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.

[Sue991]

I have a congenital fusion of C3-C4. It gives me horrible pain nearly always. I am on pain meds to live and sleep by. And all this with no surgery! It is frustrating for sure. Haven't been able to work for 12 years now. Good luck with your pain. I hear you.
Sue

[v1shank]

You will never stop having pain, I have C3 thru C & fused and I still have neck pain and down my left arm, since 1994.

[Reaper20]

You make me proud to be a veteran. I served in AFSOC during the gulf war and aam about to haved C4 and C5 fused. Had a hard landing aboard an AC-130H Spectre that damaged my neck. I have been living with the pain since. I would still do it all again!

[vision907]

work comp case here oh lord ! had c4/5 fused last December  and double  lumbar disctectomy done back in the summer .my neck constantly burns and have neck spasms that are horrible numbness in hand and week forearm that has spasms .   told doctor again and again of problems and he just looks at me as if its nothing . my back is constantly in some degree of pain along with my hip, have aching leg that just feels weird all time im only 41 and hurt from head to toe.now my work place has closed and im all broken down i can only imagine trying to find a new job with my problems and pain. my wife tells me to try for disability but from what i hear you have to have your doctor on your side and mine was/is company doctor i cant imagine any help there.just dont know what to do im so worried about the  future   for me and my children would love some incite or help with what to do.thanks

[vision907]

work comp case here oh lord ! had c4/5 fused last December  and double  lumbar disctectomy done back in the summer .my neck constantly burns and have neck spasms that are horrible numbness in hand and week forearm that has spasms .   told doctor again and again of problems and he just looks at me as if its nothing . my back is constantly in some degree of pain along with my hip, have aching leg that just feels weird all time im only 41 and hurt from head to toe.now my work place has closed and im all broken down i can only imagine trying to find a new job with my problems and pain. my wife tells me to try for disability but from what i hear you have to have your doctor on your side and mine was/is company doctor i cant imagine any help there.just dont know what to do im so worried about the  future   for me and my children would love some incite or help with what to do.thanks

[TDMOM19]

Reading all these post scares me more than I already am. In November 2010 I had posterior cervical laminectomy for extremely large spurs on my C3,C4,C5.  Felt better but still hurt.  By April 2011 the pain was unbearable, went back to my neurologist, had another MRI, bulged disk (C4/5), spurs again, and possible disk damage at C6/7.  Ended up with a anterior fusion using cadavar bone in June 2011.  Fine for the most part up until the last 3 weeks.  Pain is unbearable, have no meds, afraid to go back to the Neurologist again.  She is exceptional in her field and has the best reputation around, but not the best bedside manner.  And I have smoked which is a no-no and she rides me to the end about it.  After this last surgery I had myself down to about 2 cigarettes a day, and when I went back for my 3 week check-up, she made me stay in my hard collar for 6 more weeks because I had not stopped COMPLETELY and she has me wearing a bone stimulator on my neck for 4 hours a day until this next January.  Not sure what to do at this point.