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4th Cervical Fusion (revision) C-2 thru T-2

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Chronic Pain
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AtATurtlesPace
New Member
Joined : Jul 2017
Posts : 12
Posted 6/4/2019 8:22 PM (GMT -7)
Hi! It’s been a while since I have been on this great site. Actually forgot about it till I was clearing out my email account tonight.

Back in Feb 2017 I had an anterior and posterior cervical fusion all in the same surgery. Recovery sucked. First two months I remember nothing. However, I eventually returned back to work. Bad idea!

Fast forward, I had to have a 4th cervical posterior revision. Such a long story, but I had a broken screw.

I am now fused posterior C-2 thru T-2.
First posterior fusion was C-3 thru T-1
First Anterior initial surgery was C-4 thru C-6
Second anterior I kinda forget what was fused.

Anyway, recovery has absolutely SUCKED. The kind where there are days you hate being in your own body. I can’t drive, do basic things around the home, etc.

I honestly don’t think I will be able to return back to work.

Just seeing if anyone else is in the same boat....



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AtATurtlesPace
New Member
Joined : Jul 2017
Posts : 12
Posted 6/4/2019 8:30 PM (GMT -7)
Of course none of this includes the other spinal issues I have nor all of the secondary medical issues from these surgeries (migraines, chronic pain, etc).
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 18319
Posted 6/5/2019 5:58 PM (GMT -7)
AATP, I went back & read some of your earlier posts to refresh my memory, lol. I read the part about you being returned back to work 3 months post op which was too soon for someone with that type of surgery.

How long has it been since this last surgery? As many surgeries as you have had, I can see why each one gets a little more difficult recovery wise, that's a lot of surgery.

It's tough when we try to fix one thing & end up with several other issues. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Take care.
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AtATurtlesPace
New Member
Joined : Jul 2017
Posts : 12
Posted 12/15/2019 8:52 PM (GMT -7)
Good evening! I haven't really had a moment to even reply. My apologizes. Here is the following snap shot of my cervical fusion history:
- Jan 2011: C4-C6 Anterior
- Feb 2017: C6-C7 Anterior and C3-T1 Posterior (yep 2 fusions in one surgery)
- Mar 2019: Revision of C3-T1, which led to a reconstruction from C2-T2

I previously began to write about my surgery from 2017. I definitely went back to work waaaaaay too soon. It was a nightmare. One I had no stamina, but the biggest issues was my ADA accommodations were not set up!!!!!! I gave my company notice in April of my needs and I returned in May and zero accommodations were not in place. It was awful. They tried a few options, but the options didn't work and my job just didn't get it. I finally got pissed and bought a VersaDesk (electric). It was the best investment ever! This lack of ADA accommodation caused soft tissue damage, which delayed my PT. From the 2017 surgery I had countless PT appointments, tried dry needling, acupuncture, massages, and the list goes on. I will spare all of the boring and countless appointment details/procedures from 2017 and 2018.

My current (Mar 19) surgery was very unexpected. At the end of the 2017 fusion healing, which is minimumally 18 months, I began to have some unusual symptoms within the C3-T1 fused area. I held off for two months to monitor my symptoms and I knew something wasn't right. I saw my PCM in Dec 18, was sent for a CT Scan, Jan 19 I am back in Neurosurgery. Oh the dread!!!! CT Scan reflected lucency (loosening) around the C7 screw. Neurosurgeon (in a nutshell) stated it had to be corrected. Lets just say I cried when I got back to my car. Mainly, because I knew the recovery road and the shocked of it all too.

March 2019 I had my 4th cervical fusion. This time it is called a revision. My loose screw at C7 was actually broken in half. I ended up with a reconstruction from C2-T2 and half of the C7 screw could only be removed. So hardware was removed and a lot more was added. Plus, a piece of the C7 screw will always remain.

I can't even put into words the emotional roller coaster this has been. It has been extremely difficult to try and bounce back from this surgery. I am currently not working. I did invest into short term and long term disability with my company and using it. I should had did this last surgery...things you learn the hard way.

I have been in PT (to include aquatics) since June 19 and it is still ongoing. I have started OT this month. Multiple medications. This surgery has caused depression for many different reasons, so I will be seeing MH soon. I haven't been able to drive since the surgery, no recreational activities, limited on tons of activities, and much more. I could write a novel at this point.

The 24/7 muscle spasms are unreal and unbearable most of the time. Increased headaches/migraines and other secondary issues. My Neurosurgery can't understand why I am still in pain. Really?

All of these surgeries is why I suffer from chronic pain. I keep telling myself today was better than the day I woke up from this last surgery and it could always be worse.

Well, the worst part is the insurance company stopped my long term disability pay on 4 Dec. It started in Sept. An Orthopedic doctor felt I could go back to work full-time. Now I have to work on an appeal. As if I don't have enough stress and appointments. This topic is a whole different story.

I am here if anyone else is going through similar or some of the same issues. Trust me I can relate!!!!!!!
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