Dr. Corenman
Thank you for your reply. The second surgeon told me he would not operate on the C5-6 level in and of itself. He does feel that, based on the MRI, it is very likely to be a problem in the near future. He also said that some of my neck pain could be related to that C5-6 level. With that, if he were going to do a revision C6-7 ACDF, he would be inclined to address the C5-6 level while he’s in there. I have significant weakness and loss of muscle mass in my left triceps that I never recovered despite aggressive rehab. I do have some tingling in my left arm but no pain. All the pain is in my neck. It’s not clear to me if this means that the nerve may still be pinched. I’ve been given no indication that that may be the case based on the CT scan and MRI that I had done a year after the initial surgery.
You’ve given me some direction and some good questions to have answered before committing to more surgery. I’m in a lot of pain but I can live with it. I’m just concerned with the chance that I may end up “worse for the wear” with another operation. Thanks again!
CAB