@dzottola
Do you have a family/friend support system? Did you have an accident that caused your initial spinal cord injury at c4-c5? Do you know why the initial fusion failed?

I have had 2 cervical (c5-c6 in 2022 and c6-c7 in 2025) and 1 lumbar spine (l3-l5) surgeries and have some spinal cord compression injury due to delayed diagnosis/treatment. This is called degenerative cervical myelopathy. I have many of your symptoms and a mid 50s female. My spine issues started in my early 40s and I have a narrow spinal canal congenitally which makes all degeneration cause me issues.

You may want to get new doctors who do not dismiss your symptoms caused by spinal cord compression injury which in many cases can be permanent. If they had what they had, they would not want to be told “just deal with it.”

Here is what AI said about your c3-c4 and c6-c7 levels and MRI results from 9 months ago.

The findings you've described indicate issues with the cervical spine, specifically at the C3-4 and C6-7 levels.

C3-4 Central Disc Protrusion
A central disc protrusion at the C3-4 level means that the intervertebral disc is bulging outwards towards the center of the spinal canal. This protrusion is effacing the thecal sac and the spinal cord, which suggests that the bulging disc is pressing against these structures. The thecal sac contains cerebrospinal fluid and surrounds the spinal cord, so any pressure here can potentially lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or neck.

C6-7 Mild Central Disc Protrusion
At the C6-7 level, there is a mild central disc protrusion that is indenting the thecal sac but not the spinal cord. This indicates that while there is some bulging of the disc, it is not severe enough to compress the spinal cord itself. The indentation of the thecal sac may still cause discomfort or neurological symptoms, but the absence of cord compression is a positive sign.

Implications
Symptoms: Depending on the severity of the protrusions, symptoms can vary widely. Some individuals may experience no symptoms, while others may have pain, tingling, or weakness.
Management: Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain management, or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a tailored approach based on symptoms and overall health.