sleep after c6-7 fusion - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Dflake · 12-15-2004, 08:51 AM

Does any one have any ideas on how to sleep following anterior cervical fusion. I had one level done and the ns didn't put me in a brace of any kind.So when I try to sleep my neck is very uncomfortable and pulls.
I still have alot of swelling in the neck where surgery was done on dec 10th of 04.
Does anyone have headaches after this surgery?? My husband seems to think I should already be feeling better

He hasn't ever had surgery done before.Just gets me upset sometimes. And I guess I just need to vent to someone who has been through this. Maybe someone has some ideas for me.......... thanks

Deb

more · 12-15-2004, 09:35 AM

5 days is a very short period of time when talking the type surgery you had. Your incision is probably not fully closed up yet - while it may look it on the outside the inside may not be fully sealed. As far as sleeping, be sure to get a pillow that supports your head/neck, keeping it straight and this should do away with the pulling. The best I have found is one of the foam pillows (and I have tried many - could open a used pillow store).

Remember, during this surgery a lot of manipulation is done on the inside during the surgery which will affect how you feel now.

Good luck with the rest of your recovery - and remember it takes time.

Sam43 · 12-15-2004, 09:49 AM

You may have already tried it, but I would suggest an orthopedic pillow such as the kind you can find at most drugstores. Since I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, I have found the extra support to help. (Haven't yet had surgery).
As more says, you may have to try several. I found one to be very comfortable, but I forgot to take it on a trip and bought another, different brand, and it was quite uncomfortable. Probably depends on your anatomy as far as how it fits.

rcihal · 12-15-2004, 10:58 AM

After my c6/7 discectomy/fusion I was put into a foam neck brace which help quite a bit. Ask your doc about that.

Another suggestion...I slept in a recliner, on my back, sometimes on my side and with an ice bag. The ice bag was not on my neck just as a cuddle tool. It helped to keep me cool and did keep my mind off the pain.

I was in this recliner for 8 weeks. Be patient and tell your husband to be patient too! It's a long haul. DO NOT RUSH IT!!

This procedure...in my opinion...is much more than the docs let on. I know that was the case in my situation.

Ramsfan · 12-15-2004, 07:30 PM

Your husband needs to go through a cervical fusion to understand what you are going through. I slept in a recliner for over 1 month before I go sleep in bed. I am fused from C2 through C7. My last surgery was Dec. 19 of last year. I still have problems getting comfortable in bed. My biggest problem is I'm a stomach sleeper and my neck doesn't like it. When I lay on my back I get headaches in the back of my head. I've tried all kinds of pillows without success. The best I could come up with is to put polly fill (cotton) around my pillow inside a zippered case. It helps and saves money on buying pillow after pillow.

Frank