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Anterior Cervical fusion & Posterior laminectomy

Posted by rickyandval @rickyandval, Sep 9 3:02pm

I posted another question re: cervical fusions weeks ago. I had an ACDF on C3-4-5 in November 2016.
The surgery site is in perfect condition. I now have to have another fusion on C6-7 and T1 due to compression on my spinal cord at C6. My latest MRI revealed moderate to severe central canal stenosis and moderate to severe bilateral foraminal narrowing at C3-4; severe central canal stenosis and severe bilateral foraminal narrowing at C4-5; severe central canal stenosis with compression of the cord (w/o definite abnormal cord signal and moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing at C6-7; moderate to severe central canal stenosis with severe left and moderate right foraminal narrowing at C7-T1.
I've gotten 3 different opinions from 3 neurosurgeons. #3 is recommending stand-alone cage between C5-6; anterior fusion for C6-7-and T1; then laminectomies )performed from posterior) at C3-4-5, and C6-7 and T1.
I'm concerned about having this amount of surgery all at one time. Has anyone had such extensive surgery involving anterior and posterior entry? Thank you.

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rickyandval | @rickyandval | Sep 14 10:09am
In reply to @p00lman49 "My ACDF surgery a year ago with HSS/NCH did not go quit as planned. I formed..." + (show)
Profile picture for p00lman49 @p00lman49

My ACDF surgery a year ago with HSS/NCH did not go quit as planned. I formed a post surgery hematoma 24 hours after the ACDF and needed emergency surgery to remove hematoma and breathe. Very serious stuff, 5 hour surgery with several MD's in surgery with me. 25 days later I was released from hospital to a post surgery rehab center and released from there two days later. The ACDF has been successful in providing relief and function to my upper extremities. I only hope I don't have to go through that trauma again.

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@p00lman49
I'm very sorry to hear of your awful experience. I know it can happen anywhere but one doesn't expect things to go wrong @ HSS. I'm an ex-New Yorker so I'm very familiar with its reputation. I'm glad for you that everything was resolved successfully. I had an ACDF on 3 vertebrae 10years ago and it was ent smoothly.
Thanks for writing.

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evanc | @evanc | Sep 14 10:20am

I’m following your post. My doc is telling me that I need a revision of my C4/C7 anterior fusion from 2001.

The plan is to remove the current titanium plate and replace it with on that fuses C3 all the way to T2 and then add a posterior plate.

On top of this both side of my Si joints need fusion.

I don’t know what to do first.

I’m in so much friggin’ pain I can’t imagine trying to recuperate from one surgery while the other area is killing me.

Good luck with your future.

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rickyandval | @rickyandval | Sep 14 12:08pm
In reply to @evanc "I’m following your post. My doc is telling me that I need a revision of my..." + (show)
Profile picture for evanc @evanc

I’m following your post. My doc is telling me that I need a revision of my C4/C7 anterior fusion from 2001.

The plan is to remove the current titanium plate and replace it with on that fuses C3 all the way to T2 and then add a posterior plate.

On top of this both side of my Si joints need fusion.

I don’t know what to do first.

I’m in so much friggin’ pain I can’t imagine trying to recuperate from one surgery while the other area is killing me.

Good luck with your future.

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@evanc
I think I'm looking at complex surgery! I'm sorry to hear what you have to have done and of the pain you're experiencing.
I will assume you have full faith in your surgeon. If not, go get more opinions.

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