HELP! question about evaluating x rays...

**davemmevad** · 09-02-2010, 09:44 PM

Hi All,

I'm now 6 months post op from ACDF at c5-7. Just got a set of follow up X-rays done, and I'm concerned because they look exactly like the ones done 2 weeks post op - the grafts are surrounded by dark areas (that I was told would compress and fill in). Am I being paranoid? or am I reading this correctly as meaning I'm not fusing yet. Seriously, I went back and checked the date on the film ... NOTHING looks like it has changed.

Thanks
Dave

**Cindylou** · 09-02-2010, 09:57 PM

Dave, have you consulted with the surgeon who ordered the x-rays? I think we can just do a number on ourselves, with something dangerous like an x-ray....with no report to go with it, you know? And we're not trained radiologists, let's face it. Try not to get too worried (I know, easier said than done) until you can consult with your surgeon and get a copy of the report that goes with it. I know it's tough. Try and hang in there.

CL

**Justin** · 09-02-2010, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by Cindylou

Dave, have you consulted with the surgeon who ordered the x-rays? I think we can just do a number on ourselves, with something dangerous like an x-ray....with no report to go with it, you know? And we're not trained radiologists, let's face it. Try not to get too worried (I know, easier said than done) until you can consult with your surgeon and get a copy of the report that goes with it. I know it's tough. Try and hang in there.

CL

I second CL's advice. Keep us posted.

**Metalneck07** · 09-02-2010, 10:53 PM

Dave I also agree with Cindylou you can make yourself crazy looking at the unknown.

Best to waite for your Surgeon's evaluation. I do have to say I had Revision surgery of my C5-6 on October 1,2009 .In March 2010 at that point there was little to no Fusion taking place. I then had the xrays redone in July 2010 full Fusion except for a small sliver close to Hardware which could be a mirror image.Any how try to stay calm and it's possible it may need more time. My surgeon said this is very common.Best of luck with everything.

Caitlin aka Metalneck07

**davemmevad** · 09-03-2010, 11:17 AM

Thanks All - a moment of panic has passed. .. but I'm so good at panicing...
I'm still waiting for the NS referral to deal with it. Of course in the last 6 months my NS who did the surg has left, so I'm not sure who will follow up ... yech. I'll hang in there though. I just want to make sure I'm good to go skiing this winter - I missed it missed it missed it last winter. I'm something of an addict that way

Thanks
Dave