BobM

Hi djl
Do you have any more info to share, like which levels are affected, are you using donor bone or your own hip bone, and are they going to use a plate and screws?

I've had three levels done, in two operations C5/6/7 (2004) and C4/5 (2005). Both times I had donor bone, and a plate. The second time, they removed the first plate since the bones were fused by that point.

Each time I had terrible pain prior to the surgery, in my shoulder and arm. Both times I came to in recovery with the pain all gone, but some new pain from the operation, but this was very much less. I did not use a collar or a bone growth stimulator (the iPod thing?) either time.

Three levels, if that's what you have, is a lot all at once. In my experience, it takes the full 6 weeks to recover, and then to get back to whatever your normal activity is. It is not all rest. After 7 to 10 days I was going to the fitness club, and starting walking, and gradually increasing the exercises. Just a suggestion - talk to your surgeon before your operation, and try to get a plan in place for what to do over those 6 weeks, regarding what kinds of activity you should be doing. Sitting at home is tough, it's better to have a plan going in.

Best of luck! My experience, with so many levels, and two surgeries, is that there is now some chronic pain, and I watch my activities to avoid future problems (I hope). It helps to talk about what you are experiencing, this is a good place to do that.

Bob