Cervical Posterior fusion from C-3 thru C-7. Had this?

@orloffjr hello Hope this is reaching you in good health. I was wondering if we could chat at all about your recovery and where you're at now? I have had two failed anterior AC/DF surgeries. I decided to go to Mayo and they are suggesting that I do the exact same surgery that you had. I'm really looking for some success stories as I'm pretty nervous to go forward with it. Any info or engagement would be highly appreciated. Thank you so much. Nate.

@natewitte81 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It's very understandable that you are feeling nervous going forward with a fusion. It's a big surgery in a delicate location.

I think you are in a good place in this discussion on fusions to get some feedback from @orloffjr, whom you tagged, as well as others here in this discussion such as @celtic @gid @etownbill @burnned2much @cheri63 and others. @jenniferhunter also may have some thoughts for you.

Hoping they can empathize with your failed ACDF surgeries and what you are in for with a lumbar fusion from L1 to L3 (or other similar fusion).

Are you currently scheduled for surgery? Or are you just considering at this point? Is there anything in particular you are feeling nervous about that other members here might address?

Hello yes I have had three cervical spine fusions, two anterior and the last one was posterior. The first one was also with decompression and caged. Everyone have been a good result except for the second one which lead to the posterior fusion this past January. For pain I use a device called Ortho Cor it was given to me through the VA pain management clinic. And I go every three months for trigger point injections in my neck at a pain management Doctor, they are fantastic temporary relief after a short pain increase. I also take prescription opioids and tylenol, I have been given lots of other prescription meds but none of them ever worked. Good luck with what ever you choose.

@natewitte81
I have had 2failed lumbar fusion surgeries 3 more to correct it and now I’m facing posterior cervical C-2 through T-1 and I am extremely nervous also ! I am very back and forth with going through with this ! Let me know how you make out if you do it ?

Yeah to be a little more clear my first two surgeries were anterior. Which were C5 through 7 with a cage and bone grafts. Hard to say why they didn't fuse but they haven't. On the first one I could take a little blame I probably didn't take the restrictions quite a serious as I should have. But with the second one I did everything and more that I could. I'm now 45 I got the first one at 40 or 41 years old. I was in pretty good shape for my age before the surgery. Now I can do very little physical activity so I'm struggling quite a bit. Anyway just wanted to give some background information so everyone would know my specific issue. The suggested surgery would be the posterior with rods and it would go t1 to c4. From what it sounds like the recovery is very painful which I'm not looking forward to that but I would get through it if I thought the result would be significantly beneficial. Other than the initial pain it sounds like the other issue is muscle tightness muscle guarding etc. I already have a lot of that. I have a lot of sharp pain in that area and I'm constantly fighting back against muscle tightness. I already have very limited range because of the pain I am very selective about the way I move. So if range and muscle tightness are issues I already have that. However if it got rid of the sharp pain in that area and allowed me to get back to somewhat physical activity. Like lifting heavy things being able to look back and forth quickly in traffic and so on and so on. I would probably trade that for the muscle tightness and loss of range. I know that's kind of rambling but I'm sure people can get the gist of what I'm saying. I'm hoping somebody out there who's had the same issues and has had roughly the same surgery has a success story. I would love to hear it. Thanks to anyone willing to discuss their results. Nate

Many people who have had a cervical posterior fusion from C3–C7 still experience some degree of neck pain during recovery or even long-term, and common treatments include physical therapy, heat or ice, activity modification, and medications such as acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs (if approved by their doctor), muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications, but the best option depends on the cause of the pain, so persistent or worsening symptoms should be discussed with the surgeon or pain management specialist.

I had spine titanium replacement L5 to sacral 2 yrs now. C5&6 fused on own . Noted new MRI, no CSF in this area @ all. Had neurological ear test & passed. Having nausea every day for a month. Worried on vagus nerve & orthopedic Dr did not elaborate. Sent me2PT & pain management. I don’t take pain anything & PT after back I know was too aggressive on neck . I did craniosacral therapy more gentle 1x but no relief on nausea . Any suggestions? Neck feels like heavy bowling ball supporting .

@natewitte81
Have you tried trigger point injections ? They greatly help with my muscle tension in my neck after 3 cervical spine fusions!

@etownbill actually I'm about to get one. I've been really hesitant because I was persuaded into getting a nerve ablation which ended up being a disaster. But I'm finally going to go for it. My son is actually getting married on the 27th. So I've been doing everything possible to make sure I have a good weekend. How long do you typically get relief? I'm getting it exactly 10 days before the wedding. I tried to get a little closer but it was the best I could get

@natewitte81
There's short term skin irritation usually the day after for a few days from the needles but it's just from the needles and its very tolerable. I get as many shots as they are willing to give me I once got 20-24 at one time, But unfortunately I don't see that Dr no longer. But my insurance only allows me to get it every 3-6 months and I get great relief for most of that time frame until it wears off slowly ! The injections I greatly enjoy the slight sting because its a different type of pain and I forget about the constant severe pain for a little ! My pain Dr actually said there's a study that the injection itself gives the greatest pain relief, they call it needling according to him.