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← Return to Spinal fusion of C1-C6
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I just had my 10th and 11th spine surgeries a few months ago in early August. These surgeries 4 days apart were to remove and revise my posterior hardware T2-T7 with new hardware C6-T7 w/Stryker bands and a bone growth stimulator AND new anterior C6-T2 hardware (plate and screws) due to my kyphosis and hyperlordosis. I am now fused C6-S2 in sections with ins and outs of rods and screws. 3 months in a thoracic brace with a Malibu collar, 23+ hours a day. You have to be your own advocate! Ask questions! Have a good list when you go in, it is easy to get lost and overwhelmed in conversations with surgeons. Take someone with you to your appointments to take notes. Remember to always ask how many times your surgeon has performed the surgery they are proposing. And, ask for a second opinion! Not within the same group…seek out someone else and let them review your films and see what they would propose. My spine surgeon told me to always ask for a second opinion! That way you know your options. And, if you don’t trust or don’t like your surgeon…go find a new one! Best of luck!
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I had a posterior cervical spinal fusion in 2001 C-2 to the end of the cervical discs. I could only lift my arms about 2 inches. After surgery I could lift my arms to a normal range. The unbearable pain was reduced to some stiffness and minor side effects. However, in 2003, my intense pain began again. So, this time an anterior surgery was performed, removing discs from the same area and cages, screws, and a rod was inserted in my neck. After recovery, I had a lot of relief. I am now 75 years old and since 2012 further problems with the cervical area have returned. My neurosurgeon declared me inoperable. At this time, he offered me the choice of a stimulator or morphine pump for the pain. I opted for a morphine pump. Additionally, my lumbar spine all discs were fused. Although the surgeries didn't provide an ultimate answer, they bought me time to continue working and be independent. My spine has every disc compromised. In addition, I have replaced both hips and left shoulder. In a few months, I will have my right knee replaced. I find it best to see this as a journey; facing each situation as it occurs. I focus on maintaining
my mobility and make adjustments as necessary. Good luck! ODAT.