how long before I can - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

captnanny · 12-17-2008, 02:49 AM

How long before you were able to go back to work, or do some other stuff besides walking? My doc told me 2-4 weeks will be possibly how long before I can work two days a week. That is fine because I'm a nanny. The kids are 6 and 8. I need them because they are like my own, been with them full time up until the first surgery.
What is the difference between a laminectomy and a foraminectomy?

SpineAZ · 12-17-2008, 05:19 PM

The ACDF was, by far, one of the easiest surgeries I've undergone (and I've had a ton of surgery). I woke up with immediate relief from the nerve pain and very little surgical pain. The first few days I had a sore throat, which is common as they move your windpipe slightly to get to the spine during surgery.

The challenges is that you are restricted for a few weeks. I had an Aspen collar for 6 weeks and then had to slowly let my body heal. For the first few months I was very cautious about how I moved around, slept, etc.

SpineAZ · 12-17-2008, 05:27 PM

A laminectomy removes the lamina (a small bony plate covering the spinal canal0. A foraminotomy involves an incision through the skin and muscle to reach the spine. It can include drilling to remove bone spurs, thickened ligaments, and debris such as a herniated disc. Sometimes the two are done together - so you'll want to clarify exactly what they'll do and what approach (and why they recommend the specific procedure/approach).

Mod08 · 12-17-2008, 11:19 PM

Your post has been moved into a thread of its own. Always start a new thread for your own questions/problems. Do not post to other threads because you may inadvertently take over their thread.

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Mod08

captnanny · 12-21-2008, 02:52 AM

Thanks Mod,
I just came back from the hospital yesterday. They did do a laminectomy and a foraminectomy. I am in about ar a little more pain than when I did the ACDF, when they went through the front. I know though that I can not rush things. I have to let it alll take it'scourse but feel pretty decent about them fixing the screws and removing the synovial cyst. Tha'ts what they told me it was.