Someone on this group years ago had theirs fused.
Actually my aunt had hers fused. Forgot about that for
the moment. The doctor went through her throat to the
neck which was a worry for her as she is a Juliard
trained singer. But all was just fine. She had it done
at a crappy hospital which worried me but it still
turned out just fine. Want me to ask her which were
involved?
Duckie

I had my fusion December 30th and I am so glad I did.  I feel WONDERFUL!!!!

Yes, the RA is still there, but I can deal with it so much better now that
the headache is gone and the arm pain and weakness are gone.

So, here are issues to discuss:

1. What levels will need to be fused?
2. What technique does he use (cadaver bone vs your bone, etc.)
3. How many does he do every year at your level?  If he says anything less
than one a month, find another surgeon.  Make sure he's talking about your
level.  Every level has different issues.
4. Does he want pre-op PT?
5. Does he want post-op PT?
6. What outcome should you expect?  Pain relief is not a typical outcome, so
you need to be realistic.  Fusions are done to stop the progression, not
recover use or relieve pain.  I was an exception.

Any other questions?  Just drop me a line.

Walt

johnie-

Had C1/C2 fusion done (through the back) in 1984 and most of the time I
don't even think about it.  Severe RA damage.  Good luck. Jan O'

I haven't but wanted you to know I had seen your post and will keep you in
our prayers.

DeeTee
________________________________
DeeTee and Bob Taggart
http://www.marykay.com/dtaggart3
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8fwov/
________________________________

I think Gary has his fused.

My neck's unstable, but doesn't seem to be arthritic in nature.  Apparently a
combo of hypermobility and a couple of blows in auto & bicycle accidents.

Hi Johnie,
Had c4,5,6 done a couple years back. Everything went well though there is a
serious element of danger here. Had serious stenosis and wasn't expected to
come out the other side intact. Doc did a great job. Everything works and
life goes on. Hope things work out for you as well as they did for me.
This mght not be the best response at the moment, am a bit buzzed from a
very fun night. Will pay the piper tomorrow. If you trust your doc and
he/she has a good record, I'd say give it a shot if there are no other
options available to you. It is not a surgry to be taken lightly.
GaryZ

Good Morning,
Whew, a night to remember. What fun. Wound up showing my butt to a bunch of
drunk Moose women! Haven't done that in awhile! It was by popular request
though.

Fusion.
I may have gone a tad overboard last night as I really didn't consider your
particular situation, just applied mine as a generality. Mine was risky
because of the stenosis involved and the extent of it's progression. Fusions
are a very common procedure these days. I wouldn't let anyone do it other
than a nuerosurgeon though. Anytime one messes with the spine there is an
element of risk. When you find out more of what they want to do let us know
please. Mine is low enough it doesn't cause a great deal of inconvenience.
Propping my head on the arm of the couch does cause me some trouble. The
normal flexion of the spine changes and stress points above and below the
fusion are created. Don't get punched in the nose after it's done!
GaryZ

(((((((((((johnie)))))))))))  i haven't had the procedure, but our 34 year
old son did, two years ago--OA damage.  it's helped him a lot.  got him up
and moving again and with 5 boys, the eldest of which is 13 . . .

he had been in a lot of pain, but the surgeon told him the procedure
wouldn't necessarily give him any pain relief, though somehow, it did.  he
hasn't had any problems with cervical instability since.  a neuro-surgeon
did the fusion for him.  i was surprised by how quickly he recovered.  you
definitely want a neck specialist to do this for you, johnie, someone who
does a lot of them during the course of a year.  by a lot, i mean more than
a hundred times a year.

personally, i always find these kinds of procedures scary, but they're
pretty common now (except, obviously, for people who've never had them done)
and generally have good outcomes.

kate

Johnie,

I am so glad you asked your question I have a disc separation at the
base of my neck and also some other disc problems.  I have been having a
lot of back, neck and shoulder pain lately along with costochronditis.
My Ortho did x-rays last week and did not get enough info to give a
diagnosis, but mentioned stenosis in the same sentence as, I am sending
you for an MRI so we can ge the the root of the problem.  MRI is
scheduled for April 5th, really wish it was sooner but this is the
earliest they could do it. I am printing out some of the replies to take
for my next appointment.

Don W

Johnie,

Good luck with your appointment. Keep us posted.

Don W.

Wishing you the best outcome. Hope you get something that works for you. My
heart and thoughts are with you always.