Cervical fusion of C3-C7 after L4-L5 and S1 - What to expect?
I had a fusion of my L-4, L-5 & S-1 one year ago this month. Pre-operatively I had bi-lateral sciatica in both legs. When I awoke in post-anesthesia I was pain free.
Unfortunately I have had neuropathy in my right foot & loss of sensory nerve function which has led to balance issues.
My recent MRI shows cervical spine impingement necessitating cervical fusion from C-3 through C-7. I am hoping this alleviates my balance issues & relieves my neuropathy.
What kind of recovery can I anticipate? The lumbar fusion was much tougher than I expected.
Thanks!
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Thank you! That is very encouraging.
I already had c-4 to c7 and had 3-4 done 12 -12-23 have spinal stenosis and he opened a decompression and I am still healing, had to have trigger point injections for pain
@kremer1 After reading about your gall bladder surgery, it seems possible that you may have related surgery scar tissue that is tight that may cause your abdominal symptoms. I learned from my physical therapist about myofascial release therapy which can stretch out overly tight fascia and allow tissues to move, and also restore the fluid circulation. Here is a discussion where you can learn more. It may be something to try before you have further surgery. If this helps, you would have an answer. I have done a lot of myofascial release and it has a lot of benefits.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/
Jennifer,
Thank you for this information. I've found the YouTube site for this and will look into it. I think this is a better option than exploratory surgery to see if I have adhesions. I've also been able to change a gastroenterology appointment to next week to discuss this situation.
Thanks again, this is such a helpful site / forum for information and advice.