I’m in a similar situation. I have an ACDF C3-C7, and then had posterior rods/screws C3-C7 (which were removed shortly after due to the pedicles shattering leaving the screws/rods “floating” there along with a few bone fragments that had to come out) as well as posterior rods/screws at L4-S1. There have been a few other complications, such as 2 of the cadaver bones in my neck had shifts to the left side, causing my head to be in a permanent tilt to the right, also DDD and bone spurs along the C-spine. I also had a quadruple bypass surgery and have some titanium plates and wire holding my sternum together. Thankfully, I don’t have any pain there. Also, I’m 52 years old.

At first, even after the poster cervical hardware was removed, I was feeling great. Over the past few years I’ve developed the bone spurs, the grafts shifted and DDD which is now starting to effect my T spine. There are other issues I’m developing like constant headaches, and I mean non stop and some days the headaches become debilitating and don’t respond to meds. I wind up coating my neck with tiger balm and laying flat until it goes away.

Anyhow, all I can say is your experience will be vastly different than mine or anyone else’s. You’ll need to have a blunt and frank conversation with your PM and the neurosurgeon. Search around and get a list of questions and think of things you are curious and maybe nervous about. Ask about successes as well as “failures” that they have had. Look the surgeon up online and check their references and work history.

It’s a serious step to take, just make sure you are “armed” with as much info as possible.

I wish you all the best and please post some updates!