I've talked with four people I know who had successful fusions that didn't have to wear the collar. Their doctors didn't believe in them. Mine does. I've worn one before and I lost all flexibility with my muscles. How can I explain to my doctor that the negative impact is worse than any help they offer? My first fusion failed (with bone morphogenetic protein) and I wore the collar for two solid weeks! Not sure if he'll use my own bone or not this time. (Different doctor this time- Thank God! -since no one noticed the fusion failed for over a year until I changed doctors – despite much pain). Any suggestions about the collar and do you know a good lawyer? haha Thanks!
All I can offer is this.
My husband had lumbar fusion last year. As I was reading about the procedure, the follow up, etc., I read in several articles that braces or collars tend to lead to a higher success rate than not wearing them. I read several articles that stressed that compliance with doctor’s orders on braces of any type is important to success. The only thing I can think is that since your previous attempt at fusion failed, the doctor wants to take every precaution to try and make sure that this one does not.
Also, just so you know, there is a danger to not wearing the collar about which you may be unaware. In some states, insurance companies have the ability to deny your claim for payment if you don’t follow the doctor’s orders to the letter. That means that you could get stuck paying for your entire surgery if your case is audited and it is found that you didn’t wear your collar as directed. I don’t know how much a double cervical fusion costs, but I know my husband’s total bill came in at around $80K. I would hate to see you get stuck with that.
Can you talk to your doctor and explain about the problems with your neck, and that you think wearing a collar will be detrimental rather than helpful? If your doctor is not receptive, is it too late to change doctors? It seems like changing doctors would be easier to do than to have to sue someone after the surgery.
I wish you the best.
Did it occur to you that different people heal at different rates? The collar is for stability , it ensures that you don’t accidentally hurt the weak newly fused joints until they are able to stabilize through the natural process of the body healing itself.
Like the other poster said if you don’t follow doctors orders the insurance doesn’t have to pay and you also wont have a leg to stand on if you consider suing the doctor. Willfully disregarding a doctors orders makes you the one responsible if anything messes up.
Hi, I had a cervical fusion in two levels in my neck about almost three years ago. The doctor put two cages in my neck to fuse together the bones. I was only in the hospital for one night. I did wear a collar before surgery and after surgery, for just a short time. I am sorry to hear that your fusion did not work. The doctors check mine off and on by x-rays, to make sure the fusions are ok. The only problem is now I am having pain in my neck again. My doctor has told me that I have arthritis in my neck. So now I will have to suffer with this problem the rest of my life, taking pain medicine, etc. I guess I am thankful that I can at least move my neck, which I could not do before. I hope I have helped you with your question and wish you the best of luck with your next fusions. Hang in there!
You don’t have to wear the collar. They can put you in a total body cast, dimwit.
You need to talk with your Dr and find out why he wants you to wear the collar. Tell him about what happened when you wore the collar before. Also tell him about your concern about wearing the collar. Maybe physical therapy to strengthen the muscles afterward might be possible.Before you go to see him have a list of questions to ask him and don’t leave until all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction. Also have him go over the pros and cons of the collar. if necessary have him draw pictures, use a model or whatever it takes for you to understand. If he can’t or won”t answer your questions to the point that you are satisfied, maybe you need to seek another Dr. who will.