Cervical Fusion C3,C4,C5,C6

[rmoore007]

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.

[TomWho]

Pain means it didn't work. Perriferal nerves exiting spinal cord are still being pressed on by bone or whatever. i would talk to doctor who did the work and then to another one to see if it can be fixed. I have had 5 disk operations and need 2 more but only one did not work (l4 L5 artificial replacement). I can see in the x-ray that l5 is not level.

[TomWho]

Keep your head up a little after the cat scan with dye. Eliminates migranes you could get.

[Barefoot5]

Long story short I am retired (age 38) from a 100 mph vehicle collision 4 years ago. I have major lower back and neck issues. Recently my problems have worsened and my DR finally sent me back for another round of MRI's. My symptoms include loss of mobility in left side extremities, severe weakness in hands, legs, feet. Massive headaches and neck pain, that induces vomiting (so violent at times I have given myself black eyes).  So the MRI's have no returned, and this is what they said.

-C3-4 Segment: more than 50% disc height loss with desiccation. Left broad based disc herniation severely compression the exiting C4 left nerve root with severe spinal foraminal stenosis.

-C5-6 Segment: left paracentral broad-based disc herination contacting and moderately indenting the ventral lateral left cervical spinal cord.

What should I expect next and how serious is this? I am being referred to a Neuro Surgeon. will my 47% current disabilty go up? I am very nervous and worried about my future.

[fm671]

Hello there, I had a l5-S1 done a few years back, i must say that it took three years to heal. the put 4 bolts-2rods and and a box with bone and cement. it worked. But they are not gods so when the closed the bolt they messed with the nerve in l4-l5 and so t day a walk around the a dead nerve in my jeg to my bid toe. not toe bad, it does not hurt but you all ways fell some thing there. I am in need of a c3-c7 fix. i like you am not really ready. enough of the drugs and then some times they take them away from me. to much. yea! I hope thing go well for you, a good friend who understands is very helpful.

[chrisrocky1956]

hi i settle my case 2011 with future medical got hurt in 2006 had bad lawyer,surgery in 2007 c3-c7 for metal paltes in neck did not work my work comp.just ended payment. just got aprove for c3-t1,laminectomy posterior fusion on 1-10-13 it been pass 5years in a lot of pain i dont know what payment i will get if any i will be in the hospitle for five days the doctors will get paid but i donk think i will get paid if any also my lumber spine will need surgery *** well i do have future medical an no lawyer need help do not know what to do  or who to talk to   thank you if you have or know or anybody can he help me hc carter

[kc46]

Sue,
I have had 3 spine fusions.  I am complete fused from my mid back to my tail bone with pins going into the hips. My neck is fused and now they tell me the discs have broken down above and below the fusion.  They want to fuse C3,4 and C6,7. I am in so much pain I had to go out on FMLA.  My company denied STD stating pain is not a reason for not working.
I have a desk job and within 15 min of my work day the pain is so bad I can't think. I can't sleep at night and have to take pain killers everyday. Where you successful in getting disability?  If so how? I have has 3 doctors write me all all or spine and Neurosurgens. I am still being denied.
kc