Anyone had multilevel cervical spine reconstruction surgery?

Bilt4pain here. Willing to answer your questions to the best of my ability. If you want to reach out, I’m available, and would need to know what surgery you’re having. Good luck and Godspeed. I posted some pictures of my 3rd cervical surgery.

@bilt4pain
It’s 360 surgery on c4-c7, going in from the front to replace the discs, and from the back to inset a rod and screws. It’s more complicated, but that’s basically it.

@strongwoman
If you saw my X-rays you’ll see I had a similar surgery at a different level C3-C6. The original surgery was a plate and screws through an anterior incision. It failed. The second surgery they removed the front plate, broke my cervical spine in 2 places, then installed a new plate in front, then flipped me over(a 360°) and stabilized the back with screws and rods.
Ask away…

@steelme43 I do believe in transparency. And felt that my cervical success was just one part of the story. And as you navigate your future health care please reach out and ask me anything. Ive probably had it done. Total hip replacement, knee replacement, SI fusion, Pleural Effusion, Apnea surgery(failed), 2 SCS, and 2 morphine pumps, 100’s of nerve blocks
(transforaminal & caudal), steroid injections, trigger point and piriformis injections, RFA’s(radio frequency ablations) and my tonsils out at 5. I can’t take credit for all the strength it took to keep going. My family, friends and my best 4 legged friend Max, were a constant source of support. However, the first ten years, suicidal ideations were a permanent part of my thinking. I never attempted it, but it was like knowing there was a back door if I really needed it. Gods love kept me alive.

@bilt4pain I recently found out I need cervical spine surgery. I saw my MRI results 2 days ago and I am terrified. The MRI report indicates that C3-C7 are in bad shape. I won't know the details of what the surgery will involve until next month when I will see my surgeon again. I recently had a lumbar laminectomy and fusion L3-S1 at the end of March and so far my results from that surgery are excellent. I know my surgeon is excellent and I trust him but I am hoping I can put this off until my recovery from the lumbar surgery is complete. I am very happy to hear that your surgery stopped all of your cervical pain. I have been having a lot of neck pain along with stiffness and frequent cervicogenic headaches. My medical history is similar to yours, many surgeries, procedures and nerve blocks. I also have great family support and support from my golden retriever. It is now time to take care of my neck even though I am very scared to go through with it.

@llander1966
With all that support, you have nothing to worry or be scared about. You have family and a golden. Can’t beat that commitment to care. Especially with your pup. Best emotional support you can get. Family will help physically. Having had surgery at all 4 spinal levels, C, T, L & S, I would say the cervical surgeries (had 3) were the easiest to recover from. I will also say my cervical surgery’s made me the most squeamish. I didn’t care if it was behind me, but to cut my throat open made me wince. And ultimately for no reason. The only thing I would caution you about is when you find out exactly what surgery you’re having. Is to make sure you have enough range of motion to turn your head sideways a 1/2 turn. If it’s bolted up all the way and you can’t turn that little bit, you’ll probably lose your drivers license. lose

@bilt4pain I recently found out I need cervical spine surgery. I saw my MRI results 2 days ago and I am terrified. The MRI report indicates that C3-C7 are in bad shape. I won't know the details of what the surgery will involve until next month when I will see my surgeon again. I recently had a lumbar laminectomy and fusion L3-S1 at the end of March and so far my results from that surgery are excellent. I know my surgeon is excellent and I trust him but I am hoping I can put this off until my recovery from the lumbar surgery is complete. I am very happy to hear that your surgery stopped all of your cervical pain. I have been having a lot of neck pain along with stiffness and frequent cervicogenic headaches. My medical history is similar to yours, many surgeries, procedures and nerve blocks. I also have great family support and support from my golden retriever. It is now time to take care of my neck even though I am very scared to go through with it.

@bilt4pain Thank you! You must be familiar with golden retrievers. Our 5 year old golden is the best! I'm glad to hear that the recovery from cervical surgery is not as hard as lumbar surgery. Yes, the cervical surgery makes me squeamish too! And for the same reason! The idea of an incision in the front, if there is one, really bothers me. I have been living with neck pain for many years already and I don't relish the idea of making it worse before it can get better. I have already discussed post op pain control with my spine surgeon and he assures me that it will be done differently this time. My post op pain control after my lumbar fusion was not optimal because I have complex regional pain syndrome. I will definitely address the range of motion issue in regards to driving with him. Thanks for your information and your encouragement.

@llander1966 You’re very welcome. We need to depend on each other. When I met my wife that’s divorcing me she had a golden, I had a dachshund. They were quite a pair. Godspeed with your future surgery !