Please Post a Successful Surgery - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Magnum4x · 09-12-2003, 11:47 PM

If you have had a sucessful neck surgery please share it with us. I have noticed just in the 2 days i have been reading the posts that many people have had multiple surgeries. I had a friend I work with back in 1985 or so that was ranked #5 in professional kick boxing. His name was Elbert Moore from Michigan. During a match he had his neck hurt and was paralized and had emergency surgery and was back to work in 30 days and has not had any more complications. I know there must be alot of success stories but it seems most of us using these forums are looking for answers and encouargement for our spine and neck problems. I guess if I didnt have any problems I wouldnt be on here either. Thanks magnum4x

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"Definition Of insanity is doing the same things over and over again expecting different results" Magnum4x

Debbie2 · 09-13-2003, 09:51 AM

Success is mine!!!!

My surgery was non eventful. Pain started in my neck, then traveled to my arm. Tried PT, traction and meds. Went to NS, had surgery. All within about six weeks time. Surgery one day, home the next. The recovery was very normal. Uncomfortable, hard to swallow (but it didn't stop me from eating)... off work for about six weeks and only wore a Miami J collar for two weeks.
Just had my year annivesary and really it's hard to believe. Still have weakness in my right arm and my hand can hardly open a jar. But I don't work on it, so it's my own fault.

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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.

schragie · 09-13-2003, 10:00 AM

I had a successful surgery about 4 1/2 years ago, 2 levels. Recovery took a long time--up to a year even to feel good--but the worst of the pain is gone and the symptoms from spinal cord compression went away after the surgery. The only thing that really bothers my neck is taking plane flights.

4 years later another disc herniated--unfortunately--but I am managing the pain with cervical epidurals and don't need more surgery.

Please also note that many of us who post here are suffering to some degree and the people who have really successful surgeries probably find less of a need to seek out these boards and share their stories.

Do also remember that recovery takes work post-surgery--doing the right exercises to rebuild strength, improve posture, etc. If I had worked harder I'll bet I would have recovered in less time!

Good luck.

Lisa

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1999 fusion C5-6 & C6-7
2002 herniation of C4-5

luvwindnhair · 09-13-2003, 07:45 PM

Another sucess story, I am only 4 weeks post op cervical fusion. Pain is gone, from my arm and neck. I am very happy I did this. Still wearing the hard collar, hopefully it will come off at my next appt on Tues, keep your fingers crossed for me!! As you will see from my signature, this is just the tip of my iceberg!! Tah Tah Cindy

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L5/S1 herniation 7mm 01/18/00
Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy 10/12/00
Thoratic pain began Dx buldge @ T-8 08/02
Had MRI on Lumbar because pain was returning, also scaned T spine 8/02, Dx recurrent L5/S1 herniation and new herniation @ level L4/5
Cervical pain began 2/03
Had MRI~Dx herination @ level C 6/7
Had anterior decompresion with hardware and use of my own hip bone graft to C 6/7 8/14/03
Now waiting for neck to heal to get my lumbar fusion...whoo~hoo
Saving all my pennies for trip to Austrailia to get the ADR!!

Magnum4x · 09-14-2003, 04:46 AM

thanks for sharing everyone i hope my surgery with turn out good and I hope I can remeber to come back and share my sucess too. Mag