Questions re long term results of anterior cervical fusion C6-7

2years post C5/C6 and C6/C7 surgery. I am writing for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation and hopefully found relief.

I had the surgery 09/08 because pain and meds would no longer work. Felt immediately better. Went through physical therapy for three months and thought I had my life back. Then, went for a short run and pain was immediate and strong. Rest/meds has been my routine since then. But same story, every timeit seems to settle down, I try to get back to exercising and raising my 3 small children. Always, something seems to flair it up and I am over the top in pain. I have had at least 4 nerve block shots (2 at C8 and two more recently at C7). The C7 shot at the end of March worked great- until I tried to return to activity - then full pain. Another Nerve block at the same level at the end of July did nothing. Pain management Dr has pretty much given up on me. They keep trying to up the meds, but I resist since I still need to function to support my family. Tried the low dose antidepressants, but they all make me sick. So for now its Opana and Soma 3Xa day. Just had another MRI and will have a CT scan this Thursday. Been to 6 Dr's before the surgery and 4 since - they all say the same thing - you are an "interesting" patient. I don't want to be interesting anymore just better, or have someone tell me that this is what it is.

ANY ANY advice would be greatly appreciated

Hi Everyone, newbie to group, but old hat to pain and suffering. 42 yr old. 6'2 230lbs in Orlando, FL. Athelete all my life prior. Suffered in extreme pain for 10yrs before neurosurgeon decided to fuse C3-C4, C5-C6, C6-C7 back on Feb 15th 2010. Had been on Oxycontin 30mg 4x a day for 8 yrs, high tolerance meant pain wasn't being reduced anymore and they wouldn't up my meds anymore which is why I opted for the surgery. Post Op they were killing me with the little bit of pain meds they would give me saying that it would get better soon, but wasn't. Finally went had had 4 more epidural injections and switched to a med called Suboxone 8/2 4x a day. Pain went away completely, pre-op tingling and numbness in arms almost completely gone. Then 2months into new med and 6months post op feeling great. Started back to gym just doing cardio on treadmill and recumbent bike15-20min here and there 3x a week. Then a few weeks ago I started experiencing bad migranes w/nausea and vomiting. Now I'm worried I did something to C2-C3 disk. Has anyone been in this situation before? What did you find out? Could this just be a side effect of the surgery? Side effect of the meds? Know of anything that can be done? Hate the thought that now I have nothing but Doc appts to look forward to and endless time spent yet again looking for answers. Was thanking God that all of that was behind me. Now I can only pray that there's a simple answer and hope that the answer doesn't include.... You're 42 and you can't be phyically active anymore. Embarrased today because My wife, daughter and I went with some family friends and their 2 kids to a local theme park. I rode 1 mild roller coaster (I call mild, some might not because it has a loop in it). Felt fine for next few hours we were there. Went to leave and were due to meet up for lunch. As soon as I sat down in the car and was about to drive to the restaurant, BAM! Migraine hit me, head felt like it was in a vice instantly, again I got sick to my stomach and had to miss lunch. Got home and rested for a couple hours and I feel ok, just a little off step and sore at the top of my neck. Any replies would be welcomed even it it's to say "You're a fool for going on the roller coaster!" Anyone living like I do knows the anxiousness you feel to get back to a normal life which we've all missed out on for years.
Thanks,
Patrick

anyone having these problems? I have had a 3 level fusion with instruments l3 to si..i then developed fluid on my back. had instruments removed. still have fluid on back and now my colon has fallen and now my left lower front side is starting to hurt really sharp.
my inside left down to my toes is numb and i have muscel spams very bad. My surgern says there is nothing to be done. I would like if the colon and everything else is caused from my surgery?

Hi everyone. I had an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion and C6-7 on July 20. I felt great right after surgery. The left arm pain and shoulder and chest pain is completely gone. But now I am having terrible neck pain and muscle spasms. I am in physical therapy now but the neck pain is causing me to suffer from migraines. I feel very tense in my neck and can even feel lumps in the back of neck and my top of my shoulders. I only had to wear the neck brace for 3 weeks after surgery. At times I still find it hard to swallow and I feel as though someone is pushing on my throat. My surgeon said that it is part of the healing process. I am still not able to work yet. And I have very limited range of motion.

Had acd and fusion of c6-7 oct. 2010. I had discomfort for the first few weeks but by week 8 I felt great. My surgeon had told me to stay away from physio and any other rehab. He said it would just make make pain reappear. So I opted for a nice massage...so I thought!!!!!
I was in such pain for three days after...assuming it was the fact that the scar tissue was messed with, which I would think was good because blood flow is circulating for better healing. I did 2 more massage sessions, once a week and the pain after wards did subside some, but I still get pain in my elbow-which the specialist says has nothing to do with the c6-7. I notice if I do stretching or lifting(not heavy-10lbs or so) pain slowly creeps in my shoulders blades, the base of my neck and especially my elbow. I'm going back to work soon with a permanent restriction of no lifting, pushing and pulling of 10lbs. I'm also 4 months pregnant, I wonder if I'm healing slower due to that...???
Anybody out there experiencing the same? I feel like it's in my head...although I know it's not.

My surgery was done April 7, 2009 fusing C5, 6 & 7.  My neck has been horribly worse than before.  I start my day now as I did ending my day prior to surgery.  Post surgery I fell and herniated L4 & 5 with the stiff collar on.  My back is a mess.  I have constant headaches which cover the back of my head and will continue over the top of my head and settle behind my eyes.  I've been told - no more surgery on my neck.  I have constant pain in my shoulders, neck and at times pain runs down my arm.  My palms are fairly numb.  At times it feels like there is a knife stuck in the back of my neck and other times it feels like there is a knife between my shoulder blades.

I have constant muscle spasms top and bottom of my back.  My lower back aches constantly as does my neck and shoulders.  The  pain runs down my tailbone and into my hips.  This has been going on for 2 1/2 years now. 

My doctor has said I am not going to get better than I am now and I need to re-plan my future within the physical limitation I have developed.  I am seeing a workmans comp doctor which takes forever to get anything done.  The quatlity of my life is horrible from what it was.  Whatever you or anyone you know does. make sure they research all information regarding a potential surgery.  Don't just listen to a doctor or a friend who had a breeze with something similar.  The internet is full of information just wating to be viewed.  Don't be a sheep.  Please.  You only have one body in this life.  Don't gamble with your health.  God bless all who read this and I wish you well.

 

Buy yourself a nice lazy boy recliner. I've been wearing a rigid collar for 10 weeks now - the only way I could get any comfort at all was in a recliner. I've been sleeping in the recliner for the entire 10 weeks.

Who was your dr?

try sleeping on a couch at about 45 degrees ,lay on your side which ever feels best and slightly roll to about 45 degrees to were your not on your back and not completely on side ,let the back of the couch support you so you wont move either way. I had a double fusion on 5-6 6-7 in 2000 and still have a hard time sleeping use as many pillows as it takes to keep your neck straight , laying down is the hardest thing to find a comfortable position because you always feel that your neck is in a bind and it usually is .its been over 13 yrs. for me and its still hard to sleep even sleep meds. do not help much ,good luck.

I am in my 4th week of spinal fusion recovery, for C6/C7.  It is difficult, I find that rest... laying on my back without a pillow is the most healing position.  I have a prescription for Hydrocodone.  For pain, I switch between these and also the herbal version of aspirin, White Willow Bark.  I also wear a hard coller (Aspen brand) all day and night.  I generallly have no pain.  My surgeon is located out of Queens Medical Center in Honolulu.  I received this surgery after a fracturing these vertebrae during an attempeted front flip into a wave...

7 MONTHS POST C6-7 FUSION FEELS LIKE IT WAS A WAIST.NECK SHOULDERS ARMS ARE KILLING ME.BAD HEADACHES.NOW THE HERNIATION IN MY LOW BACK IS ALSO KILLING ME!

This reply is so late, but I hope you find it. I feel terribly about your pain. I am 5 years out from my c4-c7 fusion. I remember the dilbiliating pain before my surgery and can sympathize with yours. Have you tried any massage therapy or acupuncture? I'm wondering if your muscles are siezing up from anxiety?

I just had c-3/4/4/5'6/7 tajen out last Friday and have pain in neck and back let u know how I make our 7/24/15honest

I had my C4/C5 fused in April 2015 and in June I ran a 15 mile trail relay with no issue. I remain active and try to run or bike 3-5 miles a few times a week. Distance running on the street will give me some nerve pain so I'm being careful. Spin class caused a muscle spasm from the C4/5 all the way down my back that took weeks to mend so no more spinning or rowing. Looking for a way to rebuild the neck muscles for strength and to avoid further injury. Thinking of a cardio machine. Any suggestions?

Had a cervical fusion with titanium plate done C 5, 6 and 7 two years ago and continue to have a feeling in the back of my throat when I swallow. Is this normal? What can I do?