1. < Spine Health

Spinal fusion of C1-C6

Posted by kdj @kdj, Dec 16, 2020

I have been told I should consider a fusion of C1-C6. Would appreciate hearing from anyone that has had this surgery.
Also, looking to hear from anyone that had PRP therapy for cervical spine issues.

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willjean19 | @willjean19 | Apr 19, 2023

Hello - I recently had a 3 level fusion C4-C7.

Prior to surgery I had Mesenchymal cell injections & PRP in the facet joints of those discs. It helped me temporarily but it is not a long term fix for disc issues in my opinion. Good luck to you - that is quite a surgical procedure. Would it be ACDF?

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dhansen78 | @dhansen78 | Apr 19, 2023
In reply to @randymor "I had spinal cord fusion from c2 to t2 and had 2 rods on either side..." + (show)
@randymor

I had spinal cord fusion from c2 to t2 and had 2 rods on either side of my spine plus 7 screws on each side
The surgery went well it was done on October 20 2021.

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Wow, you basically have a bionic back. Not having had that done yet....I am curious about your life after fusion. Are you limited in what you can do?

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1 reply
randymor | @randymor | Apr 19, 2023
In reply to @dhansen78 "Wow, you basically have a bionic back. Not having had that done yet....I am curious about..." + (show)
@dhansen78

Wow, you basically have a bionic back. Not having had that done yet....I am curious about your life after fusion. Are you limited in what you can do?

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Yes I do I am on a walker they gave me a 20% chance to walk again.

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rickdemaria | @rickdemaria | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @amandajro "Hello @kdj and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I understand you have been advised you should..." + (show)
@amandajro

Hello @kdj and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I understand you have been advised you should consider a spinal fusion C1-C6.

Since you are looking for feedback from others who have already had a fusion, @ddister1 and @ken82 are two members who may be able to provide some of their experience in relation to your decision.

What is your biggest concern with having a fusion?

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As a moderator, are you affiliated with the Mayo Clinic? Currently, I'm discussing neck surgery with a surgeon. How can I get info/reviews about the surgeon? Also, I would like to connect with other patients regarding range of motion after surgery and if they can still play golf. I'm only 61 years old and after 12 years, the injections don't work anymore. Thank you!

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @rickdemaria "As a moderator, are you affiliated with the Mayo Clinic? Currently, I'm discussing neck surgery with..." + (show)
@rickdemaria

As a moderator, are you affiliated with the Mayo Clinic? Currently, I'm discussing neck surgery with a surgeon. How can I get info/reviews about the surgeon? Also, I would like to connect with other patients regarding range of motion after surgery and if they can still play golf. I'm only 61 years old and after 12 years, the injections don't work anymore. Thank you!

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Hi Rick @rickdemaria, I thought I would jump in while you wait to hear from @amandajro and share a link to the list of doctors for Mayo Clinic Spine Care which provide a bio and some information but no specific patient reviews. @jenniferhunter may be able to share some experience with you.

Spine Care - Doctors - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/spine-care/sections/doctors/drc-20426386

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1 reply
dklack | @dklack | Jun 17, 2023

I am looking for a video that I can view before scheduling ACDF surgery that clearly describes preparations prior to surgery from nutrition to exericise to how to prepare home and what to expect after surgery and how to prepare - I have seen some lists. Do you have a class that is given by a surgical nurse prior to having spine surgery at Mayo Clinic -- can I view that class now?

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @dklack "I am looking for a video that I can view before scheduling ACDF surgery that clearly..." + (show)
@dklack

I am looking for a video that I can view before scheduling ACDF surgery that clearly describes preparations prior to surgery from nutrition to exericise to how to prepare home and what to expect after surgery and how to prepare - I have seen some lists. Do you have a class that is given by a surgical nurse prior to having spine surgery at Mayo Clinic -- can I view that class now?

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Welcome @dklack, Here is what I found that might be helpful.

--- Dr. Ali Bydon Performs An ACDF Procedure: https://clinicalconnection.hopkinsmedicine.org/videos/dr-ali-bydon-performs-an-acdf-procedure
--- Your Guide to Spine Surgery - Preparing for and Recovery from Surgery: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/spine/_docs/surgery-guides/spine-surgery-guide-jhh.pdf

Normally when you have a surgery consult, Mayo Clinic doctors and care team give you a patient education package for how to prepare and the recovery process. Have you had a consult yet?

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Mentor
Phil, Volunteer Mentor | @upstatephil | Jun 18, 2023

In Feb of 2023 I had a C4-7 done as ACDF. I'm a healthy 70 year old male and the surgery was done at Mayo JAX. My overall neck degeneration was long term and I long ago lost the ability to turn my neck very much at all. I was starting to lose feeling in my hands. An MRI confirmed that ACDF was the only realistic solution.

I've kept a detailed diary since just before surgery (I highly recommend that to everyone!) and it's interesting to re-read my post-surgical journey. Surgery was a Tues afternoon and I was discharged from the hospital Wed at about noon. I had a hard cervical collar (wore it for five weeks) and walked daily without a walker or cane.

The first weeks were generally uncomfortable. I mostly (tried to) sleep in a chair. Finally, a sloped foam wedge allowed me to return to my own bed - a wonderful turn of events. At five weeks I retuned to Mayo and was released to regular PT which I immediately started and followed religiously.

I am now about four months post surgery and: My neck feels 95% better without pain. My neck twisting range of motion is MUCH better. Slow degradation of hand/arm control has been arrested and I expect slow improvement. 98% of the time I am not reminded in any way that I am just four months from major spine surgery.

My process: Pick the best hospital. Get evaluated with the best equipment (MRI, Xray, etc), connect with a top spine specialist, then just execute while you trust your own process.

I have yet to try golfing though my expectations are I will return to the links playing no worse than I did pre-surgery...!!!

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rickdemaria | @rickdemaria | Jun 18, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Rick @rickdemaria, I thought I would jump in while you wait to hear from @amandajro..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi Rick @rickdemaria, I thought I would jump in while you wait to hear from @amandajro and share a link to the list of doctors for Mayo Clinic Spine Care which provide a bio and some information but no specific patient reviews. @jenniferhunter may be able to share some experience with you.

Spine Care - Doctors - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/spine-care/sections/doctors/drc-20426386

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Hello. I should have been more specific. The surgeon I'm talking to now is with Banner Health. I will be talking with as many people as I can. Thank you!

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leigh17 | @leigh17 | Nov 14, 2023
In reply to @donnalou0917 "I am 75 years old and I’ve had a spinal fusion in my lower back. I..." + (show)
@donnalou0917

I am 75 years old and I’ve had a spinal fusion in my lower back. I went to a neurosurgeon when it became evident that I was going to need some additional work done in my lower back. He thought that there might be some thing else going on because of Mike loss of strength in my hands and fingers and sure enough, he found problems in my neck from C1 through C6 and he wants to do a spinal fusion of those joints I’m terrified, C1 and C2 are barely hanging in. I have to wear a cervical collar because my doctor told me I am risking a virtual decapitation if I am hit from behind C3 to C6 are unstable and his description of my function level after surgery would mean that I would no longer be independent , he told me because of my age I ought to think very carefully about what I wanted to do because of the side effects of the surgery. I’m pretty sure I have decided not to have it which means that as my condition deteriorates my doctor said I could simply stop breathing , I sure can’t believe that in this day and age such a barbaric surgery is all they have to offer either that or death. Anybody have any advice for me other than praying

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I was just diagnosed a few months ago with cervical pannus at the door at the. 1-2 just like you, and I am also afraid I’m a nervous surgeon who is performed five spinal procedures on me is telling me how horrendous that surgery is. Are you in much pain?? I have two fusions in my neck and have developed severe stenosis in for areas, which I hope he is cleaning out soon. I find out tomorrow . I am not sure how much pain is coming from the Pannus. We have a hospital for special surgery opening here in Naples Florida in 2025. I’m hoping someone there will have some better options I have had two spinal fusions in my lumbar and I have thoracic issues as well but I don’t think anything compares to neck pain. I am sorry you were going through all this as well.. I am 68.

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