Anyone had a cervical fusion ?

Good Morning all, I’m new to this site, and have managed chronic pain for over 14 months now. ( not long compared to some threads )
All started on 31 May 2018 having some trauma to the cervical spine.
Have had multiple injections, and tried all non surgical methods to relieve the pain. Over last 4 months have had increasing pain in biceps, can’t hold daughter when nursing here to sleep etc

Latest MRI come back with left paracentral disc protrusion at c5/c6 with left lateral recess stenosis.

Pain specialist ( hasn’t seen latest results as he is on holidays ) wants to trial me on a cervical spine stimulator, but iffy on a battery being inside me.

Has anyone had a fusion done on these levels ?
Based on your own experience, does a disc protrusion warrant a fusion ?

Not seeking medical advice, just after own experience with this.

Adam

Hi AJ,

BINGO yes I have C5/6 I had cortisone shot after an MRI which didn’t last long I ended up going to a nuerosurgeon as recommended by my GP the nuerosurgeon saw the three month old MRI and said ”oh shit” she booked CT with radiation”whole spine”, full neck flexion X-ray and new MRI full spine she had me booked in for a ACDF anterior cerviacal discectomy with fusion and the first I noted post op was less tingling in my right arm and my tennis and golfers elbow in both arms had gone.
This worked for me but please ask to see a nuerosurgeon and a good one if you are in Brisbane I can pm you a name

Johnno

Hi Johnno,

Thanks for the reply I appreciate it.

I think what I am trying to wrap my head around, is if the wording on the report means that I will need surgery ?
I’m getting a referral on Monday to see a neurosurgeon in Sydney, as I am located in Newcastle, and the wait times are through the room.

Hi AJHAWES,

Because it's cervical, you may get in sooner, but your neurosurgeon should hopefully give you some idea.

Not sure what the waiting list is like down in NSW, but it's a long wait up here in QLD (even to get back in to see the neurosurgeon after all scans have been done).

Cheers,
Darren

Hey mate ,
Do you have private health cover if so it’ll be done sooner than later

Johnno

Heading in surgery on Monday @ 0800