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2nd cervical multiple level fusion

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 3/1/2021 11:03 AM (GMT -6)
Recovering from my second anterior multiple level cervical vertebrae C-4 to C-7. And waiting to see doctor to find out how much longer to be in this rigid collar. Also wanting to find out if I will be able to work. Would like to hear from anyone with a similar situation.
Posted 3/1/2021 11:51 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Armygirl & welcome to the forum. How long has it been since you had surgery? If it's been pretty recent you need to give your body time to heal. Trying to rush through the healing process often backfires on the patient. Typically it's best to listen to your dr & ask him questions. What type of work do you do? You will also need physical therapy to help strengthen those neck muscles.

We have a new member Cocker Spaniel Mom that just had surgery. You may want to look at her posts if you have time.

Take care.
Posted 3/1/2021 12:29 PM (GMT -6)
First surgery was Oct 2019, 2nd surgery was Jan 29 2021. First surgery was plate and screws, second they put in individual cages and 12 screws.
Posted 3/2/2021 7:43 AM (GMT -6)
You are still pretty fresh from surgery it hasn't been very long. I saw in another post you will be in the hard shell brace until the end of March. No one likes the hard shell braces. I am glad that your husband is able to help you out. The best thing I can tell you is time & patience is a must for the best outcome. Redo's can be tough, your recovery can be completely different than your prior surgery. Listen to your body & don't try to rush things.

Keep us posted on how you are doing. Hang in there.
Posted 3/26/2021 10:13 AM (GMT -6)
Update: Went to doctor March 24th, said everything looks good so far. Continue with C-collar, but I can start weaning myself off of it gradually. Looking at another 3 months until I go back to see doctor, then we can discuss next phase of recovery. I figured it was going to be at least 6 months before I could even think about work.
Posted 3/26/2021 11:29 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Miss Armygirl,

Susie gives some great advice. She is a great moderator and the forum is lucky to have her. I had the almost exact fusion you had. I also returned four years later to be told I need to fuse different levels on down the line. I am reluctant to do so as I still suffer pain from my first fusion.

I hated the hard collar also. Some background on why you had to have it redone would help. I am assuming non fusion. My neurosurgeon said if your fusion does not take within six months the hardware will usually weaken, break or back out. Makes sense as the hardware is designed to keep your vertebra in place until bone growth occurs.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
God bless
Posted 3/28/2021 9:00 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Armygirl, well it sounds like you had a good visit with the surgeon. Did you have any xrays done to check the fusion? Kudos on weaning out of the hard brace. How is your activity level at this point, I remember you were doing some walking. Walking is great to help build back stamina.

It sounds like you are anxious to return to work which is great, however, don't rush it or raise the bar too high. Returning to work in 6 months depends on so many different issues, the biggest one is what type of work you do.

Keep us posted.
Posted 3/28/2021 12:27 PM (GMT -6)
Seems like from the xrays that the fusion is coming along, and the placement is excellent according to the doctor. I do walk as much as I can, slowly doing very light housework. Still trying to grasp knowing that I have to have help doing some of the most simplist things for myself. Thank God for a very understanding husband. Keeping our fingers crossed that this fusion works, because I really don't want to do this for a third time.
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