Anterior Cervical Discecotomy And Fusion

[john999]

Has anyone had one of those fusion things done on their necks and what was the result. My newest doctor said that is fix for stenosis and disc herniation in my neck. It makes me want to cry. Same for lower back, but it is not that bad yet.

[jbasser]

John my first one was done in 2000. I used a Donor bone. Less Hip problems. after 11 years, I have had problems with the disk above and below the fusion site. I did feel better in the long run.

J

[john999]

John

Did it help significantly with pain? How was recuperation? To tell you the truth it scares me. My lower back is crapped out as well but I don't get referred pain like with the neck.

[jbasser]

It took a full 8 weeks to recouperate. The Pain in my left arm was a whole lot less but the neurological signs were still evident.

It is not any fun but It was killing me so I did it.

John

[john999]

I can't even read a book any more. My lower back has the same problem. You say you had some problems later? I have heard that fusions cause other discs to go bad after a while. I am 61 years old. I would like to spend the years left being able to do basic things without pain. All this was gradual and just gets worse and worse. I am going to talk to my psychologist about it. His wife had it done. So, all in all, you think it was worth it?

[iwanna]

Has anyone had one of those fusion things done on their necks and what was the result. My newest doctor said that is fix for stenosis and disc herniation in my neck. It makes me want to cry. Same for lower back, but it is not that bad yet.

john999

i had a disk replaced in 2008 at c5-c6 due to cervical stenosis (>50%), dengeneration, spurs, bulging the whole gamut. I saw 4 doctors, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeon, my pcp, the ortho who did the disk replacement wanted to do a fusion at first. However, at a subsequent visit, he told me about the disk replacement which was fairly new here is the US but had been used in Europe for about 10-15 years. Guess you could say I was the guinea pig here! I did some extensive research on my stenosis, and my option including talking to several people who had had fusions. Most of them were still experiencing pain and had to wear a brace for 8 weeks +. I opted for the replacement rather than fusion. My results have thus far been great. I only wore the brace about 10-14 days, had almost full motion of my neck. It did help with the pains down the arms, headaches and hopefully the fear of being a parapalegic if the stenosis was worsened or as the doc put it, 'don't get into an auto accident!'

Just had it rechecked earlier this year, and so far so good. I'm pleased with the results. Keep in mind that surgery results vary from individual to individual. The worst part of the surgery was the numbness in my lip due to the tube they had inserted during the surgery. I still 'baby' my neck, careful when I turn it and try not to twist it. FYI, the day after the surgery, I was in the shower washing my hair, and accidently put my head down to rinse my hair. Immediately, I went into a panic and had my wife bring me my brace. I did not experience any pain as i thought I would. I called the doctor the next day, and he told me that if i didn't experience any pain i could discontinue wearing the brace. However I did continue to wear until my next appointment.

Hope this was helpful.