Question 1

on going pain after 1 year status post posterior cervical fusion at c5 and c6 levels. headaches, right arm tingling. no decompression was done prior to procedure. inflammation found at back of skull ?

Accepted Answer

Pain after PSIF neck: Not normal. Could be related to screw against nerve, pseudoarthrosis, incomplete decompression, nerve damage that didn't heal, missed or new problem. I would start with ct to see if bone healed and decompressed, and find out exactly where screws are. If negative, MRI to identify new or different problem. Get a diagnosis and it will help treatment.

Question 2

i had a posterior fossa and cranial decompression in feb. still have bad headaches and dizziness, etc. is it safe for me to go to the mountains?

Accepted Answer

Headaches: If you are having bad headaches and dizziness, I would suggest you get evaluated and avoid a trip to highe elevation at this time.

Question 3

8months post op posterior fossa decompression. how long is recovery? i still have extreme pain and weakness in my neck.

Accepted Answer

4-6 weeks: Recovery from the surgery is usually 4-6 weeks. Call the neurosurgeon.

Question 4

what should i expect going into a posterior fossa decompression surgery for chiari 1 malformation? recovery time? restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Chiari: Most surgery for chiari malformation is a decompressive operation. Surgery takes 3-4 hours. Hospital stay is usually 1 day in ICU and 1-2 days general care.  I would recommend lifting less than 10 pounds for the first 2 weeks and less than 25 pounds after that. You will be asked to not bend your head lower than your waist. Recovery  occurs in 6-8 weeks.

Question 5

i have a 3-year history of chronic headaches. i am 2 years post posterior fossa decompression, still in pain. yesterday had a metallic taste in my mouth all-day followed last night by way worse pain in head than usual. what could it be?

Accepted Answer

See below : Hi there,

Given your medical history it’s important that you have regular check ups with your neurologist and  tell them about this.

Regards

Question 6

sister is a 37 yo w/chiari malformation. she had posterior fossa decompression and craniotomy 2 yrs ago. lately she has been forgetful, clumsy, can't find her words and calls things the names (called her watch a hand clock, etc) what could be wrong?

Accepted Answer

Clumsy: Probably be a good idea to have a visit with your neurologist or neurosurgeon to evaluate the symptoms.

Question 7

i had back surgery in december, lumbar decompression with laminectiomy at the l4-l5 level. with microdisectomy. last mri still shows at posterior disc bulge at the same level. i am still experiencing severe episodes of  burning pain down in my lower extre

Accepted Answer

Refered pain-tear: Unfortunately, you have 'failed back syndrome'-means surgery failed to resolve issue.I suggest consulting a good osteopathic manipulative medicine dr to determine the actual cause.Could be anything from a remaining minor disc tear to injury to a ligament to vertebral dysf.Md's assume a disc bulge or hernia are always the cause, but there are other causes, some easily fixed via manip or prolotherapy.

Question 8

what can i expect from spinal decompression & fusion stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Relief of pain: Spinal decompression and fusion surgery is done for pain. The decompression should help mostly with pain in the extremities. It can also help with numbness and weakness.

The fusion will help mostly with the axial midline pain such as neck or back pain.

Question 9

i am highy nervous about having spinal decompression and fusion surgery. mostly about not waking up and fusion failure. why shouldn't i be?

Accepted Answer

You are not alone: These are major surgeries which will take many hours and complications can occur, thus your emotion/fear is not uncommon. I am sorry to hear that this is something you are about to endure. I assume you have been suffering pain/disability for quite some time now? Talk to your family/friends. Discuss your concerns/fear with doc. There is no shame in doing that.  I wish you the best of luck.

Question 10

i had a spinal fusion and decompression on december 7 2016 and i am going back to work april 4, is this too soon i feel pretty good sometime and somet?

Accepted Answer

It's up 2 Ur surgeon: Only he/her can advise you. It depends on many factors,how the fusion is progressing, what type of work you do. So after a fusion I would let people return 2 a desk job earlier than a laborer.

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Doctor answers about:

Posterior decompression and fusion

A member asked:

On going pain after 1 year status post posterior cervical fusion at c5 and c6 levels. headaches, right arm tingling. no decompression was done prior to procedure. inflammation found at back of skull ?

A member asked:

I had a posterior fossa and cranial decompression in feb. still have bad headaches and dizziness, etc. is it safe for me to go to the mountains?

A member asked:

8months post op posterior fossa decompression. how long is recovery? i still have extreme pain and weakness in my neck.

A member asked:

What should i expect going into a posterior fossa decompression surgery for chiari 1 malformation? recovery time? restrictions?

A member asked:

I have a 3-year history of chronic headaches. i am 2 years post posterior fossa decompression, still in pain. yesterday had a metallic taste in my mouth all-day followed last night by way worse pain in head than usual. what could it be?

A member asked:

Sister is a 37 yo w/chiari malformation. she had posterior fossa decompression and craniotomy 2 yrs ago. lately she has been forgetful, clumsy, can't find her words and calls things the names (called her watch a hand clock, etc) what could be wrong?

A member asked:

I had back surgery in december, lumbar decompression with laminectiomy at the l4-l5 level. with microdisectomy. last mri still shows at posterior disc bulge at the same level. i am still experiencing severe episodes of burning pain down in my lower extre

A member asked:

What can i expect from spinal decompression & fusion stenosis?

A member asked:

I am highy nervous about having spinal decompression and fusion surgery. mostly about not waking up and fusion failure. why shouldn't i be?

A member asked:

I had a spinal fusion and decompression on december 7 2016 and i am going back to work april 4, is this too soon i feel pretty good sometime and somet?

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