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

My doctors are at UTSW of Dallas TX

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.

@cheryl46 Are you consulting a spine specialist there?

I head surgery spinal fusion surgery T11 thru S11=last April 2024, my doctor recommends walking and stationery bike. My surgery was done in Miami, Florida. I haven't had any pain. I am still not able to bend, twist or lift. I am truly fortunate because before my surgery my spine was twisted and the pain from my lower back, down my legs and the numbing was unbearable, it was to the point where I could hardly walk. After, the surgery all my pain is gone, however, my body function is nowhere where it use to be, I am not able to take a bath, I need aides to put on my clothes and shoes, I can only shower because I can't bend. My entire lifestyle has changed and I am adjusting to the new normal. In some ways I am thankful for the surgery because it alleviated all my pain but the things like, driving my care, cleaning, exercising, picking up things that I drop on the floor not able to pick them up is something that I didn't think about before having this surgery. The little things that I took for granted I can't do now, not saying that in the far future it isn't going to happen for me again, but right now its the trade offs that I didn't consider. I guess its up to the individual as to what works for you. My traveling is limited and dressing myself is a job but I manage but it's different for me now. My doctor said the healing process takes a year, however, while I am in the process I think this will take longer and I must be patient with this process and not do the things that will hinder my recovery efforts. It going to be a long road to recovery be patient and take care of yourself and your body carefully.