Queenie22
08-16-2008, 10:44 PM
Hi. I am new to this board and trying to figure out how to post my situation but I can't find where I do that at. So I am replying to your post. I am going to have 3 level disc fusion. I am seeing my neuro surgeon on Thursday. So I will find out more then. I am terrified!! I am recovering from total knee replacement in May. It was a revision of a revision surgery. So I have had a lot of knee surgery. But the neck is new to me. I am very scared and don't know what to expect. How long was your surgery? did you have donor bone or did you do your own? How does that work? I have a lot of questions. Let me know how I can post my own situation in order to get some replys to help me out. I just am dreading this surgery. My pain is really bad. i have horrible neck pain and arm pain, right greater than left, but bad. I can't do anything hardly with that arm. I had 2 rounds of epidurals the last set didn't help at all. I am on Percocet 10 mg, and they are not helping me. Just kind of let me know what to do. And any advice would be so appreciated. Thanks! Susan
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08-17-2008, 07:45 PM
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33george
08-18-2008, 11:49 AM
I had a c-3 fusion back in 1994 which went well at the time. They put in a donor bone. Understand from the hip area my time in the hospital would have been longer. As it was I spent 21/2 days there. The next six weeks was a slow recovery period at home with hardly any type of work, etc. My wife thought I was lazy before the surgery!!
I can identify the fear you are having about the unknown. But, you will be fine and look back and wonder why all that fear. Trust your doctor and follow his instructions.
At this point problems have been enocutered with my neck casuing a gerat deal of pain including headaches. I foresee another surgery in the near future.
I can identify the fear you are having about the unknown. But, you will be fine and look back and wonder why all that fear. Trust your doctor and follow his instructions.
At this point problems have been enocutered with my neck casuing a gerat deal of pain including headaches. I foresee another surgery in the near future.
MisfitCharlie
08-18-2008, 12:27 PM
Sorry I can't offer any advice, I'm new to this also but I do understand how scared you are I'm headed for a 2 level acdf on Sept. 16th. and am having a hard time coping myself, no surgery experience other than tonsels and a c section 20 yrs ago.
keep reading this board there are alot wonderful people here that have some great advice.I wish you luck in your recovery.
And to the regulars on this board ,thank you !!!! even though I havent posted myself before today. Your stories have helped me more than I can say.
Misfit
keep reading this board there are alot wonderful people here that have some great advice.I wish you luck in your recovery.
And to the regulars on this board ,thank you !!!! even though I havent posted myself before today. Your stories have helped me more than I can say.
Misfit
SpineAZ
08-19-2008, 01:35 AM
Queenie:
I found the ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) to be easier than any of the knee reconstructive surgeries I had. It doesn't go through any major muscle group and unlike the knee you don't have to worry about weight bearing on the joint. I had an Aspen collar for 6 weeks post ACDF and am glad I did. It did two primary things - kept me in a good position/alignment and helped me ease some post-surgical pain by helping me support my neck/head.
I found the ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) to be easier than any of the knee reconstructive surgeries I had. It doesn't go through any major muscle group and unlike the knee you don't have to worry about weight bearing on the joint. I had an Aspen collar for 6 weeks post ACDF and am glad I did. It did two primary things - kept me in a good position/alignment and helped me ease some post-surgical pain by helping me support my neck/head.
skych
08-19-2008, 10:29 AM
Hi Queenie,
I will be having a two level ACDF on September the 3rd. I am scared a bit myself but I have had many surgeries over the last 4 1/2 years. The ACDF will be surgery #8.
I have had 2 female surgeries 4 arm surgeries and 1 neck surgery already. The first neck surgery went through the posterior (back) of my neck and the pain post-op was pretty bad, but all the people here I have talked to say the anterior (frontal) approach is a lot easier as far as the post op pain.
I can't share my experience yet, but I do plan on using this topic forum and the Chronic pain forum to help me through this surgery and its recovery.
My ortho spine surgeon said I will be in an aspen hard collar for 4-6 weeks. They will put a plate and screws to stableize the spine and when they remove the disc material they will place a little spacer like piece of carbon fiber with some bone chips som of which are mine and some of which have ben grone in a lab. At least I think that is what is said. He told me no driving until I have the collar off and have gained some ROM (range of motion) back.
I am scared too! I am always scared of surgey. I think it is healthy to have some fears about surgery, and the fear I am having is something I need to work on everyday so as not to let it become my main focus and thoughts.
I hope that your doctor will have a plane of action for you soon and you can be on your way to recovery.
Misfit ... I wish you all the best as well on the 16th. I will be having C 4-6 fused what about the two of you ...what levels??
At least we will not be doing it alone because we will have eachother to talk too.
Chrissy
I will be having a two level ACDF on September the 3rd. I am scared a bit myself but I have had many surgeries over the last 4 1/2 years. The ACDF will be surgery #8.
I have had 2 female surgeries 4 arm surgeries and 1 neck surgery already. The first neck surgery went through the posterior (back) of my neck and the pain post-op was pretty bad, but all the people here I have talked to say the anterior (frontal) approach is a lot easier as far as the post op pain.
I can't share my experience yet, but I do plan on using this topic forum and the Chronic pain forum to help me through this surgery and its recovery.
My ortho spine surgeon said I will be in an aspen hard collar for 4-6 weeks. They will put a plate and screws to stableize the spine and when they remove the disc material they will place a little spacer like piece of carbon fiber with some bone chips som of which are mine and some of which have ben grone in a lab. At least I think that is what is said. He told me no driving until I have the collar off and have gained some ROM (range of motion) back.
I am scared too! I am always scared of surgey. I think it is healthy to have some fears about surgery, and the fear I am having is something I need to work on everyday so as not to let it become my main focus and thoughts.
I hope that your doctor will have a plane of action for you soon and you can be on your way to recovery.
Misfit ... I wish you all the best as well on the 16th. I will be having C 4-6 fused what about the two of you ...what levels??
At least we will not be doing it alone because we will have eachother to talk too.
Chrissy
Queenie22
08-20-2008, 09:24 AM
Thank you so much for all the replys! I greatly appreciate every one of them. I am seeing my surgeon tomorrow morning at 9am. I am so ready to get this over with. I have had 14 surgeries total, 5 total knee replacements! I had to have each knee replaced several times due to complications. So I am hearing that this surgery is far less painful than the total knee. So that is good to hear. I am concerned about after surgery and some of the things that can happen, like deeper voice, hoarse voice, and the pain not being relieved. Also has anyone had problems with swallowing after this surgery?? I am worried I will wake up and feel like I am being choked! Has anyone had problems once waking up??? I want to know exactly what to expect. I think the unknown is what is worrying me so much. My brother is having the same surgery on Monday! He is in California. We have the exact same disc. Mine are C4-5, C5-6, C6-7. Two are protruding into the spinal cord. I have severe arm and neck pain. Sleeping is horrible. I wake up in pain every night.
Does anyone have a good pain control that they want to share?? I haven't found one yet! Thanks for all the advice. I will let you all know tomorrow what the surgeon has to say and when I will be having the surgery. Thanks and have a great day! susan
Does anyone have a good pain control that they want to share?? I haven't found one yet! Thanks for all the advice. I will let you all know tomorrow what the surgeon has to say and when I will be having the surgery. Thanks and have a great day! susan