Breathing tube - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

gsouth · 06-05-2003, 07:56 PM

I have my surgery the end of this month. My Dr. said that he would be putting a breathing tube in. That scares me, will he wait until I'm asleep before he puts it down my throat? And does everyone have to go to pt after surgery? I'm haveing c5-6, c6-7 anterior cervical disectomy w/fusion and plating.
Thanks for any reply, gsouth

melanie dawn · 06-06-2003, 08:21 AM

Hi gsouth,
please dont stress yourself over the breathing tube. It is placed after you are asleep, it is measured to the size of your throat. It is generally removed before you are fully concious. I have had my share of surgery, and never remember the tube. And most of my post op patients do not remember the tube.
As for the PT , I dont know if all patients must go. Actually when you come down to it, no-one can make you!

But PT done by a well trained professional can certainly help with healing and rebuiding of strength, they often provide great assessment and support as well.
I hope this helped, take care; Mel

mel333 · 06-06-2003, 08:53 AM

Hi Gsouth,

This freaks me out also but not after what Mel said. I almost don't want to know what they are doing during surgery. I am having the artificial disc in July c5/6 so I am scared right there with you. Good luck with yours and take care.
Mel

calico angel · 06-06-2003, 01:39 PM

Hi Gsouth,
I'm worried about everything and not even sure if I really need to have th surgery done. I figure I should do it while I'm still young though.
I have so many questions and I called a few of my drs. patients to see what they had to say. It's funny-his assistant said I am one of about 5 people that has ever asked for that. I want to be really sure of my dr's. competence level.
I definitely want to have a breathing tube! That's how they kep you alive. Your gag reflex goes away when you are under, so I'm not worried about that. I know that is one of the reasons you will have a sore throat after too.
Peace and healing,
Kelley

------------------
Kelley
Symptoms dating back to 1986?
Rear-ended 1999
Disc herniations C5-6 & C6-7
DDD diagnosed 2002
Surgery scheduled for 6-25-03

Memer · 06-06-2003, 03:02 PM

Hi G.,

I'm pretty sure you won't remember the tube at all. I was intubated while I was awake because I had spinal cord compression and they had to make sure they didn't cause any more damage when they tilted my head back to insert the tube. Even though I know I was awake (doc told me and it's in my operative note), I don't remember a thing about it. The medication (Versed) they gave me wiped out that memory.

I hope this puts your mind at ease.

[This message has been edited by Memer (edited 08-05-2003).]