Cervical spine fusion/backpack hunting

[kipper09]

Just thought I would throw it out there and see if anybody has had this procedure in the past. I had it done in January 2017 and feel I have recovered pretty well. I had C5-C6/C6-C7 fused after I completely ruptured them both. I took a year off from strenuous activity/backpack hunting. I have stayed active and healthy walking and hiking and working out some but thought I would see if anybody had any long term experience post surgery. Thought I would see if anybody has been living with it and how you have fared doing the things we enjoy.


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[5MilesBack]

That's a good question. I need a 4-level fusion c4-c7 but keep putting it off. I figured as long as I can still function I'll put it off, but the pain and sporadic numbness keeps getting worse.

How long was your recovery from surgery to "normal". I'm thinking this might be the best year to have it done as I still won't draw my elk tag, and I'm already going to be helping a buddy with his.

 

[tttoadman]

I had the exact 567 fusion done in 06 with a full plate and screws. It was an immediate success as far as recurring spasms(sp?) and all that "stuff". It is still stiff all the time, and obviously with a lack of mobility. I have not experienced anything that makes me regret it. You just have to be conscious of the lack of mobility and not expect to move really fast.

 

[kipper09]

That's a good question. I need a 4-level fusion c5-c8 but keep putting it off. I figured as long as I can still function I'll put it off, but the pain and sporadic numbness keeps getting worse.

How long was your recovery from surgery to "normal". I'm thinking this might be the best year to have it done as I still won't draw my elk tag, and I'm already going to be helping a buddy with his.

I walked out of the hospital the next day. I was in a neck brace for 6 weeks 24 hours a day. I would say in 6 months I was feeling pretty capable. I had really bad muscle loss/whole arm numbness and when I had surgery I was at the point I had to. I couldn’t hardly do a push up. I was back for my 1 year check up this past January and I am fully fused. I feel pretty good. Like toadman says I know I’m not 100% but at this point I have no regrets. I feel 100% better than I did. I just wanted to Toss it out and see what experiences everybody had. I m going on a sheep hunt in August and feel I’m capable of it. A really really heavy pack worries me (80+) but I know I’m not as capable as I was. I think just being steady and knowing my limits will be ok


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[5MilesBack]

I had really bad muscle loss/whole arm numbness and when I had surgery I was at the point I had to. I couldn’t hardly do a push up.

I've had the C4/5 and C5/6 herniated discs since the late 80's with all the spasms, knots, pain, and discomfort that comes along with that. But after carrying my bull's head/cape/rack out on my shoulders in 2016 I apparently herniated the C6/7 disc and lost any and all strength in my right arm after that. I couldn't even begin to draw my bow, and couldn't even lift a 10lb dumbbell over my head. It was ridiculous! And then the pain in the back, shoulder, and arm, and numbness in my hand. I was able to work back up to shoot my 80lb bow again, and I'd say 80% of the strength came back over a year period, but now I'm back to severe shoulder pain and can't even do a pushup. Odd though as I can shoot the bow without any pain or issues. It might be time though.

 

[kipper09]

I had the exact 567 fusion done in 06 with a full plate and screws. It was an immediate success as far as recurring spasms(sp?) and all that "stuff". It is still stiff all the time, and obviously with a lack of mobility. I have not experienced anything that makes me regret it. You just have to be conscious of the lack of mobility and not expect to move really fast.

I feel the same way. I don’t regret it a bit. Mine is stiff all the time. My mobility is limited and I’m more careful than I was before. I think I can still backpack hunt and do the things I love and enjoy. As I said before a heavy pack out worries me some. But a good pack puts a lot of the weight in your hips. I have feeling back in my arm and hand. I will have a random spasm very rarely.


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[kipper09]

I've had the C5/6 and C6/7 herniated discs since the late 80's with all the spasms, knots, pain, and discomfort that comes along with that. But after carrying my bull's head/cape/rack out on my shoulders in 2016 I apparently herniated the C7/8 disc and lost any and all strength in my right arm after that. I couldn't even begin to draw my bow, and couldn't even lift a 10lb dumbbell over my head. It was ridiculous! And then the pain in the back, shoulder, and arm, and numbness in my hand. I was able to work back up to shoot my 80lb bow again, and I'd say 80% of the strength came back over a year period, but now I'm back to severe shoulder pain and can't even do a pushup. Odd though as I can shoot the bow without any pain or issues. It might be time though.

I feel for you. I put it off as long as I could. When I couldn’t sleep and literally lost all my strength in my arm I decided I had to do something. I had bulging discs and slight herniations for years. I was doing over head presses when they ruptured for good. (I’m pretty sure that’s how it happened anyways) but like I said I feel pretty good now. I just tell myself I’m getting older too haha. That makes me feel better about it I guess


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[CrzyTrekker]

I haven't had that procedure personally; do know some guys in the ski industry that've had fusions and are still very active outside (think former ski patrollers). Some still ski and elk hunt. Don't minimize the ability of your body to make a strong comeback. Consider eating a whole foods diet to minimize inflammation in your body and give yourself the best possible chance.

 

[manitou1]

I had the same fusion done 12 years ago. I've struggled with stiffness and spasms since, but it never stopped me from carrying a pack. I do get some knots and spasms, but ibuprofen is my friend.

 

[bigmoose]

I've had L2 through L 5 fused and after PT and a year and half I feel good. I'd say after 6 months I could get around okay and after a year I was pretty much healed. I'm 68 and it's tough to bounce back from any injury these days. I was told to limit my backpack to 40lbs and be careful lifting. I know that lumbar is different from cervical but I would recommend PT to help strengthen your core.

 

[dakotaduner]

My father got fused maybe 5 years ago at around 68. I’m amazed how he has recovered and pushes himself
Follow your doctors and therapists advice

 

[Okhotnik]

I’ve had 5 hip replacements and four fusions in my neck from military injuries

Eating right , staying positive and staying active is very important

It’s not easy but doable

Elk hunt this year

https://i.imgur.com/GkAOPqQ.jpg

 

[Roy68]

Fused C5/C6 3 years ago. I ruptured mine falling down some stairs. Now for the Technical Medical Description (try to follow along); a large chunk of the disc ended up plugging off the hole the nerve passes through when it leaves the spine and thusly brought tears to my eyes while taking away my breadth and then most of my left arm went numb and became useless. Fast forward to after the surgery and it was like someone flipped a switch. My arm was perfect, the severe pain was gone, and I had the worst sore throat I've ever had. Recovery was slow, because I followed the neurosurgeons instructions. It was a solid year before I was allowed to ride a horse or ATV again. Traveling across our pastures in a pickup was pretty unpleasant for quite a while too.

I've lost some range of motion, especially looking up. Some minor permanent nerve damage at the incision site resulting in skin numbness. I use it as an excuse to not shave as I may slice my jugular and not know it. Some diminished neck strength as well. To put that into context I can no longer demonstrate certain wrestling moves when coaching due to the reduced range of motion & strength. After 3 years I have not gained that back. When working on anything much above eye level that requires me to tip my head back I seem to notice the strength loss a little more. No matter what when you have a surgery you are never as good as you were prior to the injury that required the need for the operation. And no two persons recoveries are the same.

I absolutely do not regret the fusion.

- - - Updated - - -

Elk hunt this year

https://i.imgur.com/GkAOPqQ.jpg

That is a stud of a bull!!!

 

[T_holli22]

I'm 48 now and had C6& 7 fused about 7 years ago to the day. The human body was not meant to be a pack mule and I got to hump Alice a lot back in the day we did not have these nice packs. I have never had any issues to speak of from the surgery. Walked out the next day after surgery without ever asking for a pain pill I felt that much better. I was active as soon as Dr would allow if not a little sooner. I think at around 6 months I was doing normal activities and by 9 months pretty much 100%. I have been doing cross fit for the last 2 years and can say I am stronger then I have ever been. Still have a disc gone in my lower back, bone on bone but have no intentions of surgery and my Dr agrees as long as it doesn't bother me anymore. I do not limit myself at all and still push as hard as ever. I would say that you just have to find that new hundred percent, not saying I don't have days where I am stiff or sore but have found that movement and exercise helps limit that greatly. I have never quit hunting and will be doing my first elk hunt this year.

 

[kipper09]

All sounds pretty comparable to how I feel and my experiences. I stay active and try to be as healthy as I can. I think that’s the key. I do get sore and stiff but I’m sure getting older doesn’t help that either lol. I appreciate everybody chiming in with experience.


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[Trout bum]

My girlfriend had a cervical fusion procedure done in 2008. We did the Bataan and she ran a military issued pack and ended up in the ER the next day. Last year she ran a Kifaru tactical frame with a Woodsman pack and came in second in her age class without neck pain. She knocked almost 4 hours off of her time and attributes the difference to using a quality pack. It kept the weight on her hips and prevented prolonged neck strain. A quality pack has been a game changer that keeps her doing what she enjoys despite the fusion procedure.

 

[Scoot]

Tagged. I've got an L4-5 (and maybe one more) fusion coming. Im trying to postpone it add long as possible but it's getting tougher all the time. Lots of leg weakness and numbness and goofy nerve pain. No damn fun.

 

[Mike1187]

Had a L4-5 fusion in 2009 and a C6-7 artificial disc replacement in May 2018...I recommend continuing to stretch and do your rehab exercises even after you feel you have recovered.

 

[fwafwow]

Good thread. I’m getting C6-C7 fused in less than 2 weeks. Last night I started looking into estimates for recovery. I know it varies for everyone but these stories help. At the moment I have pain pulling down the window shades - with my good arm. I know the rehab on the bad arm may take a while, but I’ve had the symptoms for “only” two months, so maybe it won’t be as bad as anticipated. I will do what the doctor tells me, but it would be great to have a hunting season.

 

[tttoadman]

I forgot about this thread, but I can add some additional insight.

So I had the successful C5-C7 done in 06. In the last year I have developed some permanent numbness in my right arm. I can numb my arm out by just tipping my head or turning to the right. The neuro I went to see said it is my C8 failing due to all the stress being concentrated there since the 5-7 is fused. He said a 7-8 fusion is possible, but locking up 4 of them would be a pretty severe limit on mobility and concentrate even more stress on the above and below. I believe the goal for me has to be stay in the best shape possible, and try not to aggravate. As long as i don't start losing strength or tone, I will hold off doing anything further.

the take away is there is always an impact to doing something. spine injuries and degradation seem to take a long time to develop. The fix in 2006 was a direct result of an accident in 1998. interesting how about the same amount of time has passed, and the next fail is becoming evident.