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Posterior fusion c7-t1 and t1-t2
I have been told I need a fusion on these two levels to correct my dizziness, clumsiness walking and loss of strength in my legs and left arm. The surgery needs to be posterior, I already am fused from c4-c7 and they can't go through the front. I am getting up in years and I am very worried about the recovery, I have heard it is very difficult and painful. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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I've had fusion procedures done on my neck at the C5-C6 level, and 18 months later at the C7-T1 level. I can understand them having to do it from the back of your neck because it gets really crowded down near your esophagus and your wind pipe. If it'll relieve some of your problems, and you trust your surgeon I'd go ahead with it.
But that's just me.
I'm looking at fusion from C-5 through T1. I too am worried about it.
I had fusion and decompression C4-T1. Spent a week in ICU. Pain wasn’t bad as I had a morphine infusion and very good nurses. My situation was a bit different as it was emergency surgery after a car accident with 3 burst fractures and 4 weeks of complete quadriplegia. Immediately after surgery I was in traction held in place to my bed. Later had a halo traction. After hospitalization went to inpatient rehab. Besides the fear of being a lifelong complete quadriplegic (which was significant), I have to say the experience was not so bad. I was given adequate pain medication throughout. 80% of my nurses and therapists were truly exceptional and caring people (it makes all the difference). Also my care wasn’t rushed. When I left the hospital, I felt ready to go, same with rehab. I felt I had excellent care.
One of the things that really helped I think was that I was given Valium pre-op. So when I entered the OR I was relaxed and not afraid. Perhaps this is something to discuss with your surgeon.