Tpm's neck woes continue

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Stiffnecked, looks like cages were used? I don't really care for them, but they work. I might suggest what is called a Implanted Bone Stimulator be used next time around. It does help in the healing, and also better help in the fusion taking place. You also might find yourself fighting for the stimulator for it is costly. Your grounds though are solid, for your body proven lack of fusion and needs some help now.

[stiffnecked]

Thanks, I wore one of those external bone stimulators for 3 months after the 1st surgery. I guess it didn't work. This is really turning into a major bummer.

[tpm]

Stiffnecked... it looks like my "instrumentation". Last exray showed only 1 fusion taking of the 2. Going for another exray in 3 weeks. If it is still not fused the Neuro may want to do something. My surgery of my C5-7 was back in March of 07.
Best of luck to you and Be well

[stiffnecked]

TPM, do you have any pic's you can post? My fusion which was the same as your was 30 months ago. This new surgeon said you should be able to tell within the first 90 days if it was going to fuse or not.

[tpm]

stiffnecked Wrote:TPM, do you have any pic's you can post? My fusion which was the same as your was 30 months ago. This new surgeon said you should be able to tell within the first 90 days if it was going to fuse or not.

Unfortunately I don't Stiffnecked. I was only able to see them at the office. What I saw was one fully filled fusion whereas the other looked like it didn't take at all. The NP said it looked like it started however. He also said another 6 months and if it didn't take they would then consider other options. I go back to the surgeon on Feb 21st
I can show you a picture of my initial surgery but not the latest.
Take care

[tpm]

Hello again

I went for my MRI and MRA scan as well as a vascular ultrasound test yesterday. As usual I couldn't get them to tell me anything as far as any findings so I'll just have to wait another day. Today I find my left side of my neck VERY sore from the vascular test. Worst ever. I am pretty convinced it is a nerve issue however, at least I hope it is. (at least it will be covered under WC )

I'll keep you posted
Be well

[stiffnecked]

Got the CT scan results. Neither level fused. Back to square 1. Take it out and start all over. Not a happy camper today......

[tpm]

Stiffnecked
Just when was your surgery? Didn't the follow up ex rays suggest you had a problem fusing?

[stiffnecked]

Due to legal reason's I can't go into much more detail other than to say the surgery was 28 months ago and I have been seen almost monthly since then and have been been through numerous radiological studies.

[tpm]

Best of luck to you Stiffnecked.
I read somewhere that going in to correct the surgery from the original location may create more scar tissue. If you had an anterior fusion then it may be better to go in from the back. I can't tell you where I read it but you may want to investigate it.


I just received my MRI/MRA results
Brain MRI states:
dyplastic segment of the left middle cerebral artery at the junction of the horizontal portion and insular branches without aneurysm or stenosis

What does this mean?

My Carotid sonogram was fine

Be Well