Cervical Fusion --Scared!! It's tomorrow! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

sheryltex · 10-26-2003, 01:36 PM

Hello All! I'm new to this board...I've had six spinal fusions due to scoliosis and the last one--was successful thank heavens!! (but it was due to the upper rod that had been removed and my spine just collapsed at the L3 level--this is not unusual--according to recent studies done on the matter, so those who have rods removed caveat beware!!); sorry to get off tract, but anyway, I took a bad fall a year ago, shower mat in a hotel was too short and one step off the mat and I went flying; shattered upper head of my shoulder bone/(humerus); concussion; torn retinas in both eyes; and lots of other maladies; but right now I have to have C5/C6 fused tomorrow. Luckily I have an excellent neurosurgeon so I am confident with my doctor. Its just that after so many back surgeries, I'm a bit SCARED!! Will I be able to move my neck; this is a 1-level fusion, using cadaver bone and plate and screws so that the bones can fuse. But will I be able to move my head sideways up and down, and all that stuff afterwards---meaning after I heal? Is there a lot of pain after the surgery---for how long does that last? How long is the usual healing time. I know I'll be in one of those hard cervical dealie bobs but I could just use some reassurance --I should be used to all this after six spine surgeries but you never get used to it. I thank all of you for being here for all of us who need the comraderie of those who can understand what chronic pain and having to go through surgery is all about. My surgeon told me about all these things but I was a zombie when I saw him and just don't remember anything he told me!!
God Bless and thanks! I probably won't sleep a wink tonight and have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am.! AGHHH.
Sheryltex (I live in San Antonio)

Beeyes · 10-26-2003, 02:26 PM

I dont wat to sound rude, but these are questions you should ask your doctors BEFORE surgury!
I had 2 level ACDF with my own bone and plate. After 3 weeks I can move my head pretty well side to side, but up and down is a little tight still. You should not notice much restriction of motion with a single level. As far as pain goes, the only pain I had was hip pain for a week or so (well worth it to use my own bone!) and muscle spasms from wearing the collar in my upper shoulders. My neck never hurt at all. As the numbness wears off around the incision, it hurts a little from time to time. The strongest meds I took were Tylenol and I dont take that anymore. Good luck and stay positive and you will do fine..

Brett

more · 10-26-2003, 02:56 PM

As far as being able to move your neck - once the hard brace has been removed you should be able to move your neck. Depending on how long the brace is on will affect how much you can move it. I had a two level fusion and the brace was on 6 weeks. My surgeon referred me to a rehab doctor after the brace came off and he was surprised at how much I could move my neck. I think it was because I tended after the first couple of weeks to use the brace as a crutch only and did not tend to allow it to provide all support of the neck. Don't get me wrong I did use it for support during healing the majority of the time.

It was like I knew it was there if necessary but still tended to use some of the neck muscles for assistance.

Good Luck with your surgery tomorrow - come back when you are up to it and let us know how you did. Also, know we are here if you have other questions or concerns.

[This message has been edited by more (edited 10-26-2003).]

sheryltex · 10-26-2003, 09:04 PM

To Beeyes: I really did ask the doctor a jillion questions; but he stated that each and every person is very different in the post-op recovery....Since I have had six spinal surgeries (from scoliosis) and many other problems due to a bad fall last June (I am also faced with necrosis (death of the bone) in the top of my humerus bone, it was literally shattered...the very top of my shoulder bone--that will have to be dealt with after the neck is taken care of---whoopee....but seriously, when I asked him all these things, he could not give me all the assurances I guess I needed (doctors cannot tell you that things will be absolutely positive because there are so many variables involved with each and every patient), plus he has never had these surgeries himself, so I felt that it would be best to come onto the board here and at least get some support and I truly appreciate your time in reading my post...I had a whole list of things I asked the surgeon when I went in, I'm used to this pre-op thing, but have never had surgery in the cervical region, hence, my cnocerns and worries. I really appreciate all of your input---- it helps me a lot and perhaps I can get better sleep tonight after some of your encouraging words. I thank you very much.
Regards,
Sheryl in San Antonio