KickinIt
11-21-2004, 01:43 PM
Hi All,
First, I want to thank you all for making sure that there is a dialog out there for people looking to get Neck Surgery. Second, I am dissappointed that there is so much negative information on this site. My surgical results were positive and I am looking forward to doing things I have had to give up due to my neck injury.
I originally injured my neck when I was 16 and it's flared up 3/4 times/year since then. I am extremely athletic, so a flare would mean a total stop to what I love to do for a couple months. I also had Ulcerative Colitis for the past 9 years. I took steriods (prednisone) for 6 years to combat the UC. Prednisone is a systemic anti-inflamatorry, so it kept my neck in check, at least until I tried to wean off. Anyway, I had surgery for the UC this June and it went very well, even though it involved 2 surgeries, a total colectomy, a temporary colostomy and then a long recovery period.
Well, no longer taking the prednisone, my neck started to act up and wasn't going to get better on its own. 4 opinions all pointed to 2-level (5/6, 6/7) fusion due to stenosis and radiating arm pain. I made the decision quickly and had surgery on 11/5. While no wallk in the park, it also isn't intestinal surgery. I had ACDF with plating. Due to nausea I stayed overnight and went home the next day with a soft collar (to be warn when up and about for 6 weeks). I was back at the office full time on 11/15 and actually felt good since I was off the pain killers (except one at night).
A couple days ago I did my first workout, on a recumbnant bicycle, and it felt wonderful. This was the first time I've been able to watch the tvs (always so high up in the gym) without arm pain due to my neck!! :cool:
So in short, I think it's probably true what they say, people who have a good experience never return to these boards, while those who have bad ones do. This causes a scary site for a newbie to come to.
For my UC I heavily used the www.j-pouch.com site and was very happy with it since there were some "permanent" members with clinical background who kept the conversations balanced.
This is why I thought I should do this post, it's important that newbies see that people do have success with these surgeries.
Best Luck,
Mark
First, I want to thank you all for making sure that there is a dialog out there for people looking to get Neck Surgery. Second, I am dissappointed that there is so much negative information on this site. My surgical results were positive and I am looking forward to doing things I have had to give up due to my neck injury.
I originally injured my neck when I was 16 and it's flared up 3/4 times/year since then. I am extremely athletic, so a flare would mean a total stop to what I love to do for a couple months. I also had Ulcerative Colitis for the past 9 years. I took steriods (prednisone) for 6 years to combat the UC. Prednisone is a systemic anti-inflamatorry, so it kept my neck in check, at least until I tried to wean off. Anyway, I had surgery for the UC this June and it went very well, even though it involved 2 surgeries, a total colectomy, a temporary colostomy and then a long recovery period.
Well, no longer taking the prednisone, my neck started to act up and wasn't going to get better on its own. 4 opinions all pointed to 2-level (5/6, 6/7) fusion due to stenosis and radiating arm pain. I made the decision quickly and had surgery on 11/5. While no wallk in the park, it also isn't intestinal surgery. I had ACDF with plating. Due to nausea I stayed overnight and went home the next day with a soft collar (to be warn when up and about for 6 weeks). I was back at the office full time on 11/15 and actually felt good since I was off the pain killers (except one at night).
A couple days ago I did my first workout, on a recumbnant bicycle, and it felt wonderful. This was the first time I've been able to watch the tvs (always so high up in the gym) without arm pain due to my neck!! :cool:
So in short, I think it's probably true what they say, people who have a good experience never return to these boards, while those who have bad ones do. This causes a scary site for a newbie to come to.
For my UC I heavily used the www.j-pouch.com site and was very happy with it since there were some "permanent" members with clinical background who kept the conversations balanced.
This is why I thought I should do this post, it's important that newbies see that people do have success with these surgeries.
Best Luck,
Mark
Sponsor
solardust
11-21-2004, 05:33 PM
:wave: Hi Mark, Congrats on how your recovery is doing! :bouncing: Its intresting how each and every one of us leave these boards with a differant impression.I never felt the negative impression,I had a positive surgery with a positive outcome,but also have alot of the aches and pains that come with healing,and was really grateful for everyones honest stories regarding their surgeries,I guess the stories did not scare me,but reasure that there are some pains that come with this surgery and I was not alone.I hope you continue to post,so others have the positive outlook you inspire,Take care,Diana
nero
11-21-2004, 06:36 PM
Thanks for posting the positive side to this surgery; I need to hear it again having had it last November 03 and having done so well till now. Now I am confronted with the next level giving me major pain from the stress of the fusion causing the domino affect. I too was up to 4 miles a day 5 to 6 times a week walking and felt great. I hope yours last. I know my surgery worked and the outcome was great till the next level did in the inevitable statistically. I have to hold out again until it gets so bad I can't stand it and I miss my invigorating mind releasing workouts but thems the breaks.
Unfortunately its all a matter of perception...the truth that is...for some its negative for others informative and as Dennis GB often says who posts on this forum its a matter of knowing what you are getting into and what you expect to get out of it.(not a direct quote) My surgery worked and now if the next is required I am not so frightened, I know I can do it if I have to and in the meantime I live my life to the fullest and try to influence people on this board to hear the truth, seek what is right for them and don't put up with a life of pain. Fight for what your life should be, what you decide it to be.
All the best.. Nearly New ...Eventually...Nero :bouncing: :wave: :angel:
Unfortunately its all a matter of perception...the truth that is...for some its negative for others informative and as Dennis GB often says who posts on this forum its a matter of knowing what you are getting into and what you expect to get out of it.(not a direct quote) My surgery worked and now if the next is required I am not so frightened, I know I can do it if I have to and in the meantime I live my life to the fullest and try to influence people on this board to hear the truth, seek what is right for them and don't put up with a life of pain. Fight for what your life should be, what you decide it to be.
All the best.. Nearly New ...Eventually...Nero :bouncing: :wave: :angel: