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Current C4/C7 fusion, doc wants to remove hardware and fuse from C3/T2
Spine Health | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (7)Comment receiving replies
Hi @evanc - just wanted to let you know I moved your post and included your discussion title in your post for context to this discussion where a fusion C3 to T2 is being proposed:
- Current C4/C7 fusion, doc wants to remove hardware and fuse from C3/T2 https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/current-c4c7-fusion-doc-wants-to-remove-hardware-and-fus-from-c3t2/
I see that you also started this very discussion. I think that @loriesco had a similar surgery, and @epmc24 had something like it, but just a little different. @cszw also talked about a surgery quite like your proposed one. I'd also like you to meet @jenniferhunter.
What would you say is your biggest concern about a potential fusion from C3 to T2?
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@evanc That sounds like a pretty big surgery. What symptoms are you having now? You’ve also said you need shoulder surgery and SI joint fusions. I have thoracic outlet syndrome that was treated with PT and myofascial release. My doctor advised against surgery for TOS because surgery creates scar tissue that can make it worse. I have some body tightness that extends from my neck and jaw to my pelvis. My SI joints have allowed my pelvis to shift out of alignment slightly and I have excercises and stretching to get it back in shape. My PT had said that SI joint fusion can create permanent pain, and I had a friend who experienced that. Once it’s done, you cant undo it.
I saw that you’ve already had a fusion. I had c5/c6 fused and I need to keep loosening the scar tissue that tightens and myofascial release has helped a lot. Is that something you’re familiar with? Surgeons usually don’t promise to relieve pain and surgery has the potential to make things worse. Are you having a functional problem that needs surgical correction or are you in pain from your prior surgery?