I could use some feedback from anyone who has had cervical fusion.

Posted by hutchdw70 @hutchdw70, 6 days ago

Hi. I’ve had a spinal fusion from T11 on down to S1 one year ago. I still have leg weakness and balance issues. My surgeon has been giving my cervical spine in the area of C6 and 7 the stink eye for over a year and stated that my leg and balance issues, more than likely, are due to that area being narrow. He would go through the front of my throat. Help me out understanding how well this usually goes and what discomfort I will experience. This surgery just seems creepy to me.

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cheryl46 | @cheryl46 | 2 days ago

My doctors are at UTSW of Dallas TX

crn | @crn | 2 days ago

I had ACDF (cervical spine fusion) surgery 5 years ago while vacationing in Alabama. I was told if I didn’t have the surgery, I would definitely become paralyzed from the neck down, but with the surgery, I would have the opportunity to avoid that risk. Of course, as with all surgeries, there was the minor risk of the surgery causing those same results. In my mind, I had no choice but to go ahead with the fusion. I had 4 screws placed in my neck. My surgery was a resounding success! As a follow up to the surgery, I used a bone growth stimulator which creates electro magnetic field to stimulate bone cells to double, increasing bone growth to enable acceleration of the spine fusion.

My PT instruction was to walk, walk, and walk some more. I do walk daily, but also walk in a local, park district warming pool three times weekly. I do believe that I was very fortunate to find an excellent spine surgeon in Alabama while on vacation. I would highly recommend him but he has since retired.

I have two friends who have also had successfully recovered from this exact surgery, but I would be remiss not to mention that I have heard of a local resident who had the surgery and it was quite unsuccessful. You need to examine the risk and reward in your own, personal life. I consider myself very fortunate.

Best of luck and prayers to you.