I asked how old you were before responding. The problem with vertebral fusion is that as time goes by you'll most likely develop severe arthritis in the joints above and below the fusion areas.. You're ortho-surgeon probably already told you that, though. Since you are what I consider young it's quite possible those joints will need to be fused down the road (let's hope not though). Of more concern is arthritis (think pointy jagged bone spurs) effecting the central interior of the spinal bones where the spinal cord passes up through them. This could encroach and compromise your spinal cord (not cool). Axial MRI's would be most revealing and advantageous in order to keep a watchful eye on it. Or if you start to get shooting pain or numbness into your shoulders arms or hands that could be indicative of spinal cord compression or peripheral nerve encroachment. Hopefully you'll be just ducky and stay positive
I am at this point now.. I was at the bad point in 2005 with the first initial fusion at C-4 to C-6 was performed. This last year is when I started to get that tingly, numb dead cold chills and soon after, severe pain and mass neuropathy. My spinal cord was almost completely shut off at the C-6 level and the rest was just a big mess.
As far as your range of motion goes almost all of your flexion and extention movement is hinged on the occiput condyles(base of the skull) and the C1 vertebrae so you should be AOK there. But your rotation and lateral flexion will be fucked up bigtime. Keep things moving but don't overdo it.
I have yet to get my collar off so I am unsure what it Will be but I would imagine it is going to be as you say.
Wean off those opiates asap and make sure your ass don't cement shut from them.
lol, I have been using Turb-o-lax, naw jk, I drink a fair amount of Seattle's best #4 so I stay pretty regular :)
Did they cut you open from the front? Years ago I broke my neck (C-7 chip fracture) had surgery (no fusion) but they went through the back of my neck. I hear they now prefer going through the front as it's much easier, less muscle to cut into and a much faster recovery time.
Front and back, The one in front is opposite the other side done in 2005. I now have a scar on both sides in the front and one foot long scar in the back of my neck.
Was it C4-C5 that they decompressed? It kinda looks that way because of how they positioned the screws. But it also looks like C5 is touching directly on C6 making me believe C5-C6 disc was blown out and/or cleaned out surgically. ??? And it appears to me that C5 down to C7 was just immobilized with titanium bracing. What the hell happened that you needed this surgery??
Many different things have happened and to try and put them all here would be a long venture but to sum up;,
I was raised on a 3200 acre cattle and horse ranch in eastern Colorado flat lands (Grover, Colo and Pawnee Wyoming )and the youngest of 8 brother's’. My older brothers were not easy on me and I was also in Jr. Rodeo for the better part of my younger years (teens to early 20's) Bareback and saddle bronc rider. .I have also been a rather bad tempered fella that brawled consistently growing up and now later on in life, I have degenerative arthritis. I feel 35 some odd feet from a log cabin roof sealing a blown disc (C-5/C-6) I just basically thought I was invincible;, :D
tw I asked about the x-rays because those were excellent views. As a Chiropractor I shot quite a few radiographs in my day and was always anal about shooting good quality films. I can not tell you how many shitty x-rays I saw taken by what was supposed to be "board certified" doctors. It was nice to see some real nice shots on your initial post. The only thing I cringed on was that they didn't take you damn shirt off for the films. Either that or you are growing button tumors! I also used to go ballistic seeing x-ray films with patients still wearing their jewelry (earrings, necklaces etc.).
MMJ relief? Hash and hash oil. Maybe try some heavy CBD strains as well. Grow your own or hook up with good friends you can trust. Good Luck.
Those were titanium buttons on a shirt of mine. Yeah, I always wondered why they don't remove the obvious but they seem to always be in a hurry,..
I am trying real hard to start growing again but I need help that just is not in this area. I have asked a couple people but no takers for care giving. I will keep on trying and sure at some point someone will help me fill buckets and carry water ect....
This has been a very difficult part of my life but with each day I feel a little better and the tingling, numb problems i had before are gone. I still have surgery site pain, but have to wait and get clean from the pain killers to make a final assessment. I really appreciate all you have said here and great wisdom my friend. I can't thank you enough :)
