I am a 65 year old retired male in good health (otherwise) faced with a degenerating cervical disc area. In Sept, 2012 started suffering significant pain in scapula area, right shoulder, arm and muscle spasms in mid-back. After MRI discovered need for C5-C6 and 6 and 7 fusion, had surgery in Oct, 2012 and all pain disappeared. Recovery from those symptoms following surgery was complete. However, after 3 days developed severe pain around C2 and C3 and was incapacitated. Doctor confirmed that pain was unrelated to fusion surgery. About 6 weeks later (still no relief) imaging showed significant arthritic damage to C2,C3,C4 and C5 (second opinion concurred that damage was significant) and I was sent to Pain Management Specialist. Facet injections confirmed that the discs were the problem but I received no relief from pain. The entire time I was on ever increasing doses of Percoset and confined to bed. While I was in bed the pain was controlled and I was fairly comfortable. Percoset had decreasing effectiveness and was put on extended release oxycotin with percoset to be taken if flair ups happened.
I am scheduled May 2nd for a rhyzotomy (electrical severing of affected nerves). This is not a permanent solution (usually good for a little under a year) and projections are that only about 50% of the pain will be gone. We will see if the 50% is manageable and I can resume some activity (have basically been in bed since September, 2012). I have been told that the only other procedure that is possible is a fusion of the rest of cervical discs 2-5 (meaining they all will have been fused at this point). Even then, all pain will not be relieved.
My question: what will be the limitations following the total fusion? Will there be any neck movement at all? Will I be allowed to drive? What has been the experience of others who have had the procedure. I know I am suffering less than some on this site but I would like to get my life back - or at least some of it. I need to know what to expect if this is the only treatment left. If anyone can help I would appreciate it. Stay well.