DebbieMc
06-29-2003, 09:33 PM
Well folks, looks like my turn is coming up fast. I'm another day closer to July 1st. Reality is really sinking in now and I don't mind saying I'm scared :eek: I woke up in an extreme amount of pain this morning and it's been like that all day now. The pain pills aren't working today. That's a good reminder for me that I really need surgery, it seems to get worse everyday. Pain is a great motivator as I'm sure you all know. It doesn't make it any easier to go under the knife though. I found out that my surgery is considered an "overnight surgery." Which means I'm going home the day after surgery. I'm not feeling good about that. I dunno, maybe I'm making a big deal over nothing but it sounds like a pretty serious surgery to me! My doctor's nurse assured me that it wasn't the insurance dictating the length of the hospital stay, but the skill of surgeons these days. That made me feel a little better.
I'm still trying to quit smoking. I actually got through one whole day, but I usually break down and have one or two a day. I know I have to quit and there's no doubt in my mind I will completely quit after Tuesday. The patch really helps. I kept craving a cigarette all day yesterday, more than usual, and I couldn't figure out why, then I realized, I didn't put a new patch on! So, I'm convinced they work.
I have a question for everyone who has had ACDF. Can you feel the plate?
And, if anyone has had to use a bone growth stimulator, how long did you have to wear it? And for how many hours a day? My doctor ordered one for me so I'm curious.
OK, wish me luck! My big day is almost here...Yikes!!!
Thanks
DebbieMc
I'm still trying to quit smoking. I actually got through one whole day, but I usually break down and have one or two a day. I know I have to quit and there's no doubt in my mind I will completely quit after Tuesday. The patch really helps. I kept craving a cigarette all day yesterday, more than usual, and I couldn't figure out why, then I realized, I didn't put a new patch on! So, I'm convinced they work.
I have a question for everyone who has had ACDF. Can you feel the plate?
And, if anyone has had to use a bone growth stimulator, how long did you have to wear it? And for how many hours a day? My doctor ordered one for me so I'm curious.
OK, wish me luck! My big day is almost here...Yikes!!!
Thanks
DebbieMc
Sponsor
lifeonhold2003
06-29-2003, 09:51 PM
I don't feel the plate and have not heard of anyone else feeling it. I'm not sure about the stimulator. It sounds like your well on your way to being smoke free. I'll have to admit, I have yet to quit or even slow down. I know I really need to. My doctor told me two wks before surgery to quit right now, no patches because the nicotine was the culprit. Well, I quit for about 3 days, and then picked them right back up again. Good Luck on your surgery. I'm sure it will go well. Keep us posted on your recovery.
------------------
AKA: Julie
4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op
------------------
AKA: Julie
4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op
rollercoasterfan
06-29-2003, 10:22 PM
DebbieMc,
My surgery is on the 2nd....I am right behind you. This is my second fusion but I have no hardware.... until Wed. :) it does get very scary as you approach the day.
Good luck and God bless.
Hugs,
Suzie
:angel:
------------------
ACDF 6-7 june 1998
Surgery July 2, 2003
[This message has been edited by rollercoasterfan (edited 06-29-2003).]
My surgery is on the 2nd....I am right behind you. This is my second fusion but I have no hardware.... until Wed. :) it does get very scary as you approach the day.
Good luck and God bless.
Hugs,
Suzie
:angel:
------------------
ACDF 6-7 june 1998
Surgery July 2, 2003
[This message has been edited by rollercoasterfan (edited 06-29-2003).]
jdog
06-29-2003, 10:51 PM
Hi DebbieMc -
I had an ACDF on 3 levels C4/5/6/7 just over 9 months ago. My big problem is I still have stenosis at C5/6
and some flattening of the cord.
In order to help with fusion, please, please, please, make that promise to yourself and quit smoking. Also, caffiene also inhibits fusion, so go to decaff stuff as well. I'm one to talk, I'm addicted to food, I need to be half the man I am. :(
I have the SpinalPak fusion stimulator you speak of. I wore mine full time for 4 months and nights for 1 more month. If you haven't seen it yet, it's about the size of a Snickers Bar. It uses a 9 Volt battery each day. I rotated the leads around my neck each day like my neck was a clock. I alway wore t-shirts with a front pocket, so I had no problem with adding the stimulator to my wardrobe. It fit in my pocket next to my ink pen and cell phone. :)
At night, I just laid it on the pillow next to my head. It's a tough little devil and took a lot of abuse. It should, I looked it up on the web and the asking price is 5 grand. I am grateful to my insurance company.
Also, some advice for ACDF surgery.
-Make sure you have someone to help you those first couple of weeks.
-Put anything you need at home between your nipples and waist high.
-Cervical nerves affect arms, so think 12 ounce cans rather than 2 liter bottles. Lighter is better.
-For your throat, applesauce, yogurt, get the Yoplait Go-gurt and freeze it. It tastes great and feels good going down your throat.
-Take pain meds an hour before you go to physical therapy. They kick in as you are there and it helps.
-When your incision is healed and you want to decrease scarring, look into products such as Mederma or Vitamin E cream.
-After a month, see about getting regular massages. They have worked wonders for pain in my shoulder blades.
We will all be pulling for you on the 1st. Hang in there. You will do fine!
jdog
I had an ACDF on 3 levels C4/5/6/7 just over 9 months ago. My big problem is I still have stenosis at C5/6
and some flattening of the cord.
In order to help with fusion, please, please, please, make that promise to yourself and quit smoking. Also, caffiene also inhibits fusion, so go to decaff stuff as well. I'm one to talk, I'm addicted to food, I need to be half the man I am. :(
I have the SpinalPak fusion stimulator you speak of. I wore mine full time for 4 months and nights for 1 more month. If you haven't seen it yet, it's about the size of a Snickers Bar. It uses a 9 Volt battery each day. I rotated the leads around my neck each day like my neck was a clock. I alway wore t-shirts with a front pocket, so I had no problem with adding the stimulator to my wardrobe. It fit in my pocket next to my ink pen and cell phone. :)
At night, I just laid it on the pillow next to my head. It's a tough little devil and took a lot of abuse. It should, I looked it up on the web and the asking price is 5 grand. I am grateful to my insurance company.
Also, some advice for ACDF surgery.
-Make sure you have someone to help you those first couple of weeks.
-Put anything you need at home between your nipples and waist high.
-Cervical nerves affect arms, so think 12 ounce cans rather than 2 liter bottles. Lighter is better.
-For your throat, applesauce, yogurt, get the Yoplait Go-gurt and freeze it. It tastes great and feels good going down your throat.
-Take pain meds an hour before you go to physical therapy. They kick in as you are there and it helps.
-When your incision is healed and you want to decrease scarring, look into products such as Mederma or Vitamin E cream.
-After a month, see about getting regular massages. They have worked wonders for pain in my shoulder blades.
We will all be pulling for you on the 1st. Hang in there. You will do fine!
jdog
firefighter_101
06-29-2003, 11:03 PM
DebbieMc,
Your pain should be gone,(for the most part), after your sugery.Sure you'll still have some lingering pains but you should feel better. Your having one level right? You'll do great, they will have you done in 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
OK, I smoked over 3 packs a day and I smoked for over 30 years and this is how I quit. I cut back three days before my surgery.... I didn't quit but cut back to a point where I really wanted one but I didn't deprive myself.... then I would smoke ( does that make sense?) I made my mind up that I HAD to quit after the surgery so that was my stop date. I smoked two the morning of my surgery and haven't touched one from that morning. I went through a small amount of withdrawls for a week but nothing bad. I just kept telling myself I have no choice, I have to quit... and I did. I will have my fingers crossed for you, remember if you can't quit today.... please try tomorrow....but I promise you'll be extremely proud of the day when you say I'm an ex-smoker. It was hard for me because I loved to smoke, I sure didn't want to quit!
I wear my Bone Growth Stimulator all the time except when I shower I take it off. I was told by my surgeon that it really works but you have to wear it all the time. Some people on the board only wear there's a few hours a day. The person that delivers yours will instruct you on how to wear it and for how long.jdog moves his around on his neck but my NS said keep mine in the location where I was told to place it. I have to wear mine for 5 months.
I am still having problems with my throat. I don't know if it's the plate I feel as well as the swelling or not. I don't think It's the plate I feel. But I had a much longer surgery than you're going to have and I really don't think you'll have any problems at all.
I was told to expect 1 to 3 days in the hospital. I was wheeled in my room at 5:15 friday afternoon, NS came by at 9:15 that night and said when I get up in the morning I can go home, he was writing the discharge up when he left. I was really glad to get home, I couldn't sleep at all but I did feel better just knowing I was home and not sitting in a hospital bed.
I hope I've answered some of your questions. I'll be thinking about you and wishing you a speedy recovery!!
Harvey
[This message has been edited by firefighter_101 (edited 06-29-2003).]
Your pain should be gone,(for the most part), after your sugery.Sure you'll still have some lingering pains but you should feel better. Your having one level right? You'll do great, they will have you done in 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
OK, I smoked over 3 packs a day and I smoked for over 30 years and this is how I quit. I cut back three days before my surgery.... I didn't quit but cut back to a point where I really wanted one but I didn't deprive myself.... then I would smoke ( does that make sense?) I made my mind up that I HAD to quit after the surgery so that was my stop date. I smoked two the morning of my surgery and haven't touched one from that morning. I went through a small amount of withdrawls for a week but nothing bad. I just kept telling myself I have no choice, I have to quit... and I did. I will have my fingers crossed for you, remember if you can't quit today.... please try tomorrow....but I promise you'll be extremely proud of the day when you say I'm an ex-smoker. It was hard for me because I loved to smoke, I sure didn't want to quit!
I wear my Bone Growth Stimulator all the time except when I shower I take it off. I was told by my surgeon that it really works but you have to wear it all the time. Some people on the board only wear there's a few hours a day. The person that delivers yours will instruct you on how to wear it and for how long.jdog moves his around on his neck but my NS said keep mine in the location where I was told to place it. I have to wear mine for 5 months.
I am still having problems with my throat. I don't know if it's the plate I feel as well as the swelling or not. I don't think It's the plate I feel. But I had a much longer surgery than you're going to have and I really don't think you'll have any problems at all.
I was told to expect 1 to 3 days in the hospital. I was wheeled in my room at 5:15 friday afternoon, NS came by at 9:15 that night and said when I get up in the morning I can go home, he was writing the discharge up when he left. I was really glad to get home, I couldn't sleep at all but I did feel better just knowing I was home and not sitting in a hospital bed.
I hope I've answered some of your questions. I'll be thinking about you and wishing you a speedy recovery!!
Harvey
[This message has been edited by firefighter_101 (edited 06-29-2003).]
Catherine with a C
06-30-2003, 01:12 AM
Hey Debbie,
First of all!!!! I do not think I have properly welcomed you aboard!! I was "away" for a bit!
so welcome to you!
If I already welcomed you ~~ well, welcome back!
I know that your pre-willy jitters are consuming you by
now......& that my dear, is natural!!
All medication I was "popping" stopped working prior to my surgery!! I too, was ready for being pain free.
Please be fore warned, that even though many of your symptoms shall be alleviated~~~~now here is the hard truth,,,,,,you may possibly experience some new s*it!!
If you ever need to delve further into that statement,
I am here!!
I was scheduled to be released 1 to 2 days following surgery. I opted for the 25th hour (for insurance purposes, dontcha know!!) In hindsight, I could have used the additional day, but I really missed my family.
(hey, call me crazy!!)
I have quite the story to mention about the smoking,
but I will leave that for a rainy day.
Boy, do we ever need one here in Arizona!!
The wildfires are too early & too much this year!!
I will leave you with the thought that you are having your surgery on Canada Day!! Yipee!!
I am a Canadian who(m) married an American!!
We celebrate both wonderful Holidays in my house-hold with a bunch of friends that now know both Anthems!!
so, my point is, you shall be thought of!!
wear something red & white!
with faith & a smile,
Catherine
First of all!!!! I do not think I have properly welcomed you aboard!! I was "away" for a bit!
so welcome to you!
If I already welcomed you ~~ well, welcome back!
I know that your pre-willy jitters are consuming you by
now......& that my dear, is natural!!
All medication I was "popping" stopped working prior to my surgery!! I too, was ready for being pain free.
Please be fore warned, that even though many of your symptoms shall be alleviated~~~~now here is the hard truth,,,,,,you may possibly experience some new s*it!!
If you ever need to delve further into that statement,
I am here!!
I was scheduled to be released 1 to 2 days following surgery. I opted for the 25th hour (for insurance purposes, dontcha know!!) In hindsight, I could have used the additional day, but I really missed my family.
(hey, call me crazy!!)
I have quite the story to mention about the smoking,
but I will leave that for a rainy day.
Boy, do we ever need one here in Arizona!!
The wildfires are too early & too much this year!!
I will leave you with the thought that you are having your surgery on Canada Day!! Yipee!!
I am a Canadian who(m) married an American!!
We celebrate both wonderful Holidays in my house-hold with a bunch of friends that now know both Anthems!!
so, my point is, you shall be thought of!!
wear something red & white!
with faith & a smile,
Catherine
BamaPeach
06-30-2003, 01:49 AM
May your surgeon be guided by a higher power and I will be praying for you and the op team. I am only 12 days post op and certainly understand your jitters. My hubby took me out to a movie and dinner the day before and it sure helped take my mind off things.
Good luck and Godspeed
Ginny
------------------
"The only thing neccessary for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing"
ACF June 18, 2003 C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 with bone donor and hardware
[This message has been edited by BamaPeach (edited 06-30-2003).]
Good luck and Godspeed
Ginny
------------------
"The only thing neccessary for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing"
ACF June 18, 2003 C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 with bone donor and hardware
[This message has been edited by BamaPeach (edited 06-30-2003).]
PsychLea
06-30-2003, 02:33 AM
Debbie,
If you are like me, I couldn't wait to go home after my surgery. I was glad it was only an overnight stay.
I don't feel my plate at all and you shouldn't either. You'll do better than you expect. Will be praying for you sweetie.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
If you are like me, I couldn't wait to go home after my surgery. I was glad it was only an overnight stay.
I don't feel my plate at all and you shouldn't either. You'll do better than you expect. Will be praying for you sweetie.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
winged phantom
06-30-2003, 10:22 AM
DebbieMc,
Good luck on your surgery... There isn't a one of us who has not been scared stiff by it... and I wouldn't expect you to be human and not be scared. If you are really not up to going home when they are ready to release you... ask to stay longer if the ins. co. will pay for it. But if your vitals and all are good, they will want to let you go. Get all the "supplies" you need... make sure you have your spirometer and a collar that fits... with extra pads if it's a hard collar.
That's right; you will be trading one set of symptoms for a new set of them. It may be temporary, or it may be permanent. But it is completely normal for things to feel worse right after surgery, and that in itself does not mean they will be permanent... it's just that your nerves and muscles will all be screaming!
uh oh! I forgot which of you is having surgery the next day... but good luck to you too! I'm afraid to go back on this laptop, as I'm not good at saving (etc).
Take care, all!
wr
------------------
12/29/89 C5-6 Microdiskectomy (no fusion)
4/9/03 ACDF C4-7 with plating and donor bone
Good luck on your surgery... There isn't a one of us who has not been scared stiff by it... and I wouldn't expect you to be human and not be scared. If you are really not up to going home when they are ready to release you... ask to stay longer if the ins. co. will pay for it. But if your vitals and all are good, they will want to let you go. Get all the "supplies" you need... make sure you have your spirometer and a collar that fits... with extra pads if it's a hard collar.
That's right; you will be trading one set of symptoms for a new set of them. It may be temporary, or it may be permanent. But it is completely normal for things to feel worse right after surgery, and that in itself does not mean they will be permanent... it's just that your nerves and muscles will all be screaming!
uh oh! I forgot which of you is having surgery the next day... but good luck to you too! I'm afraid to go back on this laptop, as I'm not good at saving (etc).
Take care, all!
wr
------------------
12/29/89 C5-6 Microdiskectomy (no fusion)
4/9/03 ACDF C4-7 with plating and donor bone
winged phantom
06-30-2003, 10:26 AM
DebbieMc,
Good luck on your surgery... There isn't a one of us who has not been scared stiff by it... and I wouldn't expect you to be human and not be scared. If you are really not up to going home when they are ready to release you... ask to stay longer if the ins. co. will pay for it. But if your vitals and all are good, they will want to let you go. Get all the "supplies" you need... make sure you have your spirometer and a collar that fits... with extra pads if it's a hard collar.
That's right; you will be trading one set of symptoms for a new set of them. It may be temporary, or it may be permanent. But it is completely normal for things to feel worse right after surgery, and that in itself does not mean they will be permanent... it's just that your nerves and muscles will all be screaming!
uh oh! I forgot which of you is having surgery the next day... but good luck to you too! I'm afraid to go back on this laptop, as I'm not good at saving (etc).
Take care, all!
wr
------------------
12/29/89 C5-6 Microdiskectomy (no fusion)
4/9/03 ACDF C4-7 with plating and donor bone
Good luck on your surgery... There isn't a one of us who has not been scared stiff by it... and I wouldn't expect you to be human and not be scared. If you are really not up to going home when they are ready to release you... ask to stay longer if the ins. co. will pay for it. But if your vitals and all are good, they will want to let you go. Get all the "supplies" you need... make sure you have your spirometer and a collar that fits... with extra pads if it's a hard collar.
That's right; you will be trading one set of symptoms for a new set of them. It may be temporary, or it may be permanent. But it is completely normal for things to feel worse right after surgery, and that in itself does not mean they will be permanent... it's just that your nerves and muscles will all be screaming!
uh oh! I forgot which of you is having surgery the next day... but good luck to you too! I'm afraid to go back on this laptop, as I'm not good at saving (etc).
Take care, all!
wr
------------------
12/29/89 C5-6 Microdiskectomy (no fusion)
4/9/03 ACDF C4-7 with plating and donor bone
DebbieMc
06-30-2003, 11:41 AM
Thank you everybody. It really helps to be able to come here and get support from people who have been through this...or people who are about to go through it. No one understands like you guys do ;) All I can say is that this is one helluva time to have to quit smoking!
My actual diagnosis is herniated cervical discs and spondylosis. The arthritis in my neck is so bad that it is compressing the cord 7mm at one C5-6 and 5mm at C4-5. So, I'm having the surgery at two levels. I understand I might be trading some pain but I might also wind up pain free after I recover fully. And hopefully, they'lk give me some really good drugs. The nurse explained that the cord has been compressed and the nerves pinched for so long that when the pressure is finally relieved, I may become very inflamed <sp?> and to expect it. But you know, it's going to be a healing pain and that's easier to deal with than a pain that just keeps getting worse everyday. Sometimes things need to get worse before they get better. ok, now I'm just trying to convince myself again ;) I guess it wouldn't be normal if I wasn't scared huh? I just can't get past the part where they slit my throat!!! I'm also realizing that I don't like the thought of being put under. Oh well, I'll be fine. I have a good NS and this is one of the most sucessful operations out there. lol...there I go convincing myself again!
Julie, you said you didn't quit smoking...did you fuse?
Suzie, I'm wishing the best for you. I'm thinking it's time to trade the pain pills in for some Valium right about now ;) What do you think? lol
Jdog! 5K?!!!! Holy cow. Oh well, I got the price tag for this surgery from the hospital and NS...what's another 5k? That's just a drop in the bucket. I'm going bankrupt after this...no doubt! 10% of this bill is still going to be a lot of money! Thanks for all your great advice and info on the bone growth stimulator. I guess this means I'll be answering the same questions over and over again if I have to wear if 24/7 for that long. I know! I'll make flyers...that way, when someone asks, I just hand them a piece of paper with the whole long story!
Harvey...thanks for your reply. Very informative. FYI, I'm having ACDF on two levels so I'm not as bad as you, but a little worse than you thought. How are you doing? Did you wind up going back to work or did your NS finally come to his senses and keep you disabled for a while longer?
Catherine, you were actually the first person to reply to my very first post. So don't worry, you were not remiss in your welcomes! I appreciate the honesty in your reply, that's what I need to hear. I hope they put the fires out soon. I live in Colorado and our state was on fire last year so I know what you're going through down there. Except you guys were on fire last year too...we had the biggest fire in the nation going here until Arizona caught on fire. Luckily for us, the drought seems to be over...but I still can't water my grass for more than an hour twice a week!
Ginny, 12 days post-op? How are you doing?
Lea, thanks. I'm a great believer in the power of positive thinking so send those positive thoughts my way :)
wr, If I'm not ready to go, I'm staying. Sheez, as much as this is costing me, what's a couple extra grand to stay another day? lol Besides, if they have me hooked up to that morphine machine, I may never want to leave...lol!
OK, I'm sorry for being so long winded here. I'm just at that point now where any distraction is welcomed. I find myself being completely absorbed by the little things in my day to day life to distract me from the one big thing...coming way to soon! I'm 25 hours away from surgery now...but who's counting? lol...I am!!!
My actual diagnosis is herniated cervical discs and spondylosis. The arthritis in my neck is so bad that it is compressing the cord 7mm at one C5-6 and 5mm at C4-5. So, I'm having the surgery at two levels. I understand I might be trading some pain but I might also wind up pain free after I recover fully. And hopefully, they'lk give me some really good drugs. The nurse explained that the cord has been compressed and the nerves pinched for so long that when the pressure is finally relieved, I may become very inflamed <sp?> and to expect it. But you know, it's going to be a healing pain and that's easier to deal with than a pain that just keeps getting worse everyday. Sometimes things need to get worse before they get better. ok, now I'm just trying to convince myself again ;) I guess it wouldn't be normal if I wasn't scared huh? I just can't get past the part where they slit my throat!!! I'm also realizing that I don't like the thought of being put under. Oh well, I'll be fine. I have a good NS and this is one of the most sucessful operations out there. lol...there I go convincing myself again!
Julie, you said you didn't quit smoking...did you fuse?
Suzie, I'm wishing the best for you. I'm thinking it's time to trade the pain pills in for some Valium right about now ;) What do you think? lol
Jdog! 5K?!!!! Holy cow. Oh well, I got the price tag for this surgery from the hospital and NS...what's another 5k? That's just a drop in the bucket. I'm going bankrupt after this...no doubt! 10% of this bill is still going to be a lot of money! Thanks for all your great advice and info on the bone growth stimulator. I guess this means I'll be answering the same questions over and over again if I have to wear if 24/7 for that long. I know! I'll make flyers...that way, when someone asks, I just hand them a piece of paper with the whole long story!
Harvey...thanks for your reply. Very informative. FYI, I'm having ACDF on two levels so I'm not as bad as you, but a little worse than you thought. How are you doing? Did you wind up going back to work or did your NS finally come to his senses and keep you disabled for a while longer?
Catherine, you were actually the first person to reply to my very first post. So don't worry, you were not remiss in your welcomes! I appreciate the honesty in your reply, that's what I need to hear. I hope they put the fires out soon. I live in Colorado and our state was on fire last year so I know what you're going through down there. Except you guys were on fire last year too...we had the biggest fire in the nation going here until Arizona caught on fire. Luckily for us, the drought seems to be over...but I still can't water my grass for more than an hour twice a week!
Ginny, 12 days post-op? How are you doing?
Lea, thanks. I'm a great believer in the power of positive thinking so send those positive thoughts my way :)
wr, If I'm not ready to go, I'm staying. Sheez, as much as this is costing me, what's a couple extra grand to stay another day? lol Besides, if they have me hooked up to that morphine machine, I may never want to leave...lol!
OK, I'm sorry for being so long winded here. I'm just at that point now where any distraction is welcomed. I find myself being completely absorbed by the little things in my day to day life to distract me from the one big thing...coming way to soon! I'm 25 hours away from surgery now...but who's counting? lol...I am!!!
BamaPeach
06-30-2003, 12:04 PM
Hey honey,
I totally understand your jitters. They will have you on a pump...sigh they take it away a day later though.
I am doing as well as expected, my first post op visit today and maybe they will let me drive after that. I still am having to take pain meds and muscle relaxer, but have decreased the frequency. I am at last back in my bed instead of the recliner.
You hang in there and things will work out. I am having some qualms about school starting in a month but hopefully I will be ready as long as I do not lift and such.
Some days are ok for sitting around and some days now it drives me crazy(yesterday). We have a nice little tropical storm headed our way and my hubby is out in a 200 ft boat, but he is probably laughing at it knowing him. So there is enough exitement for now.
Keep the faith
Ginny
PS: I will be thinking of you and saying extra prayers.
------------------
"The only thing neccessary for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing"
ACF June 18, 2003 C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 with bone donor and hardware
I totally understand your jitters. They will have you on a pump...sigh they take it away a day later though.
I am doing as well as expected, my first post op visit today and maybe they will let me drive after that. I still am having to take pain meds and muscle relaxer, but have decreased the frequency. I am at last back in my bed instead of the recliner.
You hang in there and things will work out. I am having some qualms about school starting in a month but hopefully I will be ready as long as I do not lift and such.
Some days are ok for sitting around and some days now it drives me crazy(yesterday). We have a nice little tropical storm headed our way and my hubby is out in a 200 ft boat, but he is probably laughing at it knowing him. So there is enough exitement for now.
Keep the faith
Ginny
PS: I will be thinking of you and saying extra prayers.
------------------
"The only thing neccessary for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing"
ACF June 18, 2003 C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 with bone donor and hardware
janie francine
06-30-2003, 01:41 PM
Hi DebbieMc,
I don't blame you for being scared. Surgery of any kind is traumatic. Know that we're thinking about you and praying for you.
As to smoking, I've been trying to quit, too. Went to the doctor on Fri and have bronchitis again. She told me that if I didn't give it up, that it would become chronic. She had throat cancer caused by smoking, so she knows. Anyhow, she scared the bejeebers out of me. I haven't had a butt since Fri afternoon. Even my DH has quit smoking in the house which is a big help. So keep at it. Eventually you'll get there. Maybe not healing if you continue smoking might be a motivation.
Let us know how you are after your surgery when you're up to it.
God Speed,
Jeanine
I don't blame you for being scared. Surgery of any kind is traumatic. Know that we're thinking about you and praying for you.
As to smoking, I've been trying to quit, too. Went to the doctor on Fri and have bronchitis again. She told me that if I didn't give it up, that it would become chronic. She had throat cancer caused by smoking, so she knows. Anyhow, she scared the bejeebers out of me. I haven't had a butt since Fri afternoon. Even my DH has quit smoking in the house which is a big help. So keep at it. Eventually you'll get there. Maybe not healing if you continue smoking might be a motivation.
Let us know how you are after your surgery when you're up to it.
God Speed,
Jeanine
AmyVirginia
06-30-2003, 06:24 PM
Hi Debbie!
You'll be fine tomorrow! I am 7 weeks post op ACDF c-5-6 with one week soft collar afterwards.. I too was only in the hospital for one night. My incision was a little bigger than what I expected, but after 7 weeks, it is hardly even noticable. My surgery took about hour and 40 minutes. The first 48 hours, I will be honest with you, are not fun. But they will give you morphine...it will be hard to get comfortable and to sit up for about a week or 2. I DO feel my plate - if I am in a certain position, I can feel it. But it is still swollen. I am still on pain meds after 7 weeks, but am decreasing slowly. You'll feel very fatigued for awhile and it will be hard to swallow for about a week. Eat a lot of ice cream! I know how scary it is! We all do - you'll be great.
Good luck!
Amy :)
You'll be fine tomorrow! I am 7 weeks post op ACDF c-5-6 with one week soft collar afterwards.. I too was only in the hospital for one night. My incision was a little bigger than what I expected, but after 7 weeks, it is hardly even noticable. My surgery took about hour and 40 minutes. The first 48 hours, I will be honest with you, are not fun. But they will give you morphine...it will be hard to get comfortable and to sit up for about a week or 2. I DO feel my plate - if I am in a certain position, I can feel it. But it is still swollen. I am still on pain meds after 7 weeks, but am decreasing slowly. You'll feel very fatigued for awhile and it will be hard to swallow for about a week. Eat a lot of ice cream! I know how scary it is! We all do - you'll be great.
Good luck!
Amy :)
AmyVirginia
06-30-2003, 06:25 PM
Hi Debbie!
You'll be fine tomorrow! I am 7 weeks post op ACDF c-5-6 with one week soft collar afterwards.. I too was only in the hospital for one night. My incision was a little bigger than what I expected, but after 7 weeks, it is hardly even noticable. My surgery took about hour and 40 minutes. The first 48 hours, I will be honest with you, are not fun. But they will give you morphine...it will be hard to get comfortable and to sit up for about a week or 2. I DO feel my plate - if I am in a certain position, I can feel it. But it is still swollen. I am still on pain meds after 7 weeks, but am decreasing slowly. You'll feel very fatigued for awhile and it will be hard to swallow for about a week. Eat a lot of ice cream! I know how scary it is! We all do - you'll be great.
Good luck!
Amy :)
You'll be fine tomorrow! I am 7 weeks post op ACDF c-5-6 with one week soft collar afterwards.. I too was only in the hospital for one night. My incision was a little bigger than what I expected, but after 7 weeks, it is hardly even noticable. My surgery took about hour and 40 minutes. The first 48 hours, I will be honest with you, are not fun. But they will give you morphine...it will be hard to get comfortable and to sit up for about a week or 2. I DO feel my plate - if I am in a certain position, I can feel it. But it is still swollen. I am still on pain meds after 7 weeks, but am decreasing slowly. You'll feel very fatigued for awhile and it will be hard to swallow for about a week. Eat a lot of ice cream! I know how scary it is! We all do - you'll be great.
Good luck!
Amy :)
rollercoasterfan
06-30-2003, 09:30 PM
Hi DeebieMc,
Yep, trading pain pills for valium would be fine right about now. Actually, heck, why not take both. :)
Good luck tomorrow, I will be praying for you as I am packing my things. I will be having surgery late in the afternoon....do you know what time your surgery is.
I hope this surgery solves all of your problems. I can't wait to be recouperating together....a much better place to be than anticipating it.
Good luck and God bless you and your surgeon tomorrow.
Hugs,
Suzie
:angel:
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ACDF 6-7 june 1998
Surgery July 2, 2003
Yep, trading pain pills for valium would be fine right about now. Actually, heck, why not take both. :)
Good luck tomorrow, I will be praying for you as I am packing my things. I will be having surgery late in the afternoon....do you know what time your surgery is.
I hope this surgery solves all of your problems. I can't wait to be recouperating together....a much better place to be than anticipating it.
Good luck and God bless you and your surgeon tomorrow.
Hugs,
Suzie
:angel:
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ACDF 6-7 june 1998
Surgery July 2, 2003
DebbieMc
06-30-2003, 11:10 PM
Thanks everyone. It's like I said earlier...this is a helluva time to have to quit smoking! My surgery is at 9:30 AM mountain time. This day went by way too fast :eek: Suzie, it looks like we're up next...I'll race you back to the board ;) I wonder if they'll let me take that morphine machine home with me...lol
Well, wish me luck and I'll be thinking of you Suzie, and Nikki's mom. Nikki's mom is having surgery tomorrow too. I don't know if you saw her post.
Ok...bye <sigh>
Well, wish me luck and I'll be thinking of you Suzie, and Nikki's mom. Nikki's mom is having surgery tomorrow too. I don't know if you saw her post.
Ok...bye <sigh>
rollercoasterfan
06-30-2003, 11:16 PM
DebbieMc,
The race is on....I may lose because I am in the hospital for two nights. Dr. is getting me the extra time because I have a long drive home....oops...I mean I have a slight fever or feel sick. :)
Good luck to Nikki's mom as well.....we will all be back here soon and working toward being pain free!
Post soon.....please.
Hugs,
Suzie
:angel:
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ACDF 6-7 june 1998
Surgery July 2, 2003
The race is on....I may lose because I am in the hospital for two nights. Dr. is getting me the extra time because I have a long drive home....oops...I mean I have a slight fever or feel sick. :)
Good luck to Nikki's mom as well.....we will all be back here soon and working toward being pain free!
Post soon.....please.
Hugs,
Suzie
:angel:
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ACDF 6-7 june 1998
Surgery July 2, 2003