Free from collar!! + some questions - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

souffoue · 06-18-2007, 05:24 PM

I went for my two months post op appt (saw someone different - originally at 1 month post op I was told to wear c-collar for another 2 months) Well - I was thrilled to hear at this appt that I no longer had to wear the c-collar or a soft collar or ANY collar!!!!! I guess different docs feel differently about the whole collar issue.

My x-rays look good - at 2 months there is already new bone growth and the PA seemed really pleased with that. He told me "you are released from neurosurgery" I asked him if I needed to make a return appt for later down the road. He told me no - I was done. Don't get me wrong - I am thrilled with my progress, but I would think that I would need another appt. in 4 months (6 months post - op) to check the fusion and see how things are going. Do most people have two post op appts and that is it??

Also - do most of you have PT after the collar is off? I am not doing PT - PA said they only do that for elderly patients . . .

So this is my first day (well half day) of being at work with no collar and I tell you - I definitely feel it -- the pain is not nearly as bad or even in the same spot as pre-op. The PA told me the pain that I would feel would be "muscle" pain. I feel like one great big huge knot.

What can I do to relieve the muscle pain - ice, heat?? Should I be having PT?

Thanks for the help as usual!

I hope everyone else is doing well!!!!

poopoopadoop · 06-18-2007, 07:37 PM

Hi,
I only had one post op visit at my NS office and was released (at 6 wks). I asked him about PT and he said I didn't need it - only if a specific problem arose. I cannot help with the muscle spasm issue as I was never in a hard collar. I also, btw, am 2 months out from ACDF and doing well.

Congrats on your new freedom,
Lisa

monarog · 06-18-2007, 08:30 PM

Hi,

I was "released" from neurosurgery appts. at 9 wks post-op. Never had a collar, told I was already 90% fused. Still have lots of pain and tons of neuro problems, but that's my experience as far as follow-up. Sorry don't have input as far as ice or heat as a cure for spasms; I am still dealing with way too many issues and haven't figured out any resolution at this point. Good luck. Mona

gia1 · 06-19-2007, 12:11 PM

HURRAY for you, I have a 7week post op next Wednesday. Hope I get released from my aspen.

souffoue · 06-19-2007, 02:49 PM

Thanks for the responses! Great to hear you are all doing well!!

Good luck Gia - I will think good thoughts for you!

I was shocked when the PA (first time seeing this particular PA) told me I didn't have to wear the hard collar anymore! The other PA told me at least 3 months post op. I have been in some sort of collar since 2/19 and I am thrilled to be free of it.

Hopefully the pain I am having now will subside soon! Good luck to everyone!!!