Am I too old for cervical fusions?

@cszw Hello and welcome to Connect. I am a cervical fusion patient, but I have only C5/C6 fused. You have all your cervical fused except C1 & C2 which by the way do allow most of the head turning capability, and if those are fused, you'll loose that, how much depends on what a surgeon does.

A lot of surgeons will not operate on levels that high up, or even C3, and it takes an expert surgeon for work up there because of increased risks right under the skull where neurological control for the rest of the body passes through. Have you had any other surgical opinions? I think that is your best bet. If you are able to get an opinion at Mayo or a similar place, that would give you something for comparison.

What symptoms are you having? Do you have instability at C1 & C2?

Thanks for your response. I am in the process of finding the best I can for a second opinion.
As far as symptoms, I get dizzy when active, I have weakness in my upper arms, and almost constant neck pain. I hope to find a path to non-surgical intervention.

Is this adrenal insufficiency?
In the evening I get neck pain, facial flushing, shakiness, esophageal pain, nausea, stomach ache and sweating, hot then cold. My skin feels prickly like fire. I have lost about 11 lb. In the last month. I generally feel really bad compared to how I feel all day. I have an appointment in 3 weeks with endocrinologist but in the meantime this is miserable. At the same time I have PMR and serious back pain from degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, three discs are pressing on my spinal cord. I am waiting for a neuro surgeon consult, tried steroid spinal injections which made my pain, walking and incontinence worse. I am 76 and on prednisone for 2 and a half years. Trying to stay positive but each day is a struggle just to do basic living chores. I never knew how much pain folks have until now. Bless you all and thanks for advice.

Epidurals?

If surgery is an option, I'd look for a surgeon that does artificial disc replacement. There are many that will do the cervical area, you'd maintain more mobility. I'd avoid fusing that high up, you couldn't turn your head.

What about the T12 level?

Thank you. I appreciate your help and I will definitely ask the surgeon if I am a candidate for this approach.