LACat
04-12-2005, 03:08 PM
I am 50 years old and in physical therapy 14 weeks after a six-level laminectomy and fusion for cervical stenosis. My physical activity was reducing significantly for a year or two prior to diagnosis and surgery. The muscles in the back of my neck were cut through during the surgery, and I had additional hospitalization and forced innactivtiy due to DVT blood clots.
People heading into major cervical surgery, especially poterior procedures, may want to plan their rehab carefully. I can do exactly one conventional push-up, and carrying a laptop through an airport can mees up my shoulder for days. I am on a closely monitored program with great physical therapists once or twice a week and daily walking plus some other neck-related exercises such as standing push-ups (leaning against wall), etc.
I'm sure a lot the issues relate to loss of capacity for exercise with the neuro stuff in the year or two before surgery, but I also took a huge upper body hit from the cut muscles.
If you have a big procedure coming, especially after prolonged limitations, try to manage your rehab with the aid of physical therapist. It makes a big difference. A lot of my instincts about rehab were not effective, and guidance from a good PT who understands some of the surgical consequences is very important.
People heading into major cervical surgery, especially poterior procedures, may want to plan their rehab carefully. I can do exactly one conventional push-up, and carrying a laptop through an airport can mees up my shoulder for days. I am on a closely monitored program with great physical therapists once or twice a week and daily walking plus some other neck-related exercises such as standing push-ups (leaning against wall), etc.
I'm sure a lot the issues relate to loss of capacity for exercise with the neuro stuff in the year or two before surgery, but I also took a huge upper body hit from the cut muscles.
If you have a big procedure coming, especially after prolonged limitations, try to manage your rehab with the aid of physical therapist. It makes a big difference. A lot of my instincts about rehab were not effective, and guidance from a good PT who understands some of the surgical consequences is very important.
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Esmo77
04-12-2005, 03:23 PM
LAcat, thanks for the info. I am 8 weeks out from a posterior fusion (actually a revision from a failed ACDF). I have only had 2 levels (C5-7) but I am in alot of pain post op. My ortho surgeon does not believe in PT for some reason. I had to practically beg for it the first surgery. He says he feels like these muscles get enough exercise just holding up the head, routine movement, etc. PT is expensive for me and I did not get alot of relief from it the first time. I believe I will have a go at it again though since the posterior approach is so much more painful (in my opinion).
wimpette
04-12-2005, 05:09 PM
LACat
I couldn't agree with you more and like you cannot overemphasise how important a good physical therapist is in getting back to normal and gaining strength in a controlled environment. Like Esmo I have had a posterior fusion after a failed anterior fusion (C4-7). I started PT as soon as I got out of my hard collar and was started on the most gentle of exercises and movements. Although encouraged to walk (as we all have been after cervical surgery); I quickly had the brakes put on and was allowed no more than 3.6 mph on the flat. I really feel that my therapist has been as important in my recovery as my surgeon!
I am now gradually going to resume going to the gym. My PT suggested I join a gym that is a state of the art facility associated with a local hospital which means my progress can be monitored both by him and by the people at the gym. It also gives him the opportunity to liase with gym and stop me from overdoing things (all the equipment there is computerised so I can track my progress as well as my health care professionals). I've taken his advice and will be having my exercise evaluation there on Friday.
For those of us who have been active the slowing down can be frustrating. However, as I'm sure Esmo will also agree, it's better than having to go through a second, more major procedure.
W
I couldn't agree with you more and like you cannot overemphasise how important a good physical therapist is in getting back to normal and gaining strength in a controlled environment. Like Esmo I have had a posterior fusion after a failed anterior fusion (C4-7). I started PT as soon as I got out of my hard collar and was started on the most gentle of exercises and movements. Although encouraged to walk (as we all have been after cervical surgery); I quickly had the brakes put on and was allowed no more than 3.6 mph on the flat. I really feel that my therapist has been as important in my recovery as my surgeon!
I am now gradually going to resume going to the gym. My PT suggested I join a gym that is a state of the art facility associated with a local hospital which means my progress can be monitored both by him and by the people at the gym. It also gives him the opportunity to liase with gym and stop me from overdoing things (all the equipment there is computerised so I can track my progress as well as my health care professionals). I've taken his advice and will be having my exercise evaluation there on Friday.
For those of us who have been active the slowing down can be frustrating. However, as I'm sure Esmo will also agree, it's better than having to go through a second, more major procedure.
W