SherryElaine
02-07-2003, 08:02 PM
Hello Renee016... Have you got in to see a doctor yet for your neck problems?
Empi... How are you doing now? Are you still doing good post op? I hope so. I think you have cervical surgery?
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Sher
Empi... How are you doing now? Are you still doing good post op? I hope so. I think you have cervical surgery?
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Sher
Sponsor
Renee016
02-08-2003, 01:22 AM
Hi, SherryElaine :wave: Forgive me, I'm sorry but I don't remember when I heard from you so I will give a brief rundown - three herniated discs in the neck -
C5-6 is the one of most concern, totally ruptured and pressing on the spinal cord. MRI's showed no nerve root compression which explains why I'm not have trouble with my arms. Continuous weakness in legs with tingling in feet and burning in right thigh - orthopedist and nuerosurgeon both recommending one- level ACDF. I am going to see a second nuerosurgeon on Monday and then I will make a decision on who's going to do surgery.
I'm feeling a little better actually - I don't know if it has to do with not working (lost my job on 1/24). There were a couple of days last week that were really bad but now I'm starting to wonder about everything. This is so confusing http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif - I had ten levels fused in my back 20 yrs ago for scoliosis, the last thing I need is another fusion. I don't want to do it if it's not absolutely necessary but then again the doctors are talking myelopathy and that's not something I want to mess around with either.
Sorry, just venting. Oh well, how are you feeling and what's new?
Renee :angel:
C5-6 is the one of most concern, totally ruptured and pressing on the spinal cord. MRI's showed no nerve root compression which explains why I'm not have trouble with my arms. Continuous weakness in legs with tingling in feet and burning in right thigh - orthopedist and nuerosurgeon both recommending one- level ACDF. I am going to see a second nuerosurgeon on Monday and then I will make a decision on who's going to do surgery.
I'm feeling a little better actually - I don't know if it has to do with not working (lost my job on 1/24). There were a couple of days last week that were really bad but now I'm starting to wonder about everything. This is so confusing http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif - I had ten levels fused in my back 20 yrs ago for scoliosis, the last thing I need is another fusion. I don't want to do it if it's not absolutely necessary but then again the doctors are talking myelopathy and that's not something I want to mess around with either.
Sorry, just venting. Oh well, how are you feeling and what's new?
Renee :angel:
SherryElaine
02-08-2003, 12:04 PM
Hi Renee
I know what you mean. I have never had spine surgery before altho I have had lumbar pain for 16 years. My probelm now is cervical C/5/6. I have pinched nerves from bone spurs and bulging disc not sure about cord compression. Just had a new MRI and have not been back to doctor yet, appointment is Tuesday the 11th. My pain comes and goes so I am confused too. When it hurts is really hurts and when it doesn't I wonder should I go thru with this or wait it out some more. When it hurts it makes me miserable and sick with the whole arm and fingers on one side and one day washing my hair my arm just fell down like it was not mine. But then next day hardly any pain. When I was active it was bad but now I am at home not working and secondary and so the pain has let up. Still can't stand to be hugged or pushed or anything like that if it makes me move my head back or forwards. I am just scared of surgery. I have been to 3 different doctors so far. One said surgery the sooner the better the other said let you pain be your guide and now this one I am seeing has not said yet but waiting on the new MRI to see on the 11th. But I got some bad news yesterday from my insurance, they are not paying for my MRI now saying I have a pre-existing condition so now I had to call my old insurnace and get all my info from them which I have not got yet and who knows how long that will take and then fax it to my new insurance and they will decide if they will pay for anything on me. So now I have that to worry about too. Life is fun ah? If you have the surgery it is going to be one level? and are they going to use donor bone and plating? Good luck with yours and keep posting...
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Sher
I know what you mean. I have never had spine surgery before altho I have had lumbar pain for 16 years. My probelm now is cervical C/5/6. I have pinched nerves from bone spurs and bulging disc not sure about cord compression. Just had a new MRI and have not been back to doctor yet, appointment is Tuesday the 11th. My pain comes and goes so I am confused too. When it hurts is really hurts and when it doesn't I wonder should I go thru with this or wait it out some more. When it hurts it makes me miserable and sick with the whole arm and fingers on one side and one day washing my hair my arm just fell down like it was not mine. But then next day hardly any pain. When I was active it was bad but now I am at home not working and secondary and so the pain has let up. Still can't stand to be hugged or pushed or anything like that if it makes me move my head back or forwards. I am just scared of surgery. I have been to 3 different doctors so far. One said surgery the sooner the better the other said let you pain be your guide and now this one I am seeing has not said yet but waiting on the new MRI to see on the 11th. But I got some bad news yesterday from my insurance, they are not paying for my MRI now saying I have a pre-existing condition so now I had to call my old insurnace and get all my info from them which I have not got yet and who knows how long that will take and then fax it to my new insurance and they will decide if they will pay for anything on me. So now I have that to worry about too. Life is fun ah? If you have the surgery it is going to be one level? and are they going to use donor bone and plating? Good luck with yours and keep posting...
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Sher
Renee016
02-09-2003, 12:18 AM
Hi, Sherry - sorry to hear about your insurance headache. It's got me thinking now that maybe I'd better have the surgery now so I don't have any problems being covered in the future.
I would have a one-level (C5-6) fusion with donor bone and a metal plate. At least, that's how the two doctors I've seen say they would do it but I'm still looking for a surgeon. I lost confidence in my orthopedist (long story) and I'm being told that a nuerosurgeon should do it anyway. The one I saw was recommended by a friend who knows like three people he has operated on but I found him to be "cold". Not that that makes him a bad surgeon but I want to talk to a couple more doctors.
My concern is that I have another disc (C4-5) that is torn and I'm worried about it getting worse and needing surgery again in the future. Also, I don't want to go now for surgery on C5-6 and still be in pain because of the other disc. The two doctors I've seen don't want to fuse more than one level unless it's absolutely necessary but it makes you wonder - are they being sincere or is it the money?
Anyway, are you not working by choice or because of pain? I haven't experienced any arm pain but it must be difficult to work with. Did your MRI show any nerve root compression? Also, did you ever have an EMG?
Take care
Renee :angel:
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1982 Fusion surgery for scoliosis with stainless steel Harrington Rod (T5 - L3) using pelvic bone for grafting
1999 Neck problems began
2001 Cervical Kyphosis
2003 3 Herniated Cervical Discs - C4 thru C7. One disc (C5-6) pressing on the spinal cord (no nerve root compression) causing leg weakness, tingling and burning - diagnosed with myelopathy and anterior cervical discectomy recommended.
Still looking for surgeon.
I would have a one-level (C5-6) fusion with donor bone and a metal plate. At least, that's how the two doctors I've seen say they would do it but I'm still looking for a surgeon. I lost confidence in my orthopedist (long story) and I'm being told that a nuerosurgeon should do it anyway. The one I saw was recommended by a friend who knows like three people he has operated on but I found him to be "cold". Not that that makes him a bad surgeon but I want to talk to a couple more doctors.
My concern is that I have another disc (C4-5) that is torn and I'm worried about it getting worse and needing surgery again in the future. Also, I don't want to go now for surgery on C5-6 and still be in pain because of the other disc. The two doctors I've seen don't want to fuse more than one level unless it's absolutely necessary but it makes you wonder - are they being sincere or is it the money?
Anyway, are you not working by choice or because of pain? I haven't experienced any arm pain but it must be difficult to work with. Did your MRI show any nerve root compression? Also, did you ever have an EMG?
Take care
Renee :angel:
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1982 Fusion surgery for scoliosis with stainless steel Harrington Rod (T5 - L3) using pelvic bone for grafting
1999 Neck problems began
2001 Cervical Kyphosis
2003 3 Herniated Cervical Discs - C4 thru C7. One disc (C5-6) pressing on the spinal cord (no nerve root compression) causing leg weakness, tingling and burning - diagnosed with myelopathy and anterior cervical discectomy recommended.
Still looking for surgeon.
SherryElaine
02-09-2003, 03:22 AM
Yes mine is nerve root compression and yes I had a EMG which shows no damage so far. I have had this for 18 months and started with one insurance and never went thru with the surgery and now that our insurance has changed I may not be covered due to pre-exisiting condition so you might want to think about that when puting things off like I did. My pain is not why I am not working right now. I was working for a temp service and that is over and now I just been busy doig for my sister but I need to go back to work. Husband says wait until after surgery to look for job but I may have to before that now...
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Sher
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Sher
Renee016
02-09-2003, 11:24 PM
I have been working for a temp service also. I lost my last permanent job after 9/11 and had trouble finding a new job so I decided to give it a try. I didn't plan on sticking with it so long but when all this stuff started happening I didn't want to look for anything permanent yet.
Anyway, the past couple of days I have this horrid sore throat - it hurts so bad. I get them a lot (more often than not) - my doctor says from Epstein-Barr virus. Usually it's mild but it's been bad - I got antibiotics for it a couple of weeks ago and now it is back. Do you think this will put off surgery if I go for it right away?
Take care, Renee :angel:
Anyway, the past couple of days I have this horrid sore throat - it hurts so bad. I get them a lot (more often than not) - my doctor says from Epstein-Barr virus. Usually it's mild but it's been bad - I got antibiotics for it a couple of weeks ago and now it is back. Do you think this will put off surgery if I go for it right away?
Take care, Renee :angel:
SherryElaine
02-10-2003, 12:19 AM
Hello Renee
I don't know anything about the sore thing or the epstin thing you mention. I have no idea what that is and if it would effect surgery, I would ask the next doctor you see. I kept thinking I was going to get the flu before I get in but now with this darn insurance issue who knows when I can get anything done now. What makes me so mad is my husband did not change jobs but the company changed insurance and the hand out book he got said it would not have any pre-existing conditions but then 6 months later surprise! it does possibly. Oh well I am trying to think positive, every thing happens for a reason...
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Sher
I don't know anything about the sore thing or the epstin thing you mention. I have no idea what that is and if it would effect surgery, I would ask the next doctor you see. I kept thinking I was going to get the flu before I get in but now with this darn insurance issue who knows when I can get anything done now. What makes me so mad is my husband did not change jobs but the company changed insurance and the hand out book he got said it would not have any pre-existing conditions but then 6 months later surprise! it does possibly. Oh well I am trying to think positive, every thing happens for a reason...
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Sher
PsychLea
02-10-2003, 01:10 AM
Sher,
Don't stress too much over the insurance thing. Same thing happened to me when I switched jobs and insurance. If you have any problems, your husb should talk to the HR person at his work and get it straightened out.
It only took a week to get my "proof of previous coverage" taken care of.
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God bless,
Lea
Don't stress too much over the insurance thing. Same thing happened to me when I switched jobs and insurance. If you have any problems, your husb should talk to the HR person at his work and get it straightened out.
It only took a week to get my "proof of previous coverage" taken care of.
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God bless,
Lea
Renee016
02-12-2003, 02:53 PM
Hi, Sherry :wave: How did your appointment go yesterday and what were the results of your MRI? Did you find out anything from your insurance company yet?
I saw another nuerosurgeon yesterday who is also recommending surgery - so now I have three opinions. I just have to choose a doctor. Any advice on this?
Hoping your feeling better
Renee :angel:
I saw another nuerosurgeon yesterday who is also recommending surgery - so now I have three opinions. I just have to choose a doctor. Any advice on this?
Hoping your feeling better
Renee :angel:
SherryElaine
02-12-2003, 07:17 PM
Hello Renee
Yes I did go to the doctor yesterday and he said my MRI had not changed much from the last one. My C5/6 disc is hard not soft and also have bone spurs surounding it which is what's causing the arm pain and thumb pain cause it is pressing on nerves but my spinal cord is ok. Doctor said I can keep on living in pain with out worry to spinal cord but will continue to have the nerve pain so live with that or have surgery. This has been going on for 21 months and he said I should have had surgery with in the first 3 months as to not have permanet nerve damage. But he did say he is pretty sure 95 to 100 percent that if I do have surgery the pain will be gone and not be permanet. He said he recomended donor bone and plating but I could op for my own bone and no plating but it is more painful and most people do not want to do that. Also would have to wear the neck brace for only 2 weeks and not drive for 2 weeks. He said the only thing I should feel after surgery is a really bad sore throat and my arm should be pain free and he sees no other pain in volved unless my neck did not heal and then I would have neck pain but he never sees that. He also said after 3 months I should have no restrictions. He says he does about 40 of these operations a year and one of his patients is a fighter and he is back to fighting and getting slammed and doing ok with his. He said it is about an hour and 15 minute operation and he makes it sound like no big deal. I asked about the plate and the size and he said for me being small he would use a 2 milimeter size. I still don't know how big that is.. I am going to look that up. LOL I asked about the an implant cause at this place they do implants on lower backs, but he said FDA has not approved the implant on necks yet and a person would have to go over seas for that. He said he is very knowledgeable about them and I would not be a canidate for it any way cause I have a hard disc and they only work on soft disc patients???? So I said sign me up for surgery if my insurance will aprove it, so for now my suregry date is set for March 6th unless insurance says NO... Also this doctor said he likes to meet a family member the day before surgery to talk to them about my surgery but that it was not nessary but he likes to do it to make the patient feel comfortable... whewww I have typed a book now... This doctor is orthopedic but is a specialist and does nothing but backs and fellowship trained.... Now tell me what your doctor said. I need to go back and re read what you wrote. If I did not answer your questions let me know. I am still scared tho and I aint gonna lie about that......
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Sher
Yes I did go to the doctor yesterday and he said my MRI had not changed much from the last one. My C5/6 disc is hard not soft and also have bone spurs surounding it which is what's causing the arm pain and thumb pain cause it is pressing on nerves but my spinal cord is ok. Doctor said I can keep on living in pain with out worry to spinal cord but will continue to have the nerve pain so live with that or have surgery. This has been going on for 21 months and he said I should have had surgery with in the first 3 months as to not have permanet nerve damage. But he did say he is pretty sure 95 to 100 percent that if I do have surgery the pain will be gone and not be permanet. He said he recomended donor bone and plating but I could op for my own bone and no plating but it is more painful and most people do not want to do that. Also would have to wear the neck brace for only 2 weeks and not drive for 2 weeks. He said the only thing I should feel after surgery is a really bad sore throat and my arm should be pain free and he sees no other pain in volved unless my neck did not heal and then I would have neck pain but he never sees that. He also said after 3 months I should have no restrictions. He says he does about 40 of these operations a year and one of his patients is a fighter and he is back to fighting and getting slammed and doing ok with his. He said it is about an hour and 15 minute operation and he makes it sound like no big deal. I asked about the plate and the size and he said for me being small he would use a 2 milimeter size. I still don't know how big that is.. I am going to look that up. LOL I asked about the an implant cause at this place they do implants on lower backs, but he said FDA has not approved the implant on necks yet and a person would have to go over seas for that. He said he is very knowledgeable about them and I would not be a canidate for it any way cause I have a hard disc and they only work on soft disc patients???? So I said sign me up for surgery if my insurance will aprove it, so for now my suregry date is set for March 6th unless insurance says NO... Also this doctor said he likes to meet a family member the day before surgery to talk to them about my surgery but that it was not nessary but he likes to do it to make the patient feel comfortable... whewww I have typed a book now... This doctor is orthopedic but is a specialist and does nothing but backs and fellowship trained.... Now tell me what your doctor said. I need to go back and re read what you wrote. If I did not answer your questions let me know. I am still scared tho and I aint gonna lie about that......
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Sher
Renee016
02-12-2003, 11:31 PM
Hi, Sherry. I'm glad to hear that nothing has worsened and your spinal cord is okay. I never heard of soft disc vs. hard disc. I don't know how big 2mm is either but the one doctor showed me the plate he would use on me and it was, say, a little smaller than your thumb.
The new doctor I saw is also recommending surgery - same kind (anterior one-level fusion with donor bone and metal plate).
I asked about the other disc that is torn but he thought it would be better to wait on that one - he says if it gets worse and I need surgery again that by that time they may have better options available (i.e. artificial disc).
I asked him if it was possible that this might reverse itself without surgery (being that I've been feeling a little better the past week). He said that it is possible that the disc could "encapsulate" itself but it is rare and the possibility is far less than the possibility of it worsening. He said it could worsen all of a sudden very quickly and the worse it gets the less chance of full recovery and greater risk of permanent damage. Also, even if it did encapsulate, it may not relieve my symptoms, just stop it from progressing.
He is also the first doctor to acknowledge my scoliosis and the possibility of greater stress on my cervical spine due to prior surgery. He said that could have caused kyphosis in my neck, which in turn could have perpetuated ruptured disc.
We also spoke about other possibilities for my symptoms - i.e. lower back. He said normally he would send me for another MRI on my lumbar spine but with the hardware in my back the pictures would not come out clear enough. The only thing he could do is have me go for a myleogram which is where they inject a dye into your spinal canal but it is probably not necessary at this point unless my symptoms are not relieved by surgery.
To sum it all up from all three doctors, even if my symptoms are caused by something else or by some chance just disappear, I would still need the surgery because the disc is totally useless and if it is not fused I could end up with some sort of arthritis from the bones rubbing together and this is more difficult to correct.
Now I am just going to do some checking up on these doctors with the AMA, choose one and schedule surgery.
I'm glad to hear you scheduled surgery http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif and I hope everything works out with your insurance. Let me know how all goes.
Take care, Renee :angel:
The new doctor I saw is also recommending surgery - same kind (anterior one-level fusion with donor bone and metal plate).
I asked about the other disc that is torn but he thought it would be better to wait on that one - he says if it gets worse and I need surgery again that by that time they may have better options available (i.e. artificial disc).
I asked him if it was possible that this might reverse itself without surgery (being that I've been feeling a little better the past week). He said that it is possible that the disc could "encapsulate" itself but it is rare and the possibility is far less than the possibility of it worsening. He said it could worsen all of a sudden very quickly and the worse it gets the less chance of full recovery and greater risk of permanent damage. Also, even if it did encapsulate, it may not relieve my symptoms, just stop it from progressing.
He is also the first doctor to acknowledge my scoliosis and the possibility of greater stress on my cervical spine due to prior surgery. He said that could have caused kyphosis in my neck, which in turn could have perpetuated ruptured disc.
We also spoke about other possibilities for my symptoms - i.e. lower back. He said normally he would send me for another MRI on my lumbar spine but with the hardware in my back the pictures would not come out clear enough. The only thing he could do is have me go for a myleogram which is where they inject a dye into your spinal canal but it is probably not necessary at this point unless my symptoms are not relieved by surgery.
To sum it all up from all three doctors, even if my symptoms are caused by something else or by some chance just disappear, I would still need the surgery because the disc is totally useless and if it is not fused I could end up with some sort of arthritis from the bones rubbing together and this is more difficult to correct.
Now I am just going to do some checking up on these doctors with the AMA, choose one and schedule surgery.
I'm glad to hear you scheduled surgery http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif and I hope everything works out with your insurance. Let me know how all goes.
Take care, Renee :angel:
SherryElaine
02-13-2003, 11:14 AM
How do you check the AMA? All I ever knew to do was go to the court house and look up public records on someone to see if they have any law suits past or present.... You mentioned arthritis and not having it yet, I guess that is what I have cause my MRI report says moderate to large osteophytes which results in narrowing of the nerve root canals and I did a search on it and it means spuring, arthritis. I was told it was natures way of trying to fuse its self.
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Sher
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Sher
Renee016
02-13-2003, 08:55 PM
Wow, that's very interesting. Did you ever have a herniated disc that you know of and how are the discs in your neck now? Maybe that's what my doctor was referring to.
I had a new development in my symptoms today and I'm afraid that I'm losing bladder control http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/redface.gif Tomorrow I am calling the doctor I have chosen and scheduling surgery for ASAP!!! I was feeling better and I don't know what happened all of a sudden - my legs are so achy and weak, I can't even bend down to pick something up. I really think the cold weather makes it worse - it was only only like 23 degrees here today on the East Coast. Do your symptoms get worse in the cold?
Talk to you soon,
Renee :angel:
I had a new development in my symptoms today and I'm afraid that I'm losing bladder control http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/redface.gif Tomorrow I am calling the doctor I have chosen and scheduling surgery for ASAP!!! I was feeling better and I don't know what happened all of a sudden - my legs are so achy and weak, I can't even bend down to pick something up. I really think the cold weather makes it worse - it was only only like 23 degrees here today on the East Coast. Do your symptoms get worse in the cold?
Talk to you soon,
Renee :angel:
Renee016
02-13-2003, 08:58 PM
Woops, I just realized - you're from Texas. I guess you don't know what 23 degrees feels like (hee-hee :D)
Renee :angel:
Renee :angel:
SherryElaine
02-13-2003, 10:14 PM
What state you live in? Nope never see 23 degrees around here. Right now I have my back door open and it is raining and about 65 degrees. The damp weather does affect my neck. Yes I do have a herniated disc at the C5/6 place and that is why I have spuring cause it is natures way of trying to do its own fusion is what I was told. All other disc are ok. See I fell in May 2001, off a scooter. Yeah one of those kids skate board things with a handle. I flipped backwards and landed on my BUTT and elbow on one side and slung my head back wards. Doctors say I had this disc problem and spuring long before I fell and it just did not bother me before until I fell. I can remember one time years ago I hurt my neck at Six Flags Over Texas and this may be from that injury long ago. I was on a rollor coster and when it took off I looked down and closed my eyes cause I was scared then the I tried to raise my head back up and the force of the ride would not let me so I was kissing my own chest until the ride was over and it was hurting my neck the whole time and it hurt for about 3 days. That was probably the start of this...... What does AMA stand for? American Medical Asociation?
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Sher
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Sher
SherryElaine
02-13-2003, 10:26 PM
PS
Yeah with the bladder problem you better act soon if it is from your spine causing it.... I have a some what bladder problem not bad but it is not from my neck. I am just old "48" ha If I am bent over and cough or sneeze watch out...
I found out one good thing today, the insurance is going to pay for my MRI after all. Thank Goodness cause that was almost $3.000.00 Still waiting on surgery aproval.....
Let me know how things go with you. I hope your symtoms do not get worse. You are on my prayer list.
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Sher
Yeah with the bladder problem you better act soon if it is from your spine causing it.... I have a some what bladder problem not bad but it is not from my neck. I am just old "48" ha If I am bent over and cough or sneeze watch out...
I found out one good thing today, the insurance is going to pay for my MRI after all. Thank Goodness cause that was almost $3.000.00 Still waiting on surgery aproval.....
Let me know how things go with you. I hope your symtoms do not get worse. You are on my prayer list.
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Sher
Renee016
02-14-2003, 12:20 PM
Hi, Sher. Yes, the AMA stands for the American Medical Association and is located in Albany, New York (they might have other locations but this is the only one I'm aware of because I live in great old New York, where it was 9 degrees out the morning by the way!)
Anyway, I scheduled my surgery this morning - it will be on Feb. 24th (yikes! :eek: ).
I am so glad for you that you got approved for your MRI! One less thing to worry about, right?
Take care
Renee :angel:
[This message has been edited by Renee016 (edited 02-14-2003).]
Anyway, I scheduled my surgery this morning - it will be on Feb. 24th (yikes! :eek: ).
I am so glad for you that you got approved for your MRI! One less thing to worry about, right?
Take care
Renee :angel:
[This message has been edited by Renee016 (edited 02-14-2003).]
SherryElaine
02-14-2003, 12:32 PM
WOW that was fast and the 24th is not very far away. Mine is still set for March 6th. What all do you have to do to prepare for it? Besides the blood work Chest Xray and EKG? Have they said you need any help at home after surgery and what your limited to do? I have not been told yet...
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Sher
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Sher
Renee016
02-14-2003, 02:10 PM
My doctor considers it somewhat of an emergency so they wanted to get me in real fast. (10 days, I can't believe it!) They told me the hospital will call me next week to come in for pre-op testing. The neck brace will be fitted after the surgery and limitations will be discussed then. They just love to keep you in the dark!! It would be nice to have some idea of what you can and cannot do and for how long, right? But I guess it depends on individual circumstances, too.
Let me know how everything goes with you and if you find out anything new.
Renee :angel:
Let me know how everything goes with you and if you find out anything new.
Renee :angel:
Jeannie45
02-17-2003, 07:21 PM
Hi Renee & Sher-
I went to the doctor today. I am out of the hard collar and into a soft one, after 2-1/2 weeks!
I can tell you what they told me as far as limitations after surgery.
You won't be able to lift anything more than a 1 gallon milk carton (which weighs about 8 lbs.). No vacuuming or sweeping. I guess it's the motion they worry about. And do as little steps and bending as possible. Just figure on doing basically nothing for the first 2 weeks. I don't know if it will be different if you don't have the plate. I had the plate which basically holds the new bone in place while it's fusing.
I did have some oozing from the incision in my neck, so I have to go back in a week to have it rechecked. They don't want it to get infected.
Recouperation is an on-going process, but compared to how I felt before the surgery, I still feel great!
I will be thinking of you both. Renee on the 24th of Feb., and Sher on March 6th. I wish you both the best. Please keep me posted.
Jeannie
I went to the doctor today. I am out of the hard collar and into a soft one, after 2-1/2 weeks!
I can tell you what they told me as far as limitations after surgery.
You won't be able to lift anything more than a 1 gallon milk carton (which weighs about 8 lbs.). No vacuuming or sweeping. I guess it's the motion they worry about. And do as little steps and bending as possible. Just figure on doing basically nothing for the first 2 weeks. I don't know if it will be different if you don't have the plate. I had the plate which basically holds the new bone in place while it's fusing.
I did have some oozing from the incision in my neck, so I have to go back in a week to have it rechecked. They don't want it to get infected.
Recouperation is an on-going process, but compared to how I felt before the surgery, I still feel great!
I will be thinking of you both. Renee on the 24th of Feb., and Sher on March 6th. I wish you both the best. Please keep me posted.
Jeannie
SherryElaine
02-18-2003, 10:49 AM
Thanks Jennie
Do you mean no vacuming and sweeping first 2 weeks or they told you that after your 2 week visit? I am starting to feel better and it is making me have second thoughts about surgery but I know the better feeling won't last long. Soon as I would cancel surgery I would have BIG flare up I know. Thanks again..
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Sher
Do you mean no vacuming and sweeping first 2 weeks or they told you that after your 2 week visit? I am starting to feel better and it is making me have second thoughts about surgery but I know the better feeling won't last long. Soon as I would cancel surgery I would have BIG flare up I know. Thanks again..
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Sher
Jeannie45
02-18-2003, 07:54 PM
Hi Sher,
Glad to hear you're feeling better, but you're right, it probably won't last long.
The vacuuming was for the first 2 weeks. When I saw him yesterday, he said I could start to do whatever I wanted and to let my body tell me if I am over-doing. I can drive as soon as I feel comfortable with the range of motion in my neck.
It will be back to work for me on the 3rd of March! I wish you luck. It will be okay. Attitude has a lot to do with your recovery. So keep a positive attitude. A lot of people will be out here pulling for you!
Jeannie
Glad to hear you're feeling better, but you're right, it probably won't last long.
The vacuuming was for the first 2 weeks. When I saw him yesterday, he said I could start to do whatever I wanted and to let my body tell me if I am over-doing. I can drive as soon as I feel comfortable with the range of motion in my neck.
It will be back to work for me on the 3rd of March! I wish you luck. It will be okay. Attitude has a lot to do with your recovery. So keep a positive attitude. A lot of people will be out here pulling for you!
Jeannie
Renee016
02-18-2003, 10:24 PM
Jeannie, thanks for the info and I'm glad you're doing so well.
Sherry - I know the 2nd thoughts you're having - I get them too. I seem to feel better and I wonder if surgery is the right thing. I just have to keep reminding myself of what could happen if I don't have it (and the incident with the bladder problem). I know its time, I'm just getting scared. And I just can't believe I'm having another fusion!!!!
Just keep in mind all the pain you've been in and that you don't want permanent damage. I will be praying for you on that day, don't worry - like Jeannie said, state of mind is very important.
Renee :angel:
Sherry - I know the 2nd thoughts you're having - I get them too. I seem to feel better and I wonder if surgery is the right thing. I just have to keep reminding myself of what could happen if I don't have it (and the incident with the bladder problem). I know its time, I'm just getting scared. And I just can't believe I'm having another fusion!!!!
Just keep in mind all the pain you've been in and that you don't want permanent damage. I will be praying for you on that day, don't worry - like Jeannie said, state of mind is very important.
Renee :angel:
SherryElaine
02-20-2003, 12:55 AM
Hi Renee
I think your problem is worse than mine since you have spinal cord compression and the bladder incident. Even tho mine is nerve root compresion causing arm and thumb pain and muscle spazms, your right I don't want permanet nerve damage. It is not an emergency problem. I am just scared of winding up worse after surgery. Which probably won't happen but still is a thought that runs thru my mind. I am trying to get in the right frame of mind to get thru this and deal with family problems here at the same time.
I am praying for you also. It is a comfort to read post from you and others here about these things we go thru.
I still have not heard back from doctor office if insurance has given the OK yet.
Bed time, I will check back tomorrow on you guys... Good Night...
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Sher
I think your problem is worse than mine since you have spinal cord compression and the bladder incident. Even tho mine is nerve root compresion causing arm and thumb pain and muscle spazms, your right I don't want permanet nerve damage. It is not an emergency problem. I am just scared of winding up worse after surgery. Which probably won't happen but still is a thought that runs thru my mind. I am trying to get in the right frame of mind to get thru this and deal with family problems here at the same time.
I am praying for you also. It is a comfort to read post from you and others here about these things we go thru.
I still have not heard back from doctor office if insurance has given the OK yet.
Bed time, I will check back tomorrow on you guys... Good Night...
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Sher
Renee016
02-21-2003, 10:05 AM
My thing is that I'm not having any real pain - I have other symptoms (i.e., weakness, tingling, etc.) I think that if I was in pain I would be looking forward to the surgery more. I keep wondering about my lower back and if there are any problems there. I know I need the operation either way but I hate to think I'll have it and not feel any better. Worse still I hate to think I'll need it again for something else.
I think its natural to have doubts and be worried. We just have to remember what brought us to this point and if we don't do something about it now it will get worse.
What you have I think requires a different operation with a longer recovery time, right? What exactly are you having done? Isn't it better to do sooner than later and while you're younger.
Hang in there - waiting is the worst part.
Renee :angel:
I think its natural to have doubts and be worried. We just have to remember what brought us to this point and if we don't do something about it now it will get worse.
What you have I think requires a different operation with a longer recovery time, right? What exactly are you having done? Isn't it better to do sooner than later and while you're younger.
Hang in there - waiting is the worst part.
Renee :angel:
SherryElaine
02-21-2003, 12:07 PM
No I think I am having the same thing done as you??? Taking out disc at the C5/6 level and replacing it with donor bone to make a fusion and also removing bone spurs then placing plate with screws..... Doctor said most people only off work for 2 weeks. After 3 months no restrictions at all.
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Sher
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Sher
Jeannie45
02-22-2003, 07:30 PM
Hi Renee,
Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that I'm thinking about you. I know you are scheduled for Monday, but I figured you are probably busy and maybe won't be posting before you go. Know that we are praying for you, and will talk to you soon!
Jeannie
Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that I'm thinking about you. I know you are scheduled for Monday, but I figured you are probably busy and maybe won't be posting before you go. Know that we are praying for you, and will talk to you soon!
Jeannie
empi
03-03-2003, 07:10 PM
Hi Rene. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Thank you for asking. I am doing sooo good. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I see the doc on 3/7 for my 4 month post op visit. I still may need a laminectom to take care of the spinal cord narrowing between C-4 and C-6 but first he will do a Myelogram to make sure I need one. I'll keep you posted and thank you for asking.
How are you doing. Drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you
empi
How are you doing. Drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you
empi