Any success stories — posterior cervical fusion and decompression?

Do you know why they're going in through the back of your neck? Both of my fusion procedures were done through my throat about 18 months apart, by 2 different neurosurgeons at 2 different hospitals. First at the C5-C6 level and then at the C7-T1 level. My recovery has been problem free so far, and it's been 8 years since the last procedure was done.

I have problems with my vocal cords and my surgeon and otolaryngologist thought the anterior approach would be too risky. Unfortunately, the posterior approach requires cutting through muscle, which makes the recovery more complicated and painful.

I wish I had a success story, but I can offer some advice. Make sure you have a DEXA scan to rule out any loss of bone mass. My surgeon did not order one and both of us were unaware that I had osteoporosis. Shame on him. The following year after the surgery, I lost 4 inches in height, as my spine couldn’t handle the weight of the hardware. The pain has been ongoing.
If I could prevent someone from the same fate, I would be happy.

@mmalone1804 . That sounds truly awful. I appreciate your suggestion. I do indeed have osteoporosis and will make sure surgeon is aware. Thank you.

Curious about all of this. Just had an appointment and they wanna do a posterior cervical fusion right behind my anterior fusion. They said the cage from the 1st fusion is inset into the bone above and below and that it is not fused completely. Putting a plate on the back would decompress everything again. Anyone else heard of this?

I had pc fusion C2-T1. Yours will be much simpler at 2 levels. It’s painful but ice is your friend. Also for nerve pain I discovered Aspercreme.

@2brussels
How was your recovery. Was it extremely painful. I’m scheduled next week for C3-T 1. I am already fused T3-sacrum.
Thanks.