djl
11-22-2006, 01:30 PM
Hi every one..hope all is well.
Getting ready for surgery in my neck on the 29th.. I was told deffinately 2 possibly 3 disks will have to be replaced, fussion, excetera..
I will be in a neck brace for at least 6 weeks along with some I-Pod looking thing to help the fussion.
Just wanted to know how long does it take to re-coop from something like this. Is a neck brace realy needed?? God I hope this works.
My left arm is killing me. It hurts to type, turn a light switch on, turn a door knob.. It is so weak !!!
Getting ready for surgery in my neck on the 29th.. I was told deffinately 2 possibly 3 disks will have to be replaced, fussion, excetera..
I will be in a neck brace for at least 6 weeks along with some I-Pod looking thing to help the fussion.
Just wanted to know how long does it take to re-coop from something like this. Is a neck brace realy needed?? God I hope this works.
My left arm is killing me. It hurts to type, turn a light switch on, turn a door knob.. It is so weak !!!
Sponsor
deeannek
11-23-2006, 11:57 PM
I had the surgery in 2004 and could not believe how well i felt when I woke up. (aside from being very nauseaous.) Your neck will feel very weak for awhile but all of my arm pain was gone. I only had to wear a soft collar on my neck as needed but some people do have to have the brace you described. Just trust your doctor and have faith. I understand your anxiety though I was terrified!! I mean it is your neck after all but I am very glad I did it. I am having lumbar fusion surgery the 27th so I am feeling anxious too but I know in my heart I'm doing what is best for me. Let me know how it goes Best of Luck ==Dee
SKZ
11-24-2006, 11:15 AM
djl,
I am having 2 ,possibly 3 fusions most likely before Xmas after Dec. 19th. (oy, dont ask) so I know how you are feeling. Let's keep in touch for sure and see how it goes for the 2 of us. BY the way I just changed my user name. It used to be skziemann.
I am having 2 ,possibly 3 fusions most likely before Xmas after Dec. 19th. (oy, dont ask) so I know how you are feeling. Let's keep in touch for sure and see how it goes for the 2 of us. BY the way I just changed my user name. It used to be skziemann.
BobM
11-24-2006, 10:16 PM
Hi djl
Do you have any more info to share, like which levels are affected, are you using donor bone or your own hip bone, and are they going to use a plate and screws?
I've had three levels done, in two operations C5/6/7 (2004) and C4/5 (2005). Both times I had donor bone, and a plate. The second time, they removed the first plate since the bones were fused by that point.
Each time I had terrible pain prior to the surgery, in my shoulder and arm. Both times I came to in recovery with the pain all gone, but some new pain from the operation, but this was very much less. I did not use a collar or a bone growth stimulator (the iPod thing?) either time.
Three levels, if that's what you have, is a lot all at once. In my experience, it takes the full 6 weeks to recover, and then to get back to whatever your normal activity is. It is not all rest. After 7 to 10 days I was going to the fitness club, and starting walking, and gradually increasing the exercises. Just a suggestion - talk to your surgeon before your operation, and try to get a plan in place for what to do over those 6 weeks, regarding what kinds of activity you should be doing. Sitting at home is tough, it's better to have a plan going in.
Best of luck! My experience, with so many levels, and two surgeries, is that there is now some chronic pain, and I watch my activities to avoid future problems (I hope). It helps to talk about what you are experiencing, this is a good place to do that.
Bob
Do you have any more info to share, like which levels are affected, are you using donor bone or your own hip bone, and are they going to use a plate and screws?
I've had three levels done, in two operations C5/6/7 (2004) and C4/5 (2005). Both times I had donor bone, and a plate. The second time, they removed the first plate since the bones were fused by that point.
Each time I had terrible pain prior to the surgery, in my shoulder and arm. Both times I came to in recovery with the pain all gone, but some new pain from the operation, but this was very much less. I did not use a collar or a bone growth stimulator (the iPod thing?) either time.
Three levels, if that's what you have, is a lot all at once. In my experience, it takes the full 6 weeks to recover, and then to get back to whatever your normal activity is. It is not all rest. After 7 to 10 days I was going to the fitness club, and starting walking, and gradually increasing the exercises. Just a suggestion - talk to your surgeon before your operation, and try to get a plan in place for what to do over those 6 weeks, regarding what kinds of activity you should be doing. Sitting at home is tough, it's better to have a plan going in.
Best of luck! My experience, with so many levels, and two surgeries, is that there is now some chronic pain, and I watch my activities to avoid future problems (I hope). It helps to talk about what you are experiencing, this is a good place to do that.
Bob
bw67
11-26-2006, 10:30 PM
If your surgery is successful, I would say your PAIN in the problem area(s) will be gone post op, but you will probably be uncomfortable for several weeks as a result of any brace you may have to wear.
Your throat will probably be sore for a week or so due to the intubation from the anesthesia...
I chose an unconventional minimally invasive approach that did not involve fusion for my arm pain and disc herniation at C5-6 and C6-7, and I was STILL in a Philadelphia collar(fairly rigid) for 2+ weeks, and then had to wear a soft collar for another two weeks after that. While my arm pain is gone, I am STILL a little SORE in my neck, 3 months post op.
I still do heat/ice, massage therapy and take a random pain pill, but the discomfort I feel now is NOWHERE NEAR what it was pre surgery.
Having said all that, there is no need to be nervous if you have done all your homework and feel this is the right option for you. Your post op discomfort in the short term will be well worth it...
Good luck
bw
Your throat will probably be sore for a week or so due to the intubation from the anesthesia...
I chose an unconventional minimally invasive approach that did not involve fusion for my arm pain and disc herniation at C5-6 and C6-7, and I was STILL in a Philadelphia collar(fairly rigid) for 2+ weeks, and then had to wear a soft collar for another two weeks after that. While my arm pain is gone, I am STILL a little SORE in my neck, 3 months post op.
I still do heat/ice, massage therapy and take a random pain pill, but the discomfort I feel now is NOWHERE NEAR what it was pre surgery.
Having said all that, there is no need to be nervous if you have done all your homework and feel this is the right option for you. Your post op discomfort in the short term will be well worth it...
Good luck
bw
djl
11-27-2006, 01:38 PM
Hi everyone
Thanks for all of your replies!!
Well, surgery the day after tomorrow.
I will talk to my doc about exersise after surgery.
Just want to get this all over with.
SKZ, good luck with your surgery and lets please keep in touch.
Thank you all
Thanks for all of your replies!!
Well, surgery the day after tomorrow.
I will talk to my doc about exersise after surgery.
Just want to get this all over with.
SKZ, good luck with your surgery and lets please keep in touch.
Thank you all
SKZ
11-27-2006, 10:31 PM
djl:
My thoughts will be with you on Wed. I wish you much success and a pain free outcome. I will be right behind you!
SKZ
My thoughts will be with you on Wed. I wish you much success and a pain free outcome. I will be right behind you!
SKZ
SpineAZ
11-27-2006, 10:36 PM
I saw my orthopedic spine surgeon today for my 6 month post-op appointment and so far I'm doing well from the C5-C7 ACDF. And I also had a bone growth stimulator I used for months after the surgery :-)
My BIGGEST piece of advice, that I wish I had before my surgery, is to do whatever you can (medically appropriate) to be active after the surgery. I too had the neck brace on for 6 weeks and managed to literally sit in my house for 6 weeks with only brief trips out. The hardest part of my recovery was recovering my physical stamina. I wish I had either had my husband walk me around the block in the days after the surgery working my way up to walking further or I had done the same on our treadmill.
Wishing you well and yes......it can work wonders!
My BIGGEST piece of advice, that I wish I had before my surgery, is to do whatever you can (medically appropriate) to be active after the surgery. I too had the neck brace on for 6 weeks and managed to literally sit in my house for 6 weeks with only brief trips out. The hardest part of my recovery was recovering my physical stamina. I wish I had either had my husband walk me around the block in the days after the surgery working my way up to walking further or I had done the same on our treadmill.
Wishing you well and yes......it can work wonders!
SKZ
11-28-2006, 11:23 AM
kross426:
Do you mind if I am nosy and ask how old you are? I will be 51 in January. Also, you may have already done this, but can you give me a realistic picture of all the things to expect after the surgery?
Thanks.
SKZ
Do you mind if I am nosy and ask how old you are? I will be 51 in January. Also, you may have already done this, but can you give me a realistic picture of all the things to expect after the surgery?
Thanks.
SKZ
djl
11-28-2006, 02:28 PM
Thanks everyone..
The nurse just called to go over eveything with me. She said I will in the hospital for a few days and that I will be swollen. For at least a week all I can eat is real mushy food. Maybe I will loose a couple pounds..I would like that !!
The nurse just called to go over eveything with me. She said I will in the hospital for a few days and that I will be swollen. For at least a week all I can eat is real mushy food. Maybe I will loose a couple pounds..I would like that !!
SKZ
11-28-2006, 02:56 PM
I keep telling people that line, too....About looking on the bright side....WEIGHTLOSS!!
Let us know how you are, as soon as you are able.
Best wishes. You go girl!
SKZ :wave:
Let us know how you are, as soon as you are able.
Best wishes. You go girl!
SKZ :wave:
djl
11-28-2006, 03:05 PM
Thanks SKZ
ember919
11-28-2006, 08:49 PM
Good luck tomorrow, djl. And be sure to check back in when you can.
Oh yeah, don't expect to be doing much more than walking for at least the first 4 to 6 weeks. You may backslide a little in the exercise department, but your body NEEDS that recovery time for healing.
Oh yeah, don't expect to be doing much more than walking for at least the first 4 to 6 weeks. You may backslide a little in the exercise department, but your body NEEDS that recovery time for healing.
SpineAZ
11-28-2006, 10:17 PM
SKZ:
I am currently 40 but had the ACDF this past May when I was 39.
As for the realistic picture - for me it really wasn't as awful as I had anticipated. I had lumbar fusion surgery years ago (1993) and I remember intense and lasting post-op pain. But with an ACDF it's different as they go through the front of the neck - avoiding large muscle mass as you'd find in the lower back.
I was pleasantly surprised with how little post-op pain I had in the hospital. I was kept 2 nights (the 2nd night mostly becuase I did not sleep at all night one - but I just don't ever sleep well on codeine type medications). The first few days I had a very scratchy throat and was sucking cepacol lozenges constantly, or drinking fluids, or eating a popsicle. For some reason carbonated beverages soothed my more than warm beverages or plain water.
I did need vicodin and valium a few times a day in the first 6 weeks. And the Aspen brace I wore was frustrating - sleeping was not comfortable. If I was at the right angle to sleep I'd awaken when the brace shifted and was causing my neck or shoulders or jaw some discomfort, etc. I spent a large amount of time in the first 6 weeks in a recliner type chair - where I was most comfortable. Again, I wish I had done a little more physical activity to avoid loosing my stamina.
On the second day home I showered, made sure my husband was home while doing this, as I was a bit weak and I had to be careful not to move my neck too much. For the first 3 weeks I would shower every other day and only when my husband was home. In the final 3 weeks in the brace I would shower daily but wash my hair every other day. I have shoulder length hair and am so used to lifting my head to rinse my hair - a move I avoided in the first 6 weeks post op.
At the 6 week mark when the brace came off I was a little stiff. The muscles haven't had to move around too much and the first few driving experiences were a little strange. I ended up buying a mirror that fits over the rear view mirror to give a wider view behind you (kind of like what I've seen in some cabs or busses). An inexpensive way to make me feel better about getting back on the road.
As time has gone on I've gotten progressively better. I still had instances of pain and muscle spasm through about the 4th month. Nothing all too limiting but occasinally I'd need some vicodin or valium the help me through (especially at the end of the day). Keep in mind I started a new job 8 weeks post-op so I was stressed as it was ;-) But at the end of month 4 I found I was 110% better. My surgeon said this was normal and everyone is different, some feel so much better immediately and others need time to heal. Each person's pain is different so differences in healing are normal.
I saw the surgeon Monday for my 6 mo post op and I told him the week before, on two days, I had the "old nerve pain". He said it is normal to have occasional bouts of pain as the muscle, nerve, etc continue to heal. This, per the surgeon, can continue through 12 months post-op but he advised me it should never last for more than 24-48 hours. If it does I am to call him. And, as it happens, my little bout of nerve pain cleared up in about 36 hours so I was pleased to be "normal".
I hope this helps...sorry if I rambled on too long. Best of Luck to you and let us know how you are doing. I'll be thinking of you.
I am currently 40 but had the ACDF this past May when I was 39.
As for the realistic picture - for me it really wasn't as awful as I had anticipated. I had lumbar fusion surgery years ago (1993) and I remember intense and lasting post-op pain. But with an ACDF it's different as they go through the front of the neck - avoiding large muscle mass as you'd find in the lower back.
I was pleasantly surprised with how little post-op pain I had in the hospital. I was kept 2 nights (the 2nd night mostly becuase I did not sleep at all night one - but I just don't ever sleep well on codeine type medications). The first few days I had a very scratchy throat and was sucking cepacol lozenges constantly, or drinking fluids, or eating a popsicle. For some reason carbonated beverages soothed my more than warm beverages or plain water.
I did need vicodin and valium a few times a day in the first 6 weeks. And the Aspen brace I wore was frustrating - sleeping was not comfortable. If I was at the right angle to sleep I'd awaken when the brace shifted and was causing my neck or shoulders or jaw some discomfort, etc. I spent a large amount of time in the first 6 weeks in a recliner type chair - where I was most comfortable. Again, I wish I had done a little more physical activity to avoid loosing my stamina.
On the second day home I showered, made sure my husband was home while doing this, as I was a bit weak and I had to be careful not to move my neck too much. For the first 3 weeks I would shower every other day and only when my husband was home. In the final 3 weeks in the brace I would shower daily but wash my hair every other day. I have shoulder length hair and am so used to lifting my head to rinse my hair - a move I avoided in the first 6 weeks post op.
At the 6 week mark when the brace came off I was a little stiff. The muscles haven't had to move around too much and the first few driving experiences were a little strange. I ended up buying a mirror that fits over the rear view mirror to give a wider view behind you (kind of like what I've seen in some cabs or busses). An inexpensive way to make me feel better about getting back on the road.
As time has gone on I've gotten progressively better. I still had instances of pain and muscle spasm through about the 4th month. Nothing all too limiting but occasinally I'd need some vicodin or valium the help me through (especially at the end of the day). Keep in mind I started a new job 8 weeks post-op so I was stressed as it was ;-) But at the end of month 4 I found I was 110% better. My surgeon said this was normal and everyone is different, some feel so much better immediately and others need time to heal. Each person's pain is different so differences in healing are normal.
I saw the surgeon Monday for my 6 mo post op and I told him the week before, on two days, I had the "old nerve pain". He said it is normal to have occasional bouts of pain as the muscle, nerve, etc continue to heal. This, per the surgeon, can continue through 12 months post-op but he advised me it should never last for more than 24-48 hours. If it does I am to call him. And, as it happens, my little bout of nerve pain cleared up in about 36 hours so I was pleased to be "normal".
I hope this helps...sorry if I rambled on too long. Best of Luck to you and let us know how you are doing. I'll be thinking of you.
SKZ
11-28-2006, 10:29 PM
Thanks so much for all the great info. I cannot imagine how you could sleep in a hard neck collar, though. Tell me for the 10th time...did you use donor bone or your own?
djl
12-02-2006, 10:56 AM
Hi all I am home.
They only kept me for 24 hours. Honestly, this is a re-coop. I am in a neck brace, the incision is sort of the front of my throat. It realy hurts to swallow. I was told it will take some time for that to go away. I was having real bad headaches but they have seem to got better.
I am having musvcle spasms in my back. I am on pain meds. I have to see the doc again on Dec 8th. for a follow up.
Sorry I cant write anymore need to laydown.
Talk to yah soon
They only kept me for 24 hours. Honestly, this is a re-coop. I am in a neck brace, the incision is sort of the front of my throat. It realy hurts to swallow. I was told it will take some time for that to go away. I was having real bad headaches but they have seem to got better.
I am having musvcle spasms in my back. I am on pain meds. I have to see the doc again on Dec 8th. for a follow up.
Sorry I cant write anymore need to laydown.
Talk to yah soon
SKZ
12-02-2006, 11:28 AM
Oh Wow, I cannot believe you posted. I hope you are hanging in there OK. Please take it easy and dont over do. We all love to over do things. Looking forwarding to hearing from you. Be well!
Sue (SKZ)
Sue (SKZ)
justmitype
12-02-2006, 02:06 PM
Glad you are home doing well. Take it easy and write more when you can. In the meantime, rest.
Marcy
Marcy
djl
12-02-2006, 10:51 PM
Hi guys, quick question
Dealing eith low grade fevers only at night. 100.4 to100.9 It has only been what 3 days since surgery...normal for this right??
Dealing eith low grade fevers only at night. 100.4 to100.9 It has only been what 3 days since surgery...normal for this right??
SpineAZ
12-02-2006, 10:59 PM
If you are only running the low grade fevers at night I wonder if it might be related to fatigue and build up of the days stress, etc. But, just to be safe, call your doctor if the fevers are constant or get worse. I did have a low grade fever (100.0) for about 3-5 days after the surgery and then none after that as far as I know.