problems after a neck fusion

[rednkgrl5]

is anyone out there that has had a fusion and isn't better? im going through hell trying to defend myself to attorney's and dr's.they tell me its all in my head and im faking it! I was struck by a fork lift while grocery shoppin and fractured 2 bones in my back and have numerous disk problems.I had fusion c-4 c-5 and now im worse!! please if anyone couls tell me their stories and prepare me for whats to come please,please contact me.***@**** my name is sheryl.I know im not crazy.I take muscle relaxers and pain pills now for 2 years and my pain is worse since the horrible surgery,i feel a hard extremely painful lump right above the site i had operated on and twitching,numbeness,headaches,swallowing issues and i can go on and on.I will listen to all that is offered.thank you.

[justmewondering]

What exactly was used (hardware etc,) in your fusion?

[tluvstulips]

Excuse me for answering your question.  I have titaniam in my neck.  Do you have a fusion?

[kitkat31625]

I just had a ACDF at C5-6 three months ago.  I am still having neck pain, shoulder pain and an aching type pain down both arms into my hands/fingers.  I have been on Topamax for two month because I developed severe migrain type headaches since the surgery.  Though I don't get the headaches as severe on the medication I still have a headache daily.  I am in worse shape than I was before I had surgery. I just had another MRI my fusion looks great, is almost complete however I now have bulging dics one before and one after the fusion.  Which would make 3 total bulging discs in my neck currently.  I had a small bulging disc at C2- C3 before surgery that my doctor left alone.  It seems like my doctor is blowing me off and doesn't believe I am in this much pain still.  I also have problems in my lumbar spine a hernated disc and an annular tear.  I have had scatica from it. I had epidural steriod shots earlier this year and got the problem in control.  However that has suddenly returned as well.  My Neurosurgeon has me following up with my Neurologist for headaches, lower back problems..   However the neck issues were basically ignored.  So no you are not the only one out there with this problem....   I don't know what to do either.  I have 3 children at home ages 15,10,3.   I normally work full time but am currently off work on Medical leave.  I am scared to death they will release me back to work in this condition and I don't know how I am going to make it.  

[rednkgrl5]

I DID HAVE A ONE LEVEL FUSION IN JAN OF THIS YEAR.i DO HAVE CONSTANT JAW PAIN AND I ALSO HAD 2 COMPRESSION BACK FRACTURES WITH MY ACCIDENT WHICH ISN'T GETTING ADDRESSED AT ALL.I DON'T FEEL SO ALONE NOW. I THINK MY DR'S AND ATTORNEY'S ARE TRYING TO MAKE ME THINK ITS ALL IN M,Y HEAD CAUSE THEY ARE AWAR THAT THERE IS OTHERS LIKE ME AND MORE PROBLEMS TO COME.SINCE MY ATTORNEY HAD LUNCH/DINNERS WITH THE DR'S AND KNOWS THE OTHER SIDES ATTORNEY PRETTY WELL! ITS A BIG CIRCLE.I THINK WE SHOULD START A GROUP OR ORG? I FEEL THAT OTHERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THESE FUTURE PROBLEMS AND MORE RESEARCH SHOULD BE DONE ON FUSIONS AND NECK PROBLEMS AND SYMPTOMS.I HAVE 4 KIDS 13,10,5,3 AND I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO CARRY MY SON SINCE 18 MONTHS OLD.I CAN'T WORK OR FINISH MY NURSING SINCE I CAN'T STAND,SIT OR WALK FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR AT A TIME. GRRR!

[dldaisy]

I guess I am fortunate.  I had 2 cervical fusions within a year of each other, fusing 3 levels.  I no longer have pain.  I have a somewhat reduced ROM side-to-side and some partial numbness in my fingers, but no pain.  The pain was unbearable before I went to surgery, particularly the first time.  I had heard that my neurosurgeon was the best in Springfield.  I believe that.    He did tell me that it was common to herniate or rupture disks above or below a fusion as they have a great deal of increased pressure on them.  The more levels fused, the greater the pressure on them.  At some point, I have another level that will require attention.  Barring an accident, he expects it to last 10 years or more.  He is hoping there will be an alternative to fusion by then.  

[needanswers54]

I have several friends and a parent with a fusion.  My parent had the lower back fused for 45 years without much complaint.  My friends with titanium fusion have had mixed results.  The people who had a single-level done right after their problems began had very successful outcomes.  Everyone I know (with titanium plates) who waited over six months regained much of their strength but continue with pain, less mobility, and sometimes took as long as two years to fairly heal.  Thankfully, the new artificial discs are being used fairly successfully in certain parts of the spine.  Of course, long-term outcome at this point is unknown.  But, I have mostly heard good news and less damage above and below the surgical replacement is expected in the future with the newer procedure(s).  Let us hope so.  I would investigate all options, if possible, before undergoing more surgery.  But that is just me and I am not a medical doctor.  Just thought I would chime-in.  Hope you can start getting some relief.  Docs wanted to fuse mine; but, I have now been advised against it.  So, I am not doing anything like that for many years (if ever) if I can help it...Therapy has helped off and on, a little, too.  Hang in there and LOL!