Hosptial Stay for Neck Surgery - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Ed1944 · 10-13-2005, 10:44 AM

I was told that I would be discharged the same day as the surgery. Single level, decompression, fusion of the C6/C7. Sugery is at 9am. Is this rapid discharge new for this type of surgery? Or perhaps they mean I will be out by 8am the next morning. Anyone have this short of a stay?

Unbearable · 10-13-2005, 12:46 PM

I was discharged 24 hours after my first fusion, per my request! I am having 2nd one next Friday and I am also staying overnight. Some surgeons will discharge you the same day, have you asked to stay overnight?

wimpette · 10-13-2005, 03:07 PM

I stayed in hospital overnight for a two level anterior fusion although I know it is not unusual to discharge patients the same day provided they are doing well. For my second and more extensive posterior procedure my insurance approved me for three nights and I could have stayed a 4th night had I chosen.

Although same day discharge may be planned you can stay longer if you have any problems such as severe nausea, problems urinating or pain that can't be well controlled on oral meds.

Good luck,
W

lee-123 · 10-14-2005, 04:13 AM

I am having surgery in November 30th. I am having c4-5,c5-6 fused. I was just wondering if any one has done well with this surgery? I have alot of pain from my neck into my scapula, shoulder and down to my thumb and pointer finger, sometimes my middle finger locks. Sometimes when I move my neck it locks. I have swelling from neck down to my hand on rt, and also severe pain. nothing seems to help me, I have tried everything for years. My last resort is surgery and I can't waite. Has anyone had these same problems? Also my muscle keep having spasms. I can't sleep well. My shoulder has so much pain at night, I was told its not my shoulder its from the neck. Has anyone done well with the surgery? Help.

in pain
lee

notpain · 10-20-2005, 05:04 PM

lee-123

It looks like I am going to need the same levels fuse. The Neurosurgeon I consulted with uses "Dynamic Plating" and donor bone (allograft). I know a person who had surgery and one week later was walking around with little or no pain. You do not need the fixed collar I am told. You still need to be careful and have restrictions for 6 weeks if I recall.

Lots of people have done well. While a Stanford University Study shows a 2.9% chance of adjacent disc disease per year and 25% over 10 years which seems scarey - a 1 in 4 chance another disc above or below will herniate you can also look at it the other way and that's 3/4 people will not need further surgery after 10 years. What you find on the boards is people who are suffering and looking for answers. Those who heal move on with their lives. Honestly if you were not in pain and suffering would you be spending your time here?