Spinal Fusion and Cage ?

[Snowflake Killa]

People that say they wouldn't do are the same people that don't hurt like you are. I thought I would never have surgery on my neck but the pain and lack of mobility will make your mind up. Good luck to you

[S-3 Ranch]

I had fusion and the cage about 6-7 years ago. The first Dr said to fuse 4 vertebrae. I got a second opinion. We fused 2. The others will need to be done at some time. 2 is fine, 4 is life changing for the worse.

Yeah my wife did two fusion operations and has spinal stenosis and she still needs a pain management doctor unfortunately!
I was a boat captain and over the 30 years I was I’m in need of surgery in both neck and back, but I chose to just suffer
the back, leg , hip pain and arm & shoulder pain, because I don’t want to experience the same result as my wife !
but you might have different results, then her or more unbearable pain then me

[deerslayer64d]

had a fusion and cage back in 2000 , was the best money I ever spent and had no pain or issues for 20 years , then the pain started coming back and no one can figure out why , have done steroid shots - no help . Nerve blocks - no help . Nerve ablation - no help , finally a pain specialist put me on a low dose ketamine and that has really helped a lot , allowing me to sleep at night again and work 60+ hours a week. I hope you find some relief chronic back pain is no fun

[Sasqy]

had a fusion and cage back in 2000 , was the best money I ever spent and had no pain or issues for 20 years , then the pain started coming back and no one can figure out why , have done steroid shots - no help . Nerve blocks - no help . Nerve ablation - no help , finally a pain specialist put me on a low dose ketamine and that has really helped a lot , allowing me to sleep at night again and work 60+ hours a week. I hope you find some relief chronic back pain is no fun

This is the exact location of my issue. Looks like the exact procedure too.
Thanks for the feedback

[deerslayer64d]

This is the exact location of my issue. Looks like the exact procedure too.
Thanks for the feedback

DR Donald Hilton in San Antonio did my surgery

[gneimeth]

I had L4/5 done - feel free to PM me if you want to chat?

G.

[cj7zrcool]

I had 4-level (C4-C7) cervical fusion with discectomy about 3 years ago. I had arthritis & calcium deposits/spurs that were pressing against my spinal cord and starting to cause damage. The surgeon said I could get it done then, or face some level of paralysis later. They went through the front, as others have stated, which was kinda weird, but it definitely helped, I don't have near the pain that I used to. It takes a while to heal up, but it's worth it.

[Sasqy]

Sounds like it’s roulette !
Some people, say black, while others say red.
Unfortunately I feel like it’s a gamble, I’m going to have to take.
I appreciate everyone’s feedback on this.