MargaretM123
06-16-2007, 11:08 AM
Just an update to let eveyrone know I had my ACDF surgery on Thursday. Last time they tried (on May 21) they couldn't intubate me. This time everything went well and I came home last night. My neurosurgeon fixed the herniated discs at C4/5, and C5/6, as well as removed two bone spurs and freed up my spinal cord. I had cervical spinal stenosis as well as the herniated discs and bone spurs.
I won't say it was a breeze, but I am doing ok. Slept well last night in my own bed on two pillows and was able to sleep on the side that didn't have surgery.
I am only taking extra strength tylenol for pain, as well as ice packs. I didn't care for the morphine, and Vicadin doesn't agree with me.
I noticed the first time they had me out of bed that my left heel wasn't numb any more. It had been numb for over a year. I ache too much to notice other improvements, but I'm hoping I will in time.
I return in two weeks for my first checkup and x-ray, and will be given a bone growth stimulator at that time. I have to wear the collar until then, but can take it off when I sleep.
The incision is about two inches long and I will admit that I lookl like Frankenstein at the moment. There's glue over the incision so I can shower and wash my hair.
I'll keep you posted as I recover.
marge
I won't say it was a breeze, but I am doing ok. Slept well last night in my own bed on two pillows and was able to sleep on the side that didn't have surgery.
I am only taking extra strength tylenol for pain, as well as ice packs. I didn't care for the morphine, and Vicadin doesn't agree with me.
I noticed the first time they had me out of bed that my left heel wasn't numb any more. It had been numb for over a year. I ache too much to notice other improvements, but I'm hoping I will in time.
I return in two weeks for my first checkup and x-ray, and will be given a bone growth stimulator at that time. I have to wear the collar until then, but can take it off when I sleep.
The incision is about two inches long and I will admit that I lookl like Frankenstein at the moment. There's glue over the incision so I can shower and wash my hair.
I'll keep you posted as I recover.
marge
Sponsor
monarog
06-16-2007, 11:22 AM
Hi Marge,
Glad to hear surgery went okay for you this time. Nice to notice some foot numbness gone already. Yes, please keep us posted on how recovery is going for you. For me, I am trying to look at progress week by week instead of day by day - otherwise I get discouraged. Hope you see continual improvement. Mona
Glad to hear surgery went okay for you this time. Nice to notice some foot numbness gone already. Yes, please keep us posted on how recovery is going for you. For me, I am trying to look at progress week by week instead of day by day - otherwise I get discouraged. Hope you see continual improvement. Mona
SKZ
06-16-2007, 01:45 PM
Glad you are doing OK. As far as the scar goes, mine is 2 inches across and looked pretty bad at first. I am 5 months out and I can hardly see it now. Its amazing how it faded.
gia1
06-16-2007, 06:36 PM
Great stuff Marge, I also had the bride of frankenstein look. I still have my collar 'til the 27th, unfortunately my NS has me in it 24/7, except for shower.
SpineAZ
06-16-2007, 07:12 PM
Congratulations on making it this far and be sure to take it easy!
MargaretM123
06-17-2007, 07:08 PM
Thank you all for your support. Today is the third day since the surgery and I'm hurting the most today. Feels like someone hit me in back of my head with a bat. I can't swallow, can't get comfortable and the numbness is still there. It took forever to take a bath today, then I needed a two hour nap to recover. I keep asking myself why I deliberately let someone do this to me!
I sure hope it gets better with time. My husband will be home with me one more day then I'm on my own and I have no idea how I will get through the day alone.
Marge
I sure hope it gets better with time. My husband will be home with me one more day then I'm on my own and I have no idea how I will get through the day alone.
Marge