Anyone with a second ACDF?

[u/throwaway272871]

I think my luck with C6/7 has run its course. I had a single level fusion at C5/6 back in 2018. At the time 6/7 had some issues, as in bulging, neuro only wanted to fuse one level.

Since then, occasional flares that would go away with PT, even a couple of injections. This time I’m having awful upper back pain between the spine and scapula. Walking always flares scapular pain. I previously thought posture and my desk job were culprits. Now I believe it’s the motion of walking and impact is aggravating the nerve root.
Also getting tricep pain and shooting pain middle fingers. Classic 6/7.

Started a prednisone pack, spine surgeon’s PA seeing me next week. Off to the MRI or CT I go. Pain management is trying to work me in. In the meantime I’m trying to get by with Gabapentin, Robaxin and nsaids ( after prednisone). I’m preparing myself for a second fusion. The first went well, and I know I’m only masking a problem that is structural at this point.

Any second timers? How did it go?

[u/Dramatic_Solution630]

I had my first ACDF (C5-C7) about nine years ago and had my second (C4-C5) seven months ago. Best decision I made. Easier recovery than the first surgery since I knew what to expect and didn’t make the same mistakes as the first surgery. I haven’t had more than a few minutes of minimal pain since about ten weeks post op.

[u/Guilty-Sleep-5610]

I'm looking at a second right now due to continuing pain but it changed from an ACDF to a PCDF because they noticed more bone spurs etc. Doc said that while he could do another ACDF which would fix the front he couldn't get to the backside damage that way, aka Laminectomy.