Patricia Stuhm – Multi Level Cervical Fusion

I was recovering from a Lumbar Fusion (2 mo’s) when I was at one of my post visits with Dr. Carlson. I was complaining of neck pain, had no range of motion, and headaches that were debilitating 24/7. Dr. Carlson ordered x-rays and said “you have narrowing of the cervical spine and the only way to fix this is surgery”. he ordered a MRI and he reviewed the results with me and said “you need 3 levels fused C4-C7, I will perform a Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion”. I asked him if this would take away my neck pain and headaches; his response “yes”. I felt like Dr. Carlson was going to save me (I was going to be pain free again). Kaye scheduled the surgery and 10 days later, I was in surgery. When I woke up, I had no more neck pain or headaches. I am now in my 5th week of recovery and feeling great, returned to work in 3 weeks. I have full range of motion, still no neck pain or those horrible headaches. Dr. Carlson is truly an amazing surgeon. I was never afraid of the surgery, knowing Dr. Carlson was my surgeon. I can’t thank you enough for giving me back a “pain free” spine. You are the best!