Does any one have problems with fusion surgery in the neck?

Hello,
32yo M. Struggling with many issues following cervical spine fusions. Looking for help and advice or anyone that can relate. 4 years ago started as cervical spinal cord injury from C4-5 herniation. Had C4-5 anterior fusion. Fusion failed, then had posterior laminectomy and fusion at that level. Disc below herniated then had C5-6 anterior fusion also. Immediately following surgery and for the last 4 years I have been experiencing constant nausea and vomitting. Been to multiple ENT doctors and gastro doctors. Have completed 2 barium swallow tests came back fine. Endoscopy came back ok with them noticing scar tissue from throwing up all day every day. Had multiple CT scans of abdomen came back fine. Current gastro doctor thinks it could be gastroparesis or vagus nerve damage. Going in a few weeks for gastric emptying test and will update on results. Has anyone experienced this following spinal cord injury and anterior fusions? Now onto my other current issues and symptoms. Ever since the initial surgery I have also had severe chronic neck pain. I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Tried PT, spine injections, medication etc. Nothing manages the pain. I have permanent leg weakness and spasticity from the spinal cord injury. Now I am experiencing new hand and arm weakness and numbness and tingling in fingers. Continuous headaches and dizziness. Pain into shoulders. Obvious range of motion and movement issues including balance and even walking. At this point is it very difficult to do much of anything including basic day to day things. This has led to mental health issues at this point. I am on medication for that and everything else now. Neurologist performed nerve study on my arms and legs and all results pointed to continuing cervical spine issues. Last MRI was 9 months ago and showed C3-4 central disc protrusion effacing thecal sac and cord. C6-7 mild central disc protrusion indenting thecal sac but not cord at that time. My symptoms are significantly worse now. Next MRI is in a coulple weeks and will update on that also. The past 4 years it have been absolutely debilitating. Also very very frustrating when no doctor I have seen is willing to help or even be compassionate about any of my problems. I have been told “just deal with it” countless times and its really depressing since I cannot do even basic tasks. If anyone can relate to any of this I would really appreciate to talk and get any insight. Thank you!

They didn’t use spacers? I’m a cervical sufferer among other things. I’ve had 3
Neck surgeries and fused from c3-t1. Only two more discs left in my neck and they aren’t looking too good.
But no more surgery for me.

Has anyone ever tested you for fibromyalgia or an autoimmune disorder?

I had a C5C6 fusion followed by nonunion (failed surgery) that led to C5-T1 fusion and laminectomy. I vomit often due to gastroparesis. Keeping my bowels regular helps most of the time. I have tried many things and have settled on Colace (docusate) 3 x day and miralax daily. Also, remember, ‘foods that start with a P make you poop’, pinapapple, pears, etc. From what I have learned that gastroparesis is generally due to a neurogenic bowel , parastalsis is blunted, everything backs up and your stomach can’t empty.

Keep in mind that a gastric emptying test is like a snapshot when you really need a video. So a positive test means gastroparesis but a negative test doesn’t conclusively rule it out. I had to have 3 tests before one was positive.

I also have severe neck pain though mine didn’t start until 5 years after the surgery. I have a soaking tub I use with epson salts daily. You can also try alternating heat and ice, gentle massage, and resting your neck a few times a day by lying down. What really helps me is the combination of baclofen and Botox treatments.

Also tried regular PT which was generally useless. Now I go to a dedicated spinal cord PT. I have to drive an hour each way, but it’s worth it.

I used to use a tens machine, you could ask about that.

Also, until u get your balance and walking better (it really does sound as though you have ongoing spinal cord issues), go through your home to eliminate any fall risks. Area rugs, poor lighting, cords you could trip over, etc

@laura1970
Hello, thanks for your comment! Thanks for the advice about gastroparesis. Ill keep that in mind for my upcoming gastric emptying test. And yes I definitely have ongoing cervical spine issues as shown in my last mri, but will know more next week after I get a new mri. Will keep everyone updated on those results. Unfortunately i have tried heat/ice, physical therapy, baclofen and other strong pain and muscle relaxer meds, massages, and tens units and none of that even touches the pain. Dont notice any relief. Also had multiple pain management doctors with injections. Nothing helps at this point. Im hoping my new neurosurgeon can give me some results. If not the endless search for a reliable doctor will continue…

Hello,
32yo M. Struggling with many issues following cervical spine fusions. Looking for help and advice or anyone that can relate. 4 years ago started as cervical spinal cord injury from C4-5 herniation. Had C4-5 anterior fusion. Fusion failed, then had posterior laminectomy and fusion at that level. Disc below herniated then had C5-6 anterior fusion also. Immediately following surgery and for the last 4 years I have been experiencing constant nausea and vomitting. Been to multiple ENT doctors and gastro doctors. Have completed 2 barium swallow tests came back fine. Endoscopy came back ok with them noticing scar tissue from throwing up all day every day. Had multiple CT scans of abdomen came back fine. Current gastro doctor thinks it could be gastroparesis or vagus nerve damage. Going in a few weeks for gastric emptying test and will update on results. Has anyone experienced this following spinal cord injury and anterior fusions? Now onto my other current issues and symptoms. Ever since the initial surgery I have also had severe chronic neck pain. I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Tried PT, spine injections, medication etc. Nothing manages the pain. I have permanent leg weakness and spasticity from the spinal cord injury. Now I am experiencing new hand and arm weakness and numbness and tingling in fingers. Continuous headaches and dizziness. Pain into shoulders. Obvious range of motion and movement issues including balance and even walking. At this point is it very difficult to do much of anything including basic day to day things. This has led to mental health issues at this point. I am on medication for that and everything else now. Neurologist performed nerve study on my arms and legs and all results pointed to continuing cervical spine issues. Last MRI was 9 months ago and showed C3-4 central disc protrusion effacing thecal sac and cord. C6-7 mild central disc protrusion indenting thecal sac but not cord at that time. My symptoms are significantly worse now. Next MRI is in a coulple weeks and will update on that also. The past 4 years it have been absolutely debilitating. Also very very frustrating when no doctor I have seen is willing to help or even be compassionate about any of my problems. I have been told “just deal with it” countless times and its really depressing since I cannot do even basic tasks. If anyone can relate to any of this I would really appreciate to talk and get any insight. Thank you!

Here are my cervical MRI results from today. Last one was 8 months ago and didnt show most of what is said now. Curious what all of you think. The spinal fluid leak and buckling of the ligamentum flavum dont sound too good to me. ———

C2/C3: Small posterior disc protrusion
C3/C4: Broad-based disc osteophyte bulge with buckling of the ligamentum
flavum and mild central stenosis. Slight flattening of the ventral cord surface and slight effacement of the ventral CSF column has increased. There is fluid signal seen in the C3-C4 interspinous space and C4-C5
interspinous space and this is likely from postop changes and/or related to degeneration.
C4/C5: Posterior bilateral foraminal stenosis
C5/C6: Posterior bilateral foraminal stenosis
C6/C7: mild disc osteophyte bulge with slight effacement of ventral thecal sac

I had neck surgery with plates and screws put in my neck in 2011. Being 70 years old things are starting to change. Headaches waking me in the middle of the night severe pain in shoulders and left arm and right arm. Pain is starting to travel down the neck bone and lower. Pain behind both eyes.