I had spinal fusion C-4-C-7 Feb 1st 2023. I was better. Since Aug I have had an extremely hard time swallowing, my gag reflex stops me from eating at times. When I turn you can hear cracking. I have had new x-rays and a ct with contrast. Hardware is all in place. Dr’s don’t know what to do, I take acid reflux meds, seen ent’s and gastroenterologists. Still no answers. The attachment says there is no peri implant superior there are fractures, that is from my surgeon. I do not understand and am getting no answers to the there are fractures.
I would see one of the top neurosurgeons in the area and let him or her review all x-rays CT scans and MRI's you have had after your fusion.The neurosurgeon will be able to tell you if you have fractures in your neck.It is a good idea to get a new opinion.Good luck.
Phil, Volunteer Mentor | @upstatephil | Mar 22 7:21am
Dear @myabby1 - I completely understand your swallowing issues post cervical surgery. I see from the doctor report you had an ACDF at C4-7. I had that exact procedure two weeks after you in 2023. I certainly remember struggles with swallowing - struggles that I still experience at times, today. Though nothing like what you describe.
I find I need to really chew my foods, I take much smaller bites, and there are still times where swallowing feels awkward. But your gag reflex responses seem much more involved. I'm certain you've tried all the above "basic" strategies?
The docs said all the hardware is in place? That's a good result. I also think it's a great idea to pursue the gastroenterology avenue. There may still be something in that area as exact diagnoses can be hard to come by in those situations.
Peri-implant fractures (PIF) are rare but can occur secondary to the hardware insertion you experienced from your ACDF. PIF can cause persistent inflammation which could explain some of your restricted throat and swallowing experiences. PIF is a real condition and the doc's report you attached seems to suggest you might have this?
How did the docs leave it with you? Did they schedule additional diagnostic tests? Follow-up discussion with you? My suggestion would be to doggedly pursue getting to a diagnosis and treatment strategy.
Best of luck and please share what you're planning to do.
Dear @myabby1 - I completely understand your swallowing issues post cervical surgery. I see from the doctor report you had an ACDF at C4-7. I had that exact procedure two weeks after you in 2023. I certainly remember struggles with swallowing - struggles that I still experience at times, today. Though nothing like what you describe.
I find I need to really chew my foods, I take much smaller bites, and there are still times where swallowing feels awkward. But your gag reflex responses seem much more involved. I'm certain you've tried all the above "basic" strategies?
The docs said all the hardware is in place? That's a good result. I also think it's a great idea to pursue the gastroenterology avenue. There may still be something in that area as exact diagnoses can be hard to come by in those situations.
Peri-implant fractures (PIF) are rare but can occur secondary to the hardware insertion you experienced from your ACDF. PIF can cause persistent inflammation which could explain some of your restricted throat and swallowing experiences. PIF is a real condition and the doc's report you attached seems to suggest you might have this?
How did the docs leave it with you? Did they schedule additional diagnostic tests? Follow-up discussion with you? My suggestion would be to doggedly pursue getting to a diagnosis and treatment strategy.
Best of luck and please share what you're planning to do.
Never give up! No matter how frustrating it can be. You have to be your own best advocate and that requires a dogged approach to getting to a quality diagnosis.
Never give up! No matter how frustrating it can be. You have to be your own best advocate and that requires a dogged approach to getting to a quality diagnosis.
Thanks for the reply it seems that all your surgery was done anteriorly and the fact that your doctor removed the hardware at C 3-4 is great when he or she did C6-7.I have tried PT and it hasn't helped me.It could be because I have hardware in both the front and back of my neck from C3 to C7.
C5-6 was done both front and back. I was hoarse for three weeks. I still have a scar although 19 years ago.
Everyone is different with their tolerance of pain. That was quite a surgery and it can take a long time. I still feel a little 'wobbly' in the neck/head after 14 months.
Resting and relaxing relieves the muscles, tendons, and ligaments up there. It is hard to recover from neck surgery because you are using it while trying to recover. Not like a knee or arm you can elevate.
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I would see one of the top neurosurgeons in the area and let him or her review all x-rays CT scans and MRI's you have had after your fusion.The neurosurgeon will be able to tell you if you have fractures in your neck.It is a good idea to get a new opinion.Good luck.
Dear @myabby1 - I completely understand your swallowing issues post cervical surgery. I see from the doctor report you had an ACDF at C4-7. I had that exact procedure two weeks after you in 2023. I certainly remember struggles with swallowing - struggles that I still experience at times, today. Though nothing like what you describe.
I find I need to really chew my foods, I take much smaller bites, and there are still times where swallowing feels awkward. But your gag reflex responses seem much more involved. I'm certain you've tried all the above "basic" strategies?
The docs said all the hardware is in place? That's a good result. I also think it's a great idea to pursue the gastroenterology avenue. There may still be something in that area as exact diagnoses can be hard to come by in those situations.
Peri-implant fractures (PIF) are rare but can occur secondary to the hardware insertion you experienced from your ACDF. PIF can cause persistent inflammation which could explain some of your restricted throat and swallowing experiences. PIF is a real condition and the doc's report you attached seems to suggest you might have this?
How did the docs leave it with you? Did they schedule additional diagnostic tests? Follow-up discussion with you? My suggestion would be to doggedly pursue getting to a diagnosis and treatment strategy.
Best of luck and please share what you're planning to do.
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1 ReactionDrs are just leaving it at that. No additional tests, nothing. Definitely need to find someone to help!
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1 ReactionNever give up! No matter how frustrating it can be. You have to be your own best advocate and that requires a dogged approach to getting to a quality diagnosis.
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2 ReactionsI definitely won’t I’m doing what I can to get answers.
Thank you so much😊
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1 ReactionC5-6 was done both front and back. I was hoarse for three weeks. I still have a scar although 19 years ago.
Everyone is different with their tolerance of pain. That was quite a surgery and it can take a long time. I still feel a little 'wobbly' in the neck/head after 14 months.
Resting and relaxing relieves the muscles, tendons, and ligaments up there. It is hard to recover from neck surgery because you are using it while trying to recover. Not like a knee or arm you can elevate.
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