Cervical fusion

I had a cervical disk surgery at 4-5 with plating 6 months ago. At first I was doing fine. Then at about 11 weeks post surgery (after some increased activity) I experienced severe pain and tingling, had an mri and hardware was in place, went on a round of steroids and it took about 2 months to calm down to a tolerable level. Now at 6 months I went for my check up and show no signs of fusion. I was so taken back by the news that my mind went blank and I couldn't think of any questions to ask the Neurosurgeon. I was wondering if anyone knows that if my pain at 11 weeks was due to an interrupted or broken fusion, is it still possible for fusion to occur. My Dr. said that some people take longer to fuse and will recheck in 6 months with x-rays. I continue to have tingling in my feet particularly when laying down or moving my head up and down. Has anyone else had fusion that took longer than 6 months to begin? 13 years ago I had successful fusion at 5-6 & 6-7 using my own bone. This time donor bone was used. Anyway, I am discouraged, scared and wonder if any of you have insight into the progression of the fusing process.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, advice or experiences you can share.

LakeDweller

Susie,

Thank you for the information, I will check out that website and gather some more information.  While the neurosurgeon that I have has a great reputation, it is a good idea to get another opinion.  Thank you for your insight.

 

I had an MRI and flexion, extension x-rays at 3 months, no change at six months.

White Beard,
Thanks for your note. I am concerned that the bout of severe pain that I experienced at 11 weeks after no previous problems indicated a problem with the fusion. I appreciate your input and will begin looking for a second opinion this week. I am very concerned and just don't know what happens when there is a non union. It's a scary situation I appreciate your advice and thoughts.
LakeDweller

Thank you White Beard,
I have a call into my PCP requesting the name of another reputable neurosurgeon to see. This is scary.

With appreciation,
Lake Dweller

I certainly will Stray Dog. Does anyone know what is typically done when no fusion occurs? Thanks,
Lake dweller

Good advice, I have copies on CD of all my x- rays and MRI's. Thanks for your information and support. As much as I don't want another surgery, I don't want to be in a precarious situation. One day at a time!

Hi, again.  A quick update.  Went for another opinion and he, too, recommended wait and see for another few months.  I was put on vitamin D3 for the next several months too.  I'll let you know how things progress in a few months.  Thankfully, some of the pain and tingling has improved in the last couple of weeks, so at least I'm feeling better.  Thanks to each of you for your comments, suggestions and support. 

Hello LakeDweller so glad to read that the 2nd opinion says to give things some more time.Very glad that some of the pain seems to be a little better. Maybe you are beginning to turn the corner a little bit, its about time. Were you low on Vitamin D? Low Vitamin D can cause some problems thats for sure. Glad you checked on, keep us posted.......Susie

…..my brother in-law had a cervical fusion, and he too showed the same results, and had to have it redone. The second time it took, and today he is doing very well, with little or no pain.

Your surgeon should be on top of this, and offer suggestions for you. Hopefully it will take soon!

Good luck!

SE

You haven't heard from me for a few months now as I was waiting for a follow-up visit with the neurosurgeon. I just found it to anxiety arousing to think and talk about the issues I was dealing with. I am thankful to report that I have very good fusion...finally. I was very discouraged that at the 6 month mark I was showing NO signs of fusion on the x-rays and was continuing to have pain and numbness. To those out there with similar problems, there is hope. My Dr. put me on 50,000 Vit. D supplement once a week, and after 3 months I have a solid fusion. While I still experience the neurological symptoms from time to time, I am relieved to find that I will not need a revision surgery. So if you are NOT showing signs of fusion after a few months, hold out and continue to hope...it can happen! I am very thankful and appreciative of the support I received from this forum and hope that others facing this can find comfort with the caring moderators and other folks who are selflessly willing to help others through a tough time.

Hi Straydog,

I am sorry for not posting more, it just added to the stress level for me to think about it so much. I do know that most people show some signs of fusion much earlier than I did. The Dr. told me to keep the Vit. D going for a bit longer, but he said the fusion looks very strong and shows no signs of movement. He said all his worries at the 6 month mark are gone. He was almost as thrilled as I was. I absolutely will continue to be cautious, I know from my first fusion surgery that it was well over a year until I reached the point where I felt healed. Thank you again for your help, support and advice. I just want others to know that even if it is atypical, fusion can happen months later given time and care. It is odd to look at my films from 3 months ago and see no fusion and to see them now with very solid bone growth. I am very thankful!!!

It's a good idea to have vit D level checked, and not just for fusion. Most of us in the north are low, in the winter at least.

I read a journal article that said that for every 1 unit we are low we need 100 IU vit D supplement on top of what we are already taking in our daily vitamin and calcium pills. Toxicity is at 10,000 IU daily for a long time. We also need calcium, magnesium and zinc and vitamin K (found only in green leafy vegetables in any quantity).

My level was 18. For me that meant to get up to the 50 to 80 blood level, I need 2000 IU twice a day in winter, once a day if I get outside in summer. The 2000 IU pills are the same price as the 400 or 1000 IUs, same size too, nice and small.