purpletrail

My suspicions were finally verified through a bone scan, but being right is not always a good thing! I am fused C5/6 & 6/7. The numbness and severe pain came back 5 months ago. Here is what my bone scan states:

Increased uptake in the anterior of C7 of the fusion suspicious for bone remodeling due to motion at this level.
Increased uptake consistent with right C3-4 and C4-5 facet arthropathy.
( I also have herniated discs at these levels and stenosis with cord compression)

My numbness extend into both hands and I often have numbness into my feet. The pain goes up the back of my head and produces killer migraines. It also radiates into my back and arms. I am now seeing a new Neurosurgeon, since the surgeon who performed the fusion said that I was manufacturing my pain and it was impossible for me to have numbness in my hands. I believe that if C7 is moving, and I have a lot of stenosis at this level, I could definitely have numbness in my hands. Correct me if I'm wrong. You can also see a big gap between C6-7 on the regular x-ray, but my first surgeon said that it was not a problem because I have a plate.

I meet with my new Neurosurgeon next week to discuss my options. He had mentioned going in through the back to do the additional levels or repair. After hearing Chrissy and others nightmare recoveries from that surgery, I am really scared!! What are the potential surgeries to "fix" this type of situation? Do they just work on the level above the fusion, or do they also try to somehow secure C7. I need to get my life back so I will have to go ahead with some type of procedure.

Thanks so much everyone for your input. I read all of the posts everyday and it really helps.
Holly