent levels of the neck?  I am awaiting an MRI, but I am anxious because my pain is increasing and I am unable to do anything without causing discomfort.  I am back on the pain meds, but can only take it at night or when the kids are not home because it makes me sleepy.  The physical therapist believes that the neurosurgeon's first concerns of an upper level having a problem are true.  What level would cause neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain?  Nothing works to help and I am frustrated.  Please share your experiences.  I would like an idea of what I can expect. Thank you for your help. Jo Ann

[JMRIZZ]

Thanks lilgirl73.  I now have an MRI and doctor's appointment scheduled for Wednesday 3/5.  I am hoping I will have some answers by then.  I am so discourages and hate being on these pain meds.  Good Luck to you as well.

[lilgirl73]

I'm approx 3 yrs post op & they' want to do surgery on the 2 discs above the rods.  I'm awaiting new test results.  According to my spine doc (diff one than did the original surgery, since i moved from cali to mass) the rods added "stress" to the 2 add'l discs that were merely bulging prior to removal of discs & fusion.  I'm like you...equally frustrated & all of this feels never ending sometimes.  Hang in there.  It's amazing how strong you are when you have to be.

[ash79]

HI. Iam 28 years old and iam 5 months post op. i had a spinal fusion done at c5-c6. i had severe neck pain , shoulder pain and headaches i also lost alot of the power in my left arm and it was almost completely numb. ever since my op i couldnt be happier . no more pain . thank god. i can understand how fustrated you are. i spent 7 months with this pain before the op. took the pain meds , went to PT which made it worse some times, bought a home traction unit.  none of these things worked..good luck with your MRI and i hope they find the problem so u can be PAIN FREE.