6 level cervical fusion?

fuzzy · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2012, 04:56 AM

Has anyone here had a 6 level cervical fusion? ADR revision to multilevel fusion? Or somethiing close to it?

Mark, can you call me and leave me your phone number and when to call?

jsewell · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-2012, 02:02 AM

Fuzzy I am fused from C4 through L5 . Yep every one of them.
How can i help you?
Judy

fuzzy · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2012, 10:18 PM

Hello Judy,

Thanks for responding. i just read your blog in surgical outcomes and i also remember from time back.

The 2 level pro disc adr in my neck is not working. My body is full with neurological symptoms of cervical myleopathy and worsened over time. Latest Neurogist stated that the extreme curvature (lordosis) of my c spine is strangulating my chord on flexion or pretty much any activity and the only answer is revision to full neck fusion. In the meantime to move close to a neuro spine hospital from my current remote location as even the helocopter is not fast enough in case of a spinal chord injury emergency. Very encouraging.

Great, I am 3 hours away from a good hospital and am not simply moving out either. It seems if such a surgery happens I WILL have to arrange to live a lot closer to where the docs are for a while. Your blug illustrates that and for that I am thankful to you for sharing your experience.

jsewell · #4 (**permalink**) 01-01-2013, 09:08 PM

Fuzzy when you talk about 6 level cervical which levels actually? Which level is the starting point. I guess it sounds like you don't have a choice but to do the surgery, you must be in a lot of pain. Have you already lost a lot of motion in your neck. I have lost some (well everywhere) but if starting up higher like at C2 there is a lot more motion , i'm sure you already know this.
I am adjusted to the loss except when backing up my car (I try to avoid that) and changing lanes.
Judy

fuzzy · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-2013, 04:47 AM

Discussion is C2- C7.

Bending my neck is a big problem. I hav actually never seen a curve like mine with hardware installed. Not sure how they will do that. The ADRs went in fine but it seems they only bought me a short amount of time.
I have been moving about in my old foam collar and it reduces the problems, a Miami J hard collar is on its way. That seems to be the only way to reduces the amount of irritation until some kind of surgery. The idea of 6 levels doesn't sound good. The neuro Dr. said its not a good thing and I have yet to find one discussed on the net. 4 levels, yes, but not 6

jsewell · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2013, 02:54 AM

I think i have worn a collar of one type or another for 2 years. I just stopped wearing one last summer when it got to hot and I never got back into wearing it again. I do wonder if i could get any relief from continuing to wear it.My doc wants me to wear a neck brace for the rest of my life. My neck broke a few years ago which put upon him the task of putting it back in place.It is kind of permanentally crooked and i am stuck that way. Trying to lay down on my side to sleep causes quite a problem too.
I hope you hear from someone ,maybe someone will post if you ask for anyone who has had surgery on the upper levels.
judy