7 weeks post-op posterior cervical spine surgery

I had what was supposed to be a Laminoplasty from C3 to C7, but half way through, the surgeon cut through the veins and I bled out like a stuffed pig, so much so, they nearly called it; half way through and because of what had gone wrong, they changed the rest of the operation to a Lamonectomi.

Upon waking up, I was paralysed from the neck down, but slowly I gained feelings and use of my left side first, then after a couple of days, I gained some use on my right side, minus the use of my right arm and the ability to turn my neck as much as I had prior to the op'! It is now 17 months later; I have gained some use in my right arm but cannot lift it more than waist high, the pain in my neck is horrific to say the least, and sleep, well, that's something I know little of these days; I have balance problems and tend to drop things! I'm not one for over medicating, so I still try to avoid taking what is suggested to control the pain at night and I have tried so many different pillows I can't count any more.

I have what they told me, C3 Palsy caused by a blood clots on the nerves from C5 to C7 and there's nothing that can be done; the op' was necessary as bulging discs from C3 to C7 were crushing the chord, so I would have died anyway if it had not been done! However, post operatively, at times, I think death would have been the better way, the surgeon told me I would not have known anything, I would have simply just dropped dead, but thank God, I live only for my wonderful wife, children, and grandchildren, they and they alone are why I never give up.

Hi i had mine about 4 weeks ago through neck though my neck still feels tight . Wonder if yours does?

Following I had the same procedure and I'm at week 4 I work as a nurse
12 shifts. Before surgery I could hardly function. I feel so much better. However that area where my incision is....it's not the same pain thank goodness but I get heavy shoulders as the day goes on. How long will this last? I take motrin and when working it makes for a very long day. Good luck on your recovery.

What corrected the peniged nerve did you have firing of muscles

I had spinal fusion at C45,56,67 with a bone graft from my hip. Tomorrow makes 2 weeks and I am in so much pain on the right side and down into right arm. Doc increased pain meds today and said if. It better in two weeks he will give me an injection to stop the pain - his words. So scarey!! This was an old injury fro 2009, and then a re injury in 2015. On the way for an updated MRI i was rear ended while actually driving down the road. Dumb lady texting and driving. Totaled car. My original injury was a work related one and have had to fight w/c all the way. I had over 30 injections prior to surgery. Good luck with your recovery.

Did you arm twitching go away?

For anyone that still reads this. If within 6 months of the surgery don't take anything other other then Tylenol. Ibprofen is a family that can think blood and cause your bone to not fuse correctly.

hello! Has anyone had posterior cervical fusion from C2 to T2? what were the symptoms that you were having that made you decide go forward with such a serious surgery & what was your recovery like? Thanks! Cheryl