Guest guest Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 i dont know where to start ann; my name is rob and im 31, ive had two surgeries for my lower back in the past year. i could not have done it without the support of my wife. she plays a key part in my coping with everything. all around people look at me as if i should be fine, they wonder if im lazy or making it all up, but my wife believes in me and more important she believes in my pain. i would definately recommend very strongly, a second opinion. it turns out that i probably didnt need my last surgery, that ive most likely just made things worse. i just had my s1-l4 fused together. ive also started the disability process, because it does take awhile and my thought was the same as yours; to get it started now. just try to be understanding, he is going to be moody, and go through a whole range of emotions. its going to take its toll on the both of you. try a pain management doctor first; thats what i should have done. he told me surgeons want to cut, thats how they help, but there are other ways. there are a bunch of people here who have had the surgery your boyfriend is supposed to have. i am sure that they can answer questions better then I. good luck, and if you have more questions just ask - someone will answer. take care rob in yorktown, va >From: " abastuba " <Abastuba@...> >Reply-neck pain >neck pain >Subject: cervical fusion >Date: Fri, 09 Dec 2005 20:36:12 -0000 > >Hello All, > >I joined this group because my boyfriend will be having cervical >fusion surgery soon and wanted to know what it was like for him and >how best to help him... The more I read the more scared I get. He is >having levels C3 - C6 fused and as I read each of your stories I >wonder if we are making the right decision. His NS has already told >us that now would be a great time to do the surgery since he is >having minimal symptoms. But I am unsure as to the amount and length >of the complications.... In each of your stories they seem to be far >reaching and ongoing. How do you all cope with that? My boyfriend >has me but family is limited by other illnesses. He is frightened >and he hasn't read your stories and I haven't shared them. His >doctor told him he will lose up to 11% in range of motion with his >neck with the fusion for each level fused. Since he is having 4 >levels fused I wonder if we should start on the disability process >now rather then wait. He won't be able to do his current job.. (long >distance truck driver) if he loses that amount of range of motion. I >know that he will come thru this but I wonder if you could tell me >how best to help him. Any information would be helpful. I keep you >all in my prayers and look forward to all the insights that this >board provides. God Bless all of you. Ann Bastuba > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi ! I believe the nerve block only works for up to 3 months. Do they think that one of your discs are pinching a nerve? At what level is your current fusion? They should avoid a second fusion at all costs. I would also request a second opinion before even thinking about having a second surgery. Keep us posted!!! - Cervical Fusion I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your head? Thanks for your help. _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor\ ks_012009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > > _________________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > > _________________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > > _________________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > > _________________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Did you have cervical spine fusion? At what levels? Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Cervical Fusion Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > >_________________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Well there another success!!! > > > > Hi , > I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. > If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! > DO get second and even third opinions. ... > Liz > > -- > > > --------- Cervical Fusion > > > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > > head? > > > > Thanks for your help. > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > > http://windowslive.com/howitworks? ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > > ks_012009 > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 I had c5-6 last time and now I am having issues at c3-5. neck pain@...: carrie.heflin@...: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:12:38 +0000Subject: Re: Cervical Fusion Did you have cervical spine fusion? At what levels? Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Cervical Fusion Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > >__________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 So yours helped? I have a 2nd opinion on the 20th with the surgeon that did my 1st surgery 5 yrs ago. neck pain@...: petspal@...: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:05:04 +0000Subject: Re: Cervical Fusion Hi ,I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true.If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed!DO get second and even third opinions. ...Liz ----------- Cervical Fusion> > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head?> > Thanks for your help.> > __________________________________________________________> Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor\ > ks_012009> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 So you only had one level fused the first time and now you will have 2 more. That won't be so bad. You will still have movement. I already had C5-C7 and now they are talking about C3 - C5. That would mean I would be fused from almost the top to the bottom of my cervical spine. I would only have C1 and 2 left which are right at the base of the skull. Can't imagine how much movement I won't have if I did a second surgery. Everyone has a unique case... Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Cervical Fusion Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > >__________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Are you going to do a 2nd surgery. http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_allup_howitworks_012009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi Yes, I had cervical spine fusion at level C6-C7 and then 7 years later (last year) had cervical disc fusion on C5-C6 WITH revision of C6-C7 due to hardware failure. Liz -- > Did you have cervical spine fusion? At what levels? > > > > > > > > Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T > > > > Re: Cervical Fusion > > > > > > > > > > Hi , > I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should > be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. > If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no > idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! > > DO get second and even third opinions. ... > > Liz > > > > -- > > > > > > --------- Cervical Fusion > > > > > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME > pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve > problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How > long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back > with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > > > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > > > head? > > > > > > Thanks for your help. > > > > > >_________________________________________________________________ > > > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > > > > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > > > ks_012009 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 do you see an Ortho DR. or Neuro? THanks Shirley From: carrie.heflin@... <carrie.heflin@...> Subject: Re: Cervical Fusion neck pain Date: Saturday, January 10, 2009, 3:27 PM So you only had one level fused the first time and now you will have 2 more. That won't be so bad. You will still have movement. I already had C5-C7 and now they are talking about C3 - C5. That would mean I would be fused from almost the top to the bottom of my cervical spine. I would only have C1 and 2 left which are right at the base of the skull. Can't imagine how much movement I won't have if I did a second surgery. Everyone has a unique case... Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Cervical Fusion Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > >__________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_allup_howitworks_012009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 I am seeing both... I have a pain management doctor through my Ortho. Some neuro's have PM's in there office as well... Mine does not. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Cervical Fusion Hi , I agree with everything that has said EXCEPT that a 'second fusion should be avoided at all costs' That just simply is not always true. If I had not had my second fusion last year I hate to even think about what I would be like today!!! I am SO thankful that I had the second fusion! I had no idea how miserable I was until it was fixed and healed! DO get second and even third opinions. ... Liz -- --------- Cervical Fusion > > I had cervical fusion 5 years ago and the last 6 months have been in EXTREME pain again. I had 3 epidurals (no change) and had an EMG this week showed nerve problems (I knew that) today I had a nerve block and it has helped so far. How long does it usually help for? I have a mylegram on Friday then I will meet back with the neurosurgeon for consultaion and schedule date for surgery. Has anyone > had more than one neck fusion? Is there a point you won't be able to turn your > head? > > Thanks for your help. > >__________________________________________________________ > Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. > http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t1_hm_justgotbetter_howitwor > ks_012009 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2009 Report Share Posted June 8, 2009 hi - This all brings back memories for me!! I think you need to talk to your surgeon about what level of activity to follow. Each has their own protocol from what I can gather reading the posts here and talking with others who I know have had similar or even anterior cervical fusion surgeries. As you know I had a posterior C 4-7 fusion about a year ago. I was told no activity for 6 weeks, in a collar 24/7 (could switch from Miami J to Philly collar to shower) and then wore it more or less for 6 weeks with the collar off and on,and limited acticity - could walk all I wanted then, but no driving and no lifting or twisting. BUT, the reason was to be sure the fusion was solid and fused before I started a lot of activity. A friend of mine had the same surgery you did at Hopkins also and he was limited even when it felt good to him and he was trying his best to get back to running!! The key is for the bone to fuse before you go jarring it around. But again each surgeon has their own protocol depending on the hardware and surgical procedures. My surgeon used less bone which led to lower pain at the site where it was taken and after 6 weeks my neck was fused, which was confirmed by x-ray! I think that was why he limited me more than others...He also used hardware, but I know these vary too! I will keep you in my prayers as my posterior fusion was VERY painful for several weeks after the surgery - I can really sympathize!! My fusion it is great now though, so keep up the hope!! mark I had posterior fusion at C1-C2 and wore a Miami J collar for 16 weeks, 24/7. Try to see if you Dr will prescribe a hospital bed for you at home. It will be much better for sleeping than a regular bed . > > I am going into anterior cervical fusion surgery june 4. I am very > nervous. Fusion will be on the c5 6 and 7 I am not looking forward > to wearing the aspen collar for 8 weeks. > ------------ --------- --------- ------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2009 Report Share Posted June 8, 2009 Hi, I am recuping from anterior diskectomy, spinal fusion & bone spurs removal. I understood that I would be able to do just about anything I wanted soon after surgery but apparently I misunderstood. If I try to do too much, I end up in pain and resting quite a bit taking pain meds. I understand that the fusion must be given time to adhere but how long is that? sadly confused and do not want to mess this up, Jean http://www.naiaonline.org/ - National Animal Interest Alliance http://www.saova.org/ - Sportsmen's & Animal Owner's Voting Alliance http://saveourdogs.net/index.html - Save Our Dogs http://www.adoa.org/ - American Dog Owners Association http://bluedogstate.blogspot.com/ - Blue Dog State http://mnlreport.typepad.com/the_monthly_national_legi/- The Monthly National Legislation Report - Animal legislation -----Original Message----- From: spinal problems [mailto:spinal problems ]On Behalf Of Mark R Hardin hi - This all brings back memories for me!! I think you need to talk to your surgeon about what level of activity to follow. Each has their own protocol from what I can gather reading the posts here and talking with others who I know have had similar or even anterior cervical fusion surgeries. As you know I had a posterior C 4-7 fusion about a year ago. I was told no activity for 6 weeks, in a collar 24/7 (could switch from Miami J to Philly collar to shower) and then wore it more or less for 6 weeks with the collar off and on,and limited acticity - could walk all I wanted then, but no driving and no lifting or twisting. BUT, the reason was to be sure the fusion was solid and fused before I started a lot of activity. A friend of mine had the same surgery you did at Hopkins also and he was limited even when it felt good to him and he was trying his best to get back to running!! The key is for the bone to fuse before you go jarring it around. But again each surgeon has their own protocol depending on the hardware and surgical procedures. My surgeon used less bone which led to lower pain at the site where it was taken and after 6 weeks my neck was fused, which was confirmed by x-ray! I think that was why he limited me more than others...He also used hardware, but I know these vary too! I will keep you in my prayers as my posterior fusion was VERY painful for several weeks after the surgery - I can really sympathize!! My fusion it is great now though, so keep up the hope!! mark . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 10, 2009 Report Share Posted August 10, 2009 Wow its great to hear from everyone,Sorry about your car accident and what a crazy story. I also have lower back problems but i guess that's after this one i can't wait very much longer on the cervical deal.I'am a mess my doc says he needs to fuse me but my hole neck if bad,so i feel like it should all be addressed at the same time,i think i need more information and second consult.We did not talk about details much as we are going for the epidural first,and feel good with that so can plan and make the right decision and buy some time. I'am scared to and not looking forward to another surgery,,as i was in the hospital four times last summer ending in a double major surgery. I could have been a good one for the mystery diagnosis show,that was not related to my spine problems a whole other ordeal.I would love to keep in touch and wish you well with your surgery. Best wishes to you, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 10, 2009 Report Share Posted August 10, 2009 I had an anterior cervical fusion in 2006 on 5-6 and 6-7. I didn't have to wear a brace or collar at all. I had to have a craniocervical fusion in 08 and again, no collar. The first was very easy. I had a posterior lumbar fusion done at the same time and it gave me a lot more grief than the cervical. Now the CCF was not a piece of cake but not being able to move my head took a lot of getting used to and lots of extra muscles are cut in that procedure. The surgeons prepared me for waking up in a halo, depending on what they found when they got in there. Thank God, that didn't happen. I was really worried about that! Good luck and God bless, Lexie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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