I have been told I have to have level 5 and 6 in my neck repaired due to age degeneration. I'm 62. It is causing pain in my right shoulder and numbness in the fingers on my right hand. They would be putting a titanium bracket in my neck to hold it all in place. My question is have any of you had this type surgery done and can you still go out and fish after your recovery period is over. Can you still handle a rough water day on the lake and cast and flip at least somewhat like you could before the surgery?

I had my C5-6 vertebrae fused in '89 at 33 years old due to a ruptured disk. Mine were fused with a chunk of bone from my pelvis and I was off work for 88 days (airline pilot) but I fished A LOT while I was out. I did avoid the rough days though. After fusion (3 months) I lost a small amount of mobility with head rotation but it never has impacted fishing in any way. Best of luck.

had 3 of mine fused with bone from left hip, metal plate over them and still fish without problems.
DO WHAT THE DR. SAYS FOR RECOVERY ie. do not go fishing until you're totally recovered and released. I pushed mine and now have some nerve damage in my left shoulder that does not really affect me but I know it is there constantly.

In 1985 I broke my neck and C-1 C-2 and C-3 are fused. In 2006 I had a ruptured disk between C-6 and C-7 and had the type of surgery that you are talking about with the titanium plate and four screws.

The first picture you can see the MRI showing ruptured disk pinching my spinal column and in the second picture you see the hardware at 6 and 7 and the fused vertebrae at 1,2 and 3.
I have also had two lower back surgeries since then and will probably have to have at least one more. I'm just trying to put it off. I still get to fish just about as much and for as long as I used to. One thing I will tell you though is, listen to your doctor and follow his advise on recovering! Do not pick up anything heavier than he tells you before you fully recover. I still deal with pain every day but the surgeries did help. Right now I'm just managing the pain with the help of Texas Spine & Joint Hospital. I can't complain much as most of my injuries were my fault.

That's a cool old photo, Brian.

I had 6&7 done. The plate is the best way to go. The only pain I had was where they took bone out of my hip and put in my neck. But do follow Dr orders. Read a book and take it easy. No fishing for a few weeks. Its a walk in the park these days.

I'm sitting here recouping from my second cervical spinal fusion this year. I had the first one done in January. I fell hard 2 weeks after this surgery and messed my shoulder and fusion up. Now I had the 2 nd fusion done last week & going to have my shoulder rebuilt in November. Just take it easy & don't fall! I'm hoping to fish the Berkley tournament in October. My doc said I should be able to if I don't fall again. I am feelig much better after this last surgery.

take it easy and dont get ansy with your recovery,it will come in good time,i have also had the surgery.c5-c6 are fused together
with a piece of my hip,one suggestion i will make,is to use a donor bone for this,recovery time will be much better and the chance of falling is neil due to them not cutting into your hip,when they cut into your hip they cut right through some muscle that makes walking very tough,recovery times with a donor bone is very quick.I will also add a good recliner will make life alot easier as far as sleep go's because of the kneck brace.

I concur with Stan! If you can, use the donor bone and if you don't have one already get a comfortable recliner!

Abu I am in management at Texas Spine and Joint Hospital. We have treated many fishermen including some elite pros. I'm sending you a PM with my information.

u should expect lots of tender loving and pampering from your wife....
good luck hope you heal fast!

C6-c7 fused and around 5 months of full recovery! Still hurts now and then, but all in all it was worth it!

I had a fusion in 09 on my lumbar L5/S1. I fight pain everyday, but texas spine and joint has helped me control the pain with a pain patch so i can fish some. I think I waited too long to have my surgery and this damaged nerves. I now have a ruptured disc at C5/C6 and this has killed my fishing and driving lately. I am attempting shots now to see if this helps. So far it hasn't and I am considering surgery. Listen to your doctor and DO your therapy!!!!! I am sure this is what caused my long recovery. Plus if you smoke, you need to stop before surgery yo help fusion set