Sulynn
05-02-2003, 05:20 PM
I saw the NS today, he was nice enough to fit me in between surgeries since my neurologist said I needed to be seen quickly. The surgery is scheduled for the 10th of this month. He's doing it on a Saturday so I guess it must be kind of important that this gets done!
He doing C 5-6, donor bone with plate. This NS comes highly recommended. My neurologist said there are only 2 NS in our area that he would trust with the neck and this was one of them. But there were a couple of things things that concerned me when I met with him today. One was that he didn't seem concerned that I smoke. He said he uses donor bone on everybody because of the hip soreness and with the plate he doesn't see a difference in fusion...not even in smokers. The other thing that concerned me is that he said I would only be in a collar for a couple of weeks. Has any one else only had to wear their collar for a couple of weeks? He said I could go home that day or the following day. I think I'll be waiting until the following day!
Sulynn
He doing C 5-6, donor bone with plate. This NS comes highly recommended. My neurologist said there are only 2 NS in our area that he would trust with the neck and this was one of them. But there were a couple of things things that concerned me when I met with him today. One was that he didn't seem concerned that I smoke. He said he uses donor bone on everybody because of the hip soreness and with the plate he doesn't see a difference in fusion...not even in smokers. The other thing that concerned me is that he said I would only be in a collar for a couple of weeks. Has any one else only had to wear their collar for a couple of weeks? He said I could go home that day or the following day. I think I'll be waiting until the following day!
Sulynn
Sponsor
Debbie2
05-02-2003, 05:30 PM
I had done exactly what you are going in to have. My doctor told me to quit smoking, just like he would have told me to stop taking a medication. Ver matter of factly. Don't think all doctors are concerned with fusion and smoking as they may be with anesthesia. I don't think it would be good to be put under, with lungs compromised from smoking. That concerned me more. Plus he said it would help with the fuse. Remember, you have hardware (including screws), the collar thing is not that big of deal. Wasn't to my doctor either. Told me to wear the collar for a week (Miami J) and that was it. I wore it two and did while driving as a passenger for a month.
I had my surgery at Johns Hopkins so I felt like I never had to question my doctor. Yet, I still did what was more comfortable for me...
You'll do fine.
Debbie2
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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
I had my surgery at Johns Hopkins so I felt like I never had to question my doctor. Yet, I still did what was more comfortable for me...
You'll do fine.
Debbie2
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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
Cherylha
05-02-2003, 08:34 PM
I had and ACDF on C5/C6 on Oct. 02. Used my own hip bone with plating and screws. I just had an MRI done today and now the the disc above where I have the plating is compressing the cord. Have had severe pain in the neck, shoulders and arms for the past week. I also smoke, but that did not slow the fusion down. The fusion is completely healed and looks fine on X-rays. I was in a soft collar for 5 weeks and returned to my desk job at 4 weeks post op.
It does look like I will have to have another surgery for the disc above. It look like before everything is done and over with that I will have alot of hip on my shoulders LOL. Will keep everyone informed to my porgress.
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Cheryl
It does look like I will have to have another surgery for the disc above. It look like before everything is done and over with that I will have alot of hip on my shoulders LOL. Will keep everyone informed to my porgress.
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Cheryl
Sulynn
05-02-2003, 09:53 PM
This is one of the (many) things that I fear. I have a small disc herniation at c 4-5. I'm afraid that it will become a big problem very quickly because of the stress on it due to the surgery on c 5-6. I'm sorry you have to go through this again. I hope that before any of mine go again they'll be using artificial discs.
Sulynn
Sulynn
jdog
05-02-2003, 10:39 PM
Sulynn -
I had a 2 level done Aug. 2002. C5/6/7 with donor bone and full hardware. I've got high blood pressure and I'm a diabetic. When my surgeon opened me up, he had underestimated the job. I'm a big guy, and he told me later that it was the most extensive job he had ever done.
I would suggest that you quit smoking. I rather have you around longer. :) As for a collar, my NS doesn't care for them. He gave me one to hang on my wall. I wore it twice, once when a nurse forced me to and once when I had to drive 600 miles to attend my dad's funeral (a stupid move, but could not be helped).
I had some complications that kept me in the ICU longer than expected. As a result, my legs were weak and I used a cane for about a month. I also used a Fusion device from BioTek for about 4 months which is supposed to help align the calcium ions (atoms, electrons?) and help the fusion along. Just 2 electrodes taped to my nect and I carried the device in my shirt pocket (about 3 ounces with the 9V battery).
I know that you will do well in your surgery. I will be pulling for you. Make sure that you take care of things that you will need after your surgery. Some suggestions: (1) double your bill payments so you have a credit balance so you don't have to worry about sitting down and writing checks (2) move everything that you will need down to chest level to waist level. (3) Buy cans of soda, not 2 liter bottles, you will have problems carrying heavy objects for a while. A can of soda is a heavy object, trust me. (4) Buy a lot of soft food... yougurt, applesauce, jello to help your throat out. (5) Ask your doc to issue you a temporary handicap parking permit.
Best of luck. You will do fine.
jdog
I had a 2 level done Aug. 2002. C5/6/7 with donor bone and full hardware. I've got high blood pressure and I'm a diabetic. When my surgeon opened me up, he had underestimated the job. I'm a big guy, and he told me later that it was the most extensive job he had ever done.
I would suggest that you quit smoking. I rather have you around longer. :) As for a collar, my NS doesn't care for them. He gave me one to hang on my wall. I wore it twice, once when a nurse forced me to and once when I had to drive 600 miles to attend my dad's funeral (a stupid move, but could not be helped).
I had some complications that kept me in the ICU longer than expected. As a result, my legs were weak and I used a cane for about a month. I also used a Fusion device from BioTek for about 4 months which is supposed to help align the calcium ions (atoms, electrons?) and help the fusion along. Just 2 electrodes taped to my nect and I carried the device in my shirt pocket (about 3 ounces with the 9V battery).
I know that you will do well in your surgery. I will be pulling for you. Make sure that you take care of things that you will need after your surgery. Some suggestions: (1) double your bill payments so you have a credit balance so you don't have to worry about sitting down and writing checks (2) move everything that you will need down to chest level to waist level. (3) Buy cans of soda, not 2 liter bottles, you will have problems carrying heavy objects for a while. A can of soda is a heavy object, trust me. (4) Buy a lot of soft food... yougurt, applesauce, jello to help your throat out. (5) Ask your doc to issue you a temporary handicap parking permit.
Best of luck. You will do fine.
jdog
Debbie2
05-02-2003, 11:59 PM
I too had other problems with other discs, I just can't remember which one's the report said. In fact, I don't remember or care to remember, when they bother me (which someday I'm sure they will) I will worry about it then. My doctor says sometimes it takes a couple of years, sometimes 10 years, sometimes longer.
I just needed to get through this first one, which I did... and I haven't had any problems since with other discs.
One day at a time, one disc at a time.
Try and quit smoking if you can, and let us know what else is worrying you Sulynn ...
Debbie
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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
I just needed to get through this first one, which I did... and I haven't had any problems since with other discs.
One day at a time, one disc at a time.
Try and quit smoking if you can, and let us know what else is worrying you Sulynn ...
Debbie
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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
Sulynn
05-03-2003, 10:59 AM
Thank you so much for the support.
Jdog, I'm making a list of things to do to prepare. I'm sorry about your father, how awful that must have been for you.
Debbie, one day at a time, one disc at a time...I will remember that :)
I guess whats worrying me the most right now is the recovery...yuck! The problem is I'm in no pain. This has never caused me pain. A little soreness sometimes, a little stiffness, but never what I would call pain. I have pins and needles in my fingers and a leg that's a bit heavy, but nothing that prevents me from sleeping great at night and doing all the things I want to do. I've been raking the yard, mowing, washing my car...there is really nothing I can't do. This surgery is going to change all that and I don't like it! I keep trying to remind myself how important it is to get it done, even though it's going to cause me pain and limit my activity for awhile.
Sulynn
Jdog, I'm making a list of things to do to prepare. I'm sorry about your father, how awful that must have been for you.
Debbie, one day at a time, one disc at a time...I will remember that :)
I guess whats worrying me the most right now is the recovery...yuck! The problem is I'm in no pain. This has never caused me pain. A little soreness sometimes, a little stiffness, but never what I would call pain. I have pins and needles in my fingers and a leg that's a bit heavy, but nothing that prevents me from sleeping great at night and doing all the things I want to do. I've been raking the yard, mowing, washing my car...there is really nothing I can't do. This surgery is going to change all that and I don't like it! I keep trying to remind myself how important it is to get it done, even though it's going to cause me pain and limit my activity for awhile.
Sulynn
DariusTDog
05-03-2003, 01:36 PM
Sulynn,
I'll gladly trade places... The surgery was a piece of cake compared to dealing with the typical symptoms that usually accompany your condition. If you trust your neurosurgeon, believe that its better to have this treated now before you incur any permanent nerve damage; then you won't be able to do those things you are enjoying now! Don't sweat the surgery, though... its just a blip on the radar, it'll all be over before you know it, and there's lots of good support around here!
Tony
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ACDF C4-5 w/locking plate and allograft
3-18-2003
I'll gladly trade places... The surgery was a piece of cake compared to dealing with the typical symptoms that usually accompany your condition. If you trust your neurosurgeon, believe that its better to have this treated now before you incur any permanent nerve damage; then you won't be able to do those things you are enjoying now! Don't sweat the surgery, though... its just a blip on the radar, it'll all be over before you know it, and there's lots of good support around here!
Tony
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ACDF C4-5 w/locking plate and allograft
3-18-2003
melanie dawn
05-03-2003, 02:00 PM
HI Sulyn,
The collar times sound right , you will have the hardware for most of the support.Did your Dr. talk to you about the small disc at C4-5? If you are conserned about it please talk to him about it.
I am sure you will do fine with your surgery. I am also a smoker, my doc. didn't think that it would alter my surgical outcome. However as an OR nurse,Please consider not smoking for a few days pre-op. It is better for your airway, it can also decrease post op nausea .
We're rooting for you, it won't be long now before you are on the other side of this road.
Mel
The collar times sound right , you will have the hardware for most of the support.Did your Dr. talk to you about the small disc at C4-5? If you are conserned about it please talk to him about it.
I am sure you will do fine with your surgery. I am also a smoker, my doc. didn't think that it would alter my surgical outcome. However as an OR nurse,Please consider not smoking for a few days pre-op. It is better for your airway, it can also decrease post op nausea .
We're rooting for you, it won't be long now before you are on the other side of this road.
Mel
Cherylha
05-03-2003, 05:56 PM
Hello everyone,
Well I just had to take my pain medicine nad muscle relaxant. My neck feels like it just jump right out if my body. This has been going on for almost two weeks now. The pain that is. I never had this much pain before I had my first ACDF in Oct. 02. The only problems I had then was my hands felt like they were dead and the muscles in my arms would have spasms. Thank goodness I see my NS monday morning. I am afaid that things have gone on for to long and I hope there is no permanent nerve damage. I'll let you all know what happens Monday.
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Cheryl
[This message has been edited by Cherylha (edited 05-03-2003).]
Well I just had to take my pain medicine nad muscle relaxant. My neck feels like it just jump right out if my body. This has been going on for almost two weeks now. The pain that is. I never had this much pain before I had my first ACDF in Oct. 02. The only problems I had then was my hands felt like they were dead and the muscles in my arms would have spasms. Thank goodness I see my NS monday morning. I am afaid that things have gone on for to long and I hope there is no permanent nerve damage. I'll let you all know what happens Monday.
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Cheryl
[This message has been edited by Cherylha (edited 05-03-2003).]