C2 to T1

Hi my name is Carlos 58 years old, My doctor wants me to have fusion from C2 to T1 i am really scared that my quality of life will change
i work as a maintence supervisor can someone please tell me will i be able to return to work, how long before i feel normal again what are the risk i will be taking. will i still have pain after 6 month, im not in that much pain now just my right arm hurts and when i stand looking up for a long time like change bolds in the building reaching high lifting heavy things. please tell me what would my quality of life be. Thank you

You don't say why the suggested surgery is required, important info!

I am fused C0-T2, & T3-T7, performed to provide stability otherwise I might have become paralyzed.
It did not solve my pain problems, I am a CP patient and always will be. I have an underlying condition, my spine continues to deteriorate. I have no movement in my thoracic or cspine, none.

My quality of life is rather sedate, very slow when compared to pre-surgeries. I work because I am a writer, quite senior in my position (read old - but in your age range) and I can choose my assignments.

I would recommend taking Vickie's advice, get a another opinion, at the very least. Educate yourself about your diagnosis and associated potential surgery before making any decisions. All effort put into this process now will be rewarded later. You may never feel "normal" again. I would guess the lifting of heavy things will be out.

Welcome Carlos,
It's very good you are asking your questions before surgery, rather than afterwards. Like others have said you need to know more about this from other doctors. Are you in danger of becoming paralyzed is a big question that needs to be answered.

I was fused C-3 to C-7 two years ago. I was 64 years old at the time of surgery, not working, not caring for young children which allowed me to recover without rushing. Driving is different since I have to depend on mirrors rather than being able to turn my head. Looking up to a top kitchen shelf is not something I can do. I have learned to back up, spot what I want, then move in closer and reach without looking. Lifting my twenty pound grandson has recently proved to be too much and caused some pain again. I can still get too tired from just standing or walking and have to rest in my recliner with an ice pack. This is two years post op and I've done very well in comparison to many others. My own story is titled Posterior C3 - C7 laminectomy and fusion. You can find that by using the Search box near the top of this page.

Birder Nancy is another member who had fusion surgery last April. She has done better than anyone else who has told their story here so you really need to read both of her threads. Posterior C3 - T2 laminectomy and fusion is her first one. Update: 7 level Posterior Cervical Thoractic Laminectomy and fusion is the second one.

We certainly wish you well in your research for this very important decision. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.