So sorry about your difficulties after surgery - had mine done at Kings College in London -had about an 8 inch scar with metal clips - the pain was indescribable as you say - twenty five years on still remember it ! Hope you get better and some relief 🙏❤️

I had an anterior foraminotomy 20 years ago. The surgeon admitted that he slipped with the rongeur,which is the instrument that grinds the bone spur down. I was in horrible pain for 2 months, but eventually got better. Then, 10 years ago, I had the full ACDF with hardware. That recovery was much easier, and allevaited pain. But now, ten years later, it turns out that small areas of spurring that could not be reached during either surgery are pressing on nerves at C6 and C7. So I'm having a posterior foraminotomy soon. Third time is a charm. I hope you get through the pain, it sounds like your surgeon hit nerve tissue with the bone tool.

I'm so sorry to hear that you're still in pain. How long were you in pain before the surgery?

Please ask your Doctor. Every person and situation is individual. In general, the success rates are good, as long as everyone has realistic expectations.