1-week post-op - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

djl · 12-06-2006, 09:17 AM

Hi all,

Hope all is well.
I am recooping. It has been exactly 1 week since my surgery. I am seeing my doc on friday for my 1-week post op visit.
My arm realy isnt any better. I still get pain and it is still weak, and some tingling at times, but I am sure that it still has to take time to heal before I realy know if it helped at all. I guess the main thing is that the compressing I had on my spinal cord was taken care of. That was the main reason for this surgery to begin with.

Every day I feel better. I am still weak and get real tired fast at times, but I am already getting bored. I want to get out of the house.

I cat stand this neck brace, but was told I will be waring it for at least 6 weeks.

The majority of my neck is still numb and I cant feel part of the back of my head. When does this go away?? Stll hurts to swallow, but getting better. It hurts my ear too.

Well wanted to give an update. I am gonna get some rest I am tired.
Hope all is doing well with everyone

SKZ · 12-06-2006, 12:17 PM

So glad you wrote to all of us! Keep up the great recuperation and dont over do. Try to think of it as an investment in yourself. That is what I hope I can do after my surgery. Take care!!

bw67 · 12-06-2006, 04:05 PM

I had difficulty swallowing for a week or so- they said it was irritation due to the anesthesia tube...

Regarding the arm pain, I don't believe the surgery is a quick fix for most people. It takes time for the nerves that have been compressed to heal and get used to their new surroundings...

Be patient, and don't overdo...

good luck

bw

Laenini · 12-07-2006, 03:04 AM

Did you have an ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) and if so, what level? When the surgery is done anteriorly (from the front of your neck) you not only get throat irritation from the breathing tube, you also get irritation from them having to hold your esophagus and trachea out of the way while they do the surgery. I had a level C4/5 ACDF on November 15 and it was really just this last week that my throat got better. I ate lots of ice cream, to the point where I put on a few pounds! So you've been fairly warned!

djl · 12-07-2006, 07:25 AM

Hi all

As to your answer about was it an ACDF, yes. It was I guess a 2 level. C4-C5, C5-C6. I know he took out 2 disks and replaced them. I am seeing my doc friday for my 1 week post op check.

Oh, and yres, alot of ice cream here too.

So much for hoping to loose a few pounds