Yesterday, I saw my neurosurgeon for my 3 mos. post-surgery checkup. My C5 palsy is resolving itself such that I can use my right arm more but the doctor said it could take a full year for the nerve and muscles to completely recover. He is otherwise disappointed that I have not had more progress with my other neurological issues, like the arm pain, numbness in my hands and my "unsteady" gait. My most recent cervical CT Scan does show that there are no issues with the areas that the surgery "cleaned up".

The results of the recent scans and neurological testing show that I have significant damage coming from the C5-C6 nerve root area. He wants to wait one year before looking at other ways to possibly address this (like nerve blocks or further surgery, but from the back). He believes my issues may be congenital, his diagnosis is Myelopathy with cervical radiculopathy and that I may now have "dead" spots on my spinal cord, but that can only be proven through an MRI.

He said he supports the idea of me getting an MRI compatible pacemaker when it is replaced this year and is willing to talk to the cardiologist and insurance company, if needed.

So really it is still "wait and see". I feel fortunate that I still have mostly the use of my right hand, although numb and sometimes painful.
I have some difficulty managing my thumb and index finger, and have to be careful picking things up. I cannot button my shirts.
But things could be worse.