I am scheduling the same surgery soon. I have not gotten relief from conservative methods...should I been worried? How are you feeling now?
Lisa
Lisa
I had anterior cervical disectomy and fusion with the titanium plate and donor bone for the C4/C5 and C5/C6 vertebrae. Prior to the surgery I had severe neck and arm pain as well as numbness and eletric like shocks down my arm.
The minute I woke up in recovery I felt better than I had. Sure my throat was sore and there was a precise pain at the point where the plate was, but I was WAY better than 3 hours before.
A couple hours later, I was up walking. Then home the next morning.
The pain reduced in my throat in about a day. I took painkillers for the first 2-3 days, then reduced to just before bed for a few more days, then as needed, and about 2 post surgery, none at all.
The doc had said "walking is the best recovery", so on day 4 I started walking to work - about a mile each way. Then I walked about 4 miles on a trail. I've kept up that regiment.
The followup nurse called to ask how I was doing, I said great, I just got back from walking to work. She got nervous and asked me how far and was flabbergasted. So I guess my recovery is going better than the usual.
It is now about 4 weeks after the surgery and other than the scar, I don't really ever notice I had the surgery. I'm still not lifting things, and occasionally I'll have a piece of food stick by the incision point. But other than that, only the Docs orders are keeping me from getting busy doing lots of things. I feel terrific.
I know that a lot of people wouldn't bother to post a positive report. Just like the evening news, bad news is spread. And you should definitely be aware of the possibilities, but I can gladly report that in my case - it went very very well. Dr. Mark Reichmann of Salt Lake City, UT was my surgeon. He, his staff, and the recovery nurses at the IHC facility in Murray were terrific.
The minute I woke up in recovery I felt better than I had. Sure my throat was sore and there was a precise pain at the point where the plate was, but I was WAY better than 3 hours before.
A couple hours later, I was up walking. Then home the next morning.
The pain reduced in my throat in about a day. I took painkillers for the first 2-3 days, then reduced to just before bed for a few more days, then as needed, and about 2 post surgery, none at all.
The doc had said "walking is the best recovery", so on day 4 I started walking to work - about a mile each way. Then I walked about 4 miles on a trail. I've kept up that regiment.
The followup nurse called to ask how I was doing, I said great, I just got back from walking to work. She got nervous and asked me how far and was flabbergasted. So I guess my recovery is going better than the usual.
It is now about 4 weeks after the surgery and other than the scar, I don't really ever notice I had the surgery. I'm still not lifting things, and occasionally I'll have a piece of food stick by the incision point. But other than that, only the Docs orders are keeping me from getting busy doing lots of things. I feel terrific.
I know that a lot of people wouldn't bother to post a positive report. Just like the evening news, bad news is spread. And you should definitely be aware of the possibilities, but I can gladly report that in my case - it went very very well. Dr. Mark Reichmann of Salt Lake City, UT was my surgeon. He, his staff, and the recovery nurses at the IHC facility in Murray were terrific.
Guest wrote:
Hello,
I am many years after C6-7 fusion surgery. I do know do no listen to the doctor who tells you that you can lift anything. That is a lie. I had a doctor who told me that after I was seen in just 4 weeks from surgery. The man told me that i had titanium and could lift or do anything. Do not listen to that. The older doctor wondered what on earth was I doing out my collar in 4-5 weeks. I told him the other doctor in his practice told me to, when he saw bone growing all the way around. Deemed me as healed. Whatever you do; wear the brace fo the full 4-6 weeks or 4 months. People tend to have issues later if they did not wear the brace for the reccamended time period and there are doctors who do not adhere to these time lines. You can tell your doctor you need an extra brace because you wash yours. I washed mine. This way you can get another brace right from the people who will make your brace. You can wear it longer. You buy an extra one.
I wanted you all to know heavy lifting is a no no. I learned the hard way. I had a friend who was 3 foot nine inches because of her disability. She needed me to pick her up as she could not walk far. She weighed 65 pounds. Of course I picked her up and regretted it later. After you hurt fusion few will ever help you. They will say the bone looks good and how it's not related to the fusion but it is. It's most likely something bent in there or something if you hurt it. It happenned to another woman and until the doctor came; who could help her, she sufferred with a bent rod in the low spine after a fusion.
I wanted you to know after i lifted my friend I could not close the car door without grabbing the front where my fusion was. It would hurt in my neck or throat. That went away. I do get the sometimes swallowing issue. USe some water to get the food down if your are eating when this happens. So it brought me hope to see the first person note about not knowing what or how of being hurt. I believe you bent something in there. Never almost never can go back to your own doctor who fused it for their fears of being sued. They also don't want to see anything they did was ever wrong. Also note that weight of the metal in your in relation to your kneck. This is some issue i believe. I know we just want help and to know how it screwed up. Was anyone ever told you could do anything after surgery about 4-6 later when you were recovered from surgery. It's a lie. You need a job that is not heavy lifting. Alot of doctors will tell you this and it's a crime if the top person I saw was never told this. You never go back to a heavy job. You can be crippled even in your legs from fusion gone wrong. Do you ever get any sort of headachy feeling? Do you sometimes just want to push in the fusion thinking it just sticks out too far. I have. It was after heavy lifting.
For the person who is considering fusion. If there is any way not to do it I would. I also know where your coming from and so does anyone else reading this who had the need for fusion. Is your doctor telling you that to just trim the joint would be wrong because you need some bone there. In many cases it's good to stabalize the area. There are alot of failed spine fusions. In some cases they have to fuse anyway. Just remember what normally happens is your body is it's already fusing on it's own with no choice if you have a ruptured joint or torn joint. If it's a herniation, they can trim it. They trim off the side and don't fuse. I have had both. I had one in the lower back where it was just trimmed. I had the upper C 6-7 fusion. I would love to talk to anyone or read anything you got on fusion cervical going wrong and working to lift etc etc. I believe we can compare notes. I do know that as far as social security goes, they like mental disorders more then physical unless you are handicapped from birth or in childhood. For physical that person needs to say it's a failed fusion. I would like to talk to that person any time that wrote in to compare notes on what we got and where the fusion went wrong.
For social security they like shrinks and since shrinks are more then happy to hold on to their bible called the DSM 4 manuel of insurance code billiing, they get paid if they give you a disability. So seek there. Afterall, many are using people anyway. Do not take the drugs they give. Let them get what you need for physical problem of disability. Let them do it. Who cares what people think. Sounds like you need the disability. Just do it. Dont' know why they love shrink diagnoses. It' like if your nuts they will give it to you. When you need it I have seen people fight for it.
I need it. I am handicapped for real and wish it were not so. I see people go through this and already heard it from an attorney that the faster way to get it is to have a doctor say you have some diagnosis of mental illness. Not kidding. Then, if you happen to be really disabled physically, they accept it after you are on. I wanted to talk to the man or woman with the getting hurt. I am not an attorney. I am not a doctor. I am a disabled person who saw this note when i was looking for anyone with upper failed fusion issues. I do know about social security. I have placed people when I used to volunteer. I took someone to social security meeting and learned the truth. An attorney specializing in it told me and the person i took for help, that being crazy is best way. What a mess. People like you really need it and this is how they do it? So just go see a shrink. Never take the medicine. Accept the false Diagnosis and get it.
Nice day. Catherine
For the person getting the surgery who in anguish probably posted an ad for reaching out for help, we do not know your surgeon. I know one woman who has never had a problem but she had her done in a day when they made you wear braces that were permanant for ahwile. They went over your neck and coudl not come off. They had holes in them for you to take a shower. She followed all that and has never had a problem. Shame on these doctors who tell these people today how they don't need much down time with a brace and only 4 weeks. Shame on them!! Do not jump right out your collar the first chance you get. That is a no no.
What level is your fusion going to be at? I will look upward. Anytime it's by the arms or controlling the arm area be more careful anod not taking on physical jobs. If it's up toward the head this was the success stories. Mine was at the area for the arms. Be careful and do exactly what you are told and if you are told wrong this no one can help. If you are in much pain you may need the fusion. I can't say. I am not there. Do not go back to work in a factory or heavy lifting. This I can tell you. Don't let us scare you. We are in part sorry of how we ended up. This is why I told that person above yours to somehow ask me some questions and we can compare some date that we know to figure this out and how to help. There are doctors who will re-do fusions out there. We need to find them. Many times it's better when you lifted something, bent a plate they can't see and you have it re-done. They end up seeing it in the surgery about some of what went wrong. The person needing social security. I would like to talk to that person above lisa. Lisa, best of blessings to you. Don't know your situation in terms of was it a herniation or what to answer words of hope. I do know going in pray to God. REally, it shall make better outcome.
Guest wrote:
I had c5/6 and c6/7 anterior cervical disectomy and fusion with the titanium plate and donor bone. most of my pain has been in my neck and shoulder muscles/tendons. The swallowing pain was gone after a couple days - no pain at incision site but still have the steri strips on incision.
I'm just concerned about the pain in my upper back and shoulders continuing long term? Anyone out there more than a few weeks out from surgery? Actually pain has been a lot less than expected, no hoarseness or real painful swallowing problems.
I am scheduling the same surgery soon. I have not gotten relief from conservative methods...should I been worried? How are you feeling now?
Lisa
Hello,
I am many years after C6-7 fusion surgery. I do know do no listen to the doctor who tells you that you can lift anything. That is a lie. I had a doctor who told me that after I was seen in just 4 weeks from surgery. The man told me that i had titanium and could lift or do anything. Do not listen to that. The older doctor wondered what on earth was I doing out my collar in 4-5 weeks. I told him the other doctor in his practice told me to, when he saw bone growing all the way around. Deemed me as healed. Whatever you do; wear the brace fo the full 4-6 weeks or 4 months. People tend to have issues later if they did not wear the brace for the reccamended time period and there are doctors who do not adhere to these time lines. You can tell your doctor you need an extra brace because you wash yours. I washed mine. This way you can get another brace right from the people who will make your brace. You can wear it longer. You buy an extra one.
I wanted you all to know heavy lifting is a no no. I learned the hard way. I had a friend who was 3 foot nine inches because of her disability. She needed me to pick her up as she could not walk far. She weighed 65 pounds. Of course I picked her up and regretted it later. After you hurt fusion few will ever help you. They will say the bone looks good and how it's not related to the fusion but it is. It's most likely something bent in there or something if you hurt it. It happenned to another woman and until the doctor came; who could help her, she sufferred with a bent rod in the low spine after a fusion.
I wanted you to know after i lifted my friend I could not close the car door without grabbing the front where my fusion was. It would hurt in my neck or throat. That went away. I do get the sometimes swallowing issue. USe some water to get the food down if your are eating when this happens. So it brought me hope to see the first person note about not knowing what or how of being hurt. I believe you bent something in there. Never almost never can go back to your own doctor who fused it for their fears of being sued. They also don't want to see anything they did was ever wrong. Also note that weight of the metal in your in relation to your kneck. This is some issue i believe. I know we just want help and to know how it screwed up. Was anyone ever told you could do anything after surgery about 4-6 later when you were recovered from surgery. It's a lie. You need a job that is not heavy lifting. Alot of doctors will tell you this and it's a crime if the top person I saw was never told this. You never go back to a heavy job. You can be crippled even in your legs from fusion gone wrong. Do you ever get any sort of headachy feeling? Do you sometimes just want to push in the fusion thinking it just sticks out too far. I have. It was after heavy lifting.
For the person who is considering fusion. If there is any way not to do it I would. I also know where your coming from and so does anyone else reading this who had the need for fusion. Is your doctor telling you that to just trim the joint would be wrong because you need some bone there. In many cases it's good to stabalize the area. There are alot of failed spine fusions. In some cases they have to fuse anyway. Just remember what normally happens is your body is it's already fusing on it's own with no choice if you have a ruptured joint or torn joint. If it's a herniation, they can trim it. They trim off the side and don't fuse. I have had both. I had one in the lower back where it was just trimmed. I had the upper C 6-7 fusion. I would love to talk to anyone or read anything you got on fusion cervical going wrong and working to lift etc etc. I believe we can compare notes. I do know that as far as social security goes, they like mental disorders more then physical unless you are handicapped from birth or in childhood. For physical that person needs to say it's a failed fusion. I would like to talk to that person any time that wrote in to compare notes on what we got and where the fusion went wrong.
For social security they like shrinks and since shrinks are more then happy to hold on to their bible called the DSM 4 manuel of insurance code billiing, they get paid if they give you a disability. So seek there. Afterall, many are using people anyway. Do not take the drugs they give. Let them get what you need for physical problem of disability. Let them do it. Who cares what people think. Sounds like you need the disability. Just do it. Dont' know why they love shrink diagnoses. It' like if your nuts they will give it to you. When you need it I have seen people fight for it.
I need it. I am handicapped for real and wish it were not so. I see people go through this and already heard it from an attorney that the faster way to get it is to have a doctor say you have some diagnosis of mental illness. Not kidding. Then, if you happen to be really disabled physically, they accept it after you are on. I wanted to talk to the man or woman with the getting hurt. I am not an attorney. I am not a doctor. I am a disabled person who saw this note when i was looking for anyone with upper failed fusion issues. I do know about social security. I have placed people when I used to volunteer. I took someone to social security meeting and learned the truth. An attorney specializing in it told me and the person i took for help, that being crazy is best way. What a mess. People like you really need it and this is how they do it? So just go see a shrink. Never take the medicine. Accept the false Diagnosis and get it.
Nice day. Catherine
For the person getting the surgery who in anguish probably posted an ad for reaching out for help, we do not know your surgeon. I know one woman who has never had a problem but she had her done in a day when they made you wear braces that were permanant for ahwile. They went over your neck and coudl not come off. They had holes in them for you to take a shower. She followed all that and has never had a problem. Shame on these doctors who tell these people today how they don't need much down time with a brace and only 4 weeks. Shame on them!! Do not jump right out your collar the first chance you get. That is a no no.
What level is your fusion going to be at? I will look upward. Anytime it's by the arms or controlling the arm area be more careful anod not taking on physical jobs. If it's up toward the head this was the success stories. Mine was at the area for the arms. Be careful and do exactly what you are told and if you are told wrong this no one can help. If you are in much pain you may need the fusion. I can't say. I am not there. Do not go back to work in a factory or heavy lifting. This I can tell you. Don't let us scare you. We are in part sorry of how we ended up. This is why I told that person above yours to somehow ask me some questions and we can compare some date that we know to figure this out and how to help. There are doctors who will re-do fusions out there. We need to find them. Many times it's better when you lifted something, bent a plate they can't see and you have it re-done. They end up seeing it in the surgery about some of what went wrong. The person needing social security. I would like to talk to that person above lisa. Lisa, best of blessings to you. Don't know your situation in terms of was it a herniation or what to answer words of hope. I do know going in pray to God. REally, it shall make better outcome.
I had ACDF in June of 2007 and still out of work. The pain is getting worse and had an EMG done this past Monday. Doctor said I have a pinched nerve at my right elbow which is causing the severe arm pain and hand numbness. Why is my neck (the back of the neck) still giving me severe pain, no mobility, pain in my ankles all day long, headaches, and now left arm soreness and numbness? I was told that I will require surgery to move the nerve. But again my neck is killing me every minute of the day and allows me to do no physical activity. As a 42 year old father of twin boys it is very depressing and frustrating to be going thru hell everyday. I was an athelete and a on-the-go person who never missed work and loved being active. My employer Genzyme terminated me via mail last week and workman's compensation is 60% of your pay. After a year the 40% loss is not easy to swallow. What can I do? I had bulges at C3, C4, C5, and C6 with C7 being replaced with a cadavor bone and plating. I can feel the plate still when I swallow. Has anyone else had these post-surgery problems? I can barely survive and the pain is so severe that it brings tears to this tough guy's eyes all of time. I have not slept more than 3 hours a night in over a year and still cannot lay flat in a bed. If anyone has a similar issue feel free to email me at _[removed]_
God Bless You All
John
God Bless You All
John
:-( I am having anterior decompression of C6 and C7, and fusion of C3 and C4. I also suffer from depression and anxiety. Is there a lot of post op pain, and I heard that I will have difficulty swallowing after this proceduure. Does anyone know or can anyone help me?
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| WOULD I DO IT AGAIN? YOU BET. IM A 39 YR OLD CHICK WITH 2 KIDS, MY LIFE IS BACK TO NORMAL, WORKING AS A ER NURSE. ;-)
In Jan of 2007, (39yrs old at the time)I had Anterior Cervical Fusion w/Microdisectomy for C4-C5 and C6-C7. Although I do not have the numbing & electictrical shocks from neck to fingers I still have pain. MRI showed nerve damage.....otherwise I would've never had surgery!
I had the best surgeon in my area. I feel pressure in the area of incision, feels sometimes as if I someone is pressing their fingers into my throat. When I get anxious, it increases the pain & tightness, then I have a hard time swallowing which usually leads into panic attack. As other people have stated, I too get depressed because I live w/pain and tightness in my throat day to day. I am most comfortable sleeping on my back, as sleeping on side feels like I am being choked. :-( I went to physical therapy for awhile b/c I was told I new to strengthen my neck/shoulder muscles. That did help, but had to stop because of $.
Wondering if anyone has heard of problems of scar tissue causing pressure where the incision was?
I had the best surgeon in my area. I feel pressure in the area of incision, feels sometimes as if I someone is pressing their fingers into my throat. When I get anxious, it increases the pain & tightness, then I have a hard time swallowing which usually leads into panic attack. As other people have stated, I too get depressed because I live w/pain and tightness in my throat day to day. I am most comfortable sleeping on my back, as sleeping on side feels like I am being choked. :-( I went to physical therapy for awhile b/c I was told I new to strengthen my neck/shoulder muscles. That did help, but had to stop because of $.
Wondering if anyone has heard of problems of scar tissue causing pressure where the incision was?
konagirl ,hi im Debbie im 45, i had ACDF on levels c5/6 c6/7,i think you will find you be able to swallow OK ,drink threw a straw little sips,they give you very soft mushy stuff to eat you go slow and you will be fine,im 7months post op now,surgery went very well,i had nerve un pinched from between 2 disc they replaced 2 disc i have titanium plate an 6 screws i did not have to wear a collar my neck was to small,lol, im am still on PAIN meds am antidepressant meds lots of PAIN meds im one of many unlucky one's who still suffer from shoulder blade PAIN neck ,arms,thoracic,an some other pain but i hope all goes well for you ,,good luck an talk soon ,Debbie %-)
I had a corpectomy and fusion and cadaver bone placed 2/08 and it has been a long hard road to recovery. I am still not able to return to work and the pain levels differ depending on the weather, how I have slept or not slept. and if I over do it. I have not been pain free since my surgery. I get constant shoulder and neck pain. My headaches are stronger and more frequent. I take hydrocodone and a muscle relaxer. but not as prescribed. If I did that I would not be able to function. Standing, Sitting at a computer or walking for too long and my neck starts to scream. Directly after surgery I could not lift my arms to wash my hair. I was in a hard cervical collar for 6 weeks, for every sleeping and waking moment. I have had Physical Therapy and still have such pain. I am back going to the neurosurgeon and he has discovered a swelling in my lower spine that he is not sure what it is. A second MRI still showed the swelling so they tested for any infection with all tests returning negative. He has scheculed a Epidoral Lumbar Injection to try and relieve pain. I know the mental and physical struggle this surgery causes. I hope you all are doing well from your surgery. Has anyone else had these troubles? Also, classic migraine with nausea, light flashes, blurred vision, light sensitivity etc. have become so much more frequent. I also get dizzy spells and severe back muscle cramps. It is a very challenging surgery to recover from. I am a 50 yr old female who was always active. I get very tired very easily since this surgery. And my physical activities need to be short in duration. Also I constantly feel like I have a bubble in my throat. Dysfasia is more prominent. I can choke on my own spittle and have trouble sometimes swallowing pills or anything that is hard, dry or large.
I am right there with you! I had this surgery 9/2005 and still suffer from the above mentioned pains that you have.
My pain even moves around. One day it'll be my right side the next my left.
I have went to several specialists, done physical therapy 3 times, tried different meds, etc and nothing has helped me.
In Oct 2008 I did go to another neurologist that is currently running test for MS. I had a Reumotologist diagnose me with Fibromyalgia last summer. What is wrong with me is anyone's guess....but I have to wonder if the majority of my pain was caused from ACDF surgery. That's when the real trouble began.
The neurologist that I am currently seeing is my last hope. I have a stack of medical records I swear 6-9 inches thick! If he finds nothing wrong, like the other specialists, I quit. It's just so hard to give up when you want to get rid of the pain and get your life back. Agree?
My pain even moves around. One day it'll be my right side the next my left.
I have went to several specialists, done physical therapy 3 times, tried different meds, etc and nothing has helped me.
In Oct 2008 I did go to another neurologist that is currently running test for MS. I had a Reumotologist diagnose me with Fibromyalgia last summer. What is wrong with me is anyone's guess....but I have to wonder if the majority of my pain was caused from ACDF surgery. That's when the real trouble began.
The neurologist that I am currently seeing is my last hope. I have a stack of medical records I swear 6-9 inches thick! If he finds nothing wrong, like the other specialists, I quit. It's just so hard to give up when you want to get rid of the pain and get your life back. Agree?
jchez1965...man...i'm so sorry to hear you lost your job especially by way of email...i have the numbness, tingling, pins and needles, electric jolts in my neck, i can go on and on...i had bulges of C5-6, 6-7...replaced with cadavor and plating (3 scews)...i don't sleep either...you received workman's compensation you posted....protect yourself and find a good lawyer who specializes in workman's comp law...i was a very active lady...walked 4 miles everyday...i'm lucky now if i can just walk to the mailbox (50 feet)...p.t. has been suspended..however, i persuaded my surgeon to write another order for aqua therapy...it helps more than anything else...the only thing is...it doesn't last...but it does give me some form of exercise.
my pain too moves around...as others have mentioned...i told my husband...i feel like i'm a 100 years old...i'm 49 ... i asked my neurologist if my pain (all before surgery) might be fibromyalgia...he said no. my medical bills have topped $100k....i would love to go...one day...have no pain...be normal again. i am not giving up by any means...you know the old saying "only the good die young" ... LOL... i don't socialize outside of my house...i can't be comfortable anywhere...my parents live 5 minutes away...and the last time i was over there was Christmas 08...i feel very depressed about that...I would go over there every weekend...now I can probably count on my hand how many times I've been able to make it over...my father is in bad physical health (congestive heart) and that depresses me that i can't visit with them like i used to
My husband just had the surgery and it went well. The only concern he has is a feel of something cut hanging in his throat and when falling to sleep he chokes. Is this normal?
Yes that is a normal thing. We have all felt something wierd inside our necks for a little while after surgery. It will fade away. But in the meantime try one of those pre-formed pillows that support the neck and allow the head to rest in a normal possition while sleeping. And try to make sure to sleep on your back at first. It seemed to be better for me.
Good luck,
Rob
Good luck,
Rob
Hello everyone.
I am new to posting on this site but I have been on here many times reading everyone’s thoughts and feelings at the topic on hand.
First I want to thank everyone who has posted in the past. This site has helped me cope with what I am dealing with.
So my story. I am a 31 year old woman who is very active and independent. This creats a problem with me as I am dealing with these "issues". You see I have lots going on with my neck. I have degenerative disc disease that has added to the pain of my two prior cervical fractures (One when I was a child and the other a few years back). The most recent fracture was in January of 2006. Ever since my accident (I fell...at home. Go figure) I now have the constant reminder that I have a neck! I feel that a neck should just be there pointing you in the direction in life you want to go. But that isn't the case for me so now I am faced with going under the knife soon. I am scheduled to have the surgery (ACDF of my c5/6) on March 30th. I am scheduled but am also on call with the hospital in case someone cancels or can't make it to town. (The joys of traveling in Alaska this time of year) Anyways, I have been on here reading peoples stories on how they (you all) have been dealing with your neck issues. Everyone is different which has helped since that covers a lot of issues.
My issues are annoying to say the least. My neck is messed up from c2-c7 but the major problems are with 5/6. I have pretty much everything wrong with it. Protrusion, stenosia, bulging, and degenerating discs. With turn makes me in constant pain. Besides the pain I have numbness, joint aching and clicking, loss of strength, a cold "tooth ache" feeling in my forearm and that damn tingling feeling with my three fingers on my right hand. When I am inflamed I seem to get blurred vision and I have a hard time speaking. This is due to one of my discs pushing into my spinal cord. I also have the joys of my neck "locking" up on me. That always seems to put me in the ER for hours and then weeks of major aching. I can't look to the right all the way and it is VERY painful to put my chin to my chest as well as look up. I don't sleep very well at all too. I get that thick "warm" stiff feeling and the wonderful little sharp pains that shoot up my arm to my neck. I can't seem to sleep comfortably anymore and when I do go to sleep I have to lay on my back with my head looking left. This is not my sleeping position so I wake up at the minimum of 3x a night with both arms (but mostly my right) "asleep". It is like a dead leg but WAY more annoying and painful. I think that is about it for pain.
So that is my physical issues but the ones I can't seem to deal with is the emotionally issues. I am not a touchy feely kind of girl and not emotional at all...until the past three months. I am very sensitive and this is foreign to me! I feel like a sissy la la and get more upset with myself for feeling that way which in turns makes me feel worse. **SHEESH**
Anyways, I put off getting the surgery until I moved from my home town on an island to outside of Anchorage. I needed to be closer to my neurosurgeon and where I can receive PT after the surgery. These things are not available on the island, obviously. So I am living here and I feel stuck. I can't get a job until I recover (I feel that isn't fair to my employer to have me start work and then be like, "Oh, I won't be in for sometime since I am getting an ACDF"). The terrible thing is being on call. Wondering if they are going to call that day. It is also difficult to stay out of my head. I am a thinker and as I am trying to go to sleep I keep visioning a scalpel cutting my neck! Nice I know. **SIGHS** This site has helped me realize I am not alone which I feel most of the time. Living in a strange city, with no job. Trying to stay busy and not get depressed or have the anxiety take over me. The truth is I am scared. I want it over with but also I don't wanna get cut. I am hoping for the best and doing what I can to research the procedure and post op stuff. I am looking for advice. Simple things weigh no me. Things like post surgery do and don'ts. Am I going to be as independent as I am now and be able to do normal things like the dishes and bathe? How I am going to take care of my lab without being able to walk him? What foods should get before I go in? Even stupid things like how should I do my hair (I have long curly hair) for the surgery? Am I going to need someone around to help me and make sure I am okay for the first few days after surgery? What meds are the best to take (I hate taking pills, especially ones that make me feel not like me)? How long is going to take to recover so I can apply for jobs? What should I tell my boyfriend to expect? This is just a few things that I think about randomly through out the day. I just want to be ready for anything. I want to do my part in my healing because I don't want to have limitations down the road. I want to heal so I can run more marathons. Play basketball again and go fishing and hunting without hurting. I am young and just want to be able to do the things I love with the ones I love.
So, what I would like is for anyone who has any thoughts or can recommend anything I should or shouldn't do to please tell me!! I need to settle my mind and be prepared. Thank you in advance and I look forward to your replies.
Cheers,
Vena
I am new to posting on this site but I have been on here many times reading everyone’s thoughts and feelings at the topic on hand.
First I want to thank everyone who has posted in the past. This site has helped me cope with what I am dealing with.
So my story. I am a 31 year old woman who is very active and independent. This creats a problem with me as I am dealing with these "issues". You see I have lots going on with my neck. I have degenerative disc disease that has added to the pain of my two prior cervical fractures (One when I was a child and the other a few years back). The most recent fracture was in January of 2006. Ever since my accident (I fell...at home. Go figure) I now have the constant reminder that I have a neck! I feel that a neck should just be there pointing you in the direction in life you want to go. But that isn't the case for me so now I am faced with going under the knife soon. I am scheduled to have the surgery (ACDF of my c5/6) on March 30th. I am scheduled but am also on call with the hospital in case someone cancels or can't make it to town. (The joys of traveling in Alaska this time of year) Anyways, I have been on here reading peoples stories on how they (you all) have been dealing with your neck issues. Everyone is different which has helped since that covers a lot of issues.
My issues are annoying to say the least. My neck is messed up from c2-c7 but the major problems are with 5/6. I have pretty much everything wrong with it. Protrusion, stenosia, bulging, and degenerating discs. With turn makes me in constant pain. Besides the pain I have numbness, joint aching and clicking, loss of strength, a cold "tooth ache" feeling in my forearm and that damn tingling feeling with my three fingers on my right hand. When I am inflamed I seem to get blurred vision and I have a hard time speaking. This is due to one of my discs pushing into my spinal cord. I also have the joys of my neck "locking" up on me. That always seems to put me in the ER for hours and then weeks of major aching. I can't look to the right all the way and it is VERY painful to put my chin to my chest as well as look up. I don't sleep very well at all too. I get that thick "warm" stiff feeling and the wonderful little sharp pains that shoot up my arm to my neck. I can't seem to sleep comfortably anymore and when I do go to sleep I have to lay on my back with my head looking left. This is not my sleeping position so I wake up at the minimum of 3x a night with both arms (but mostly my right) "asleep". It is like a dead leg but WAY more annoying and painful. I think that is about it for pain.
So that is my physical issues but the ones I can't seem to deal with is the emotionally issues. I am not a touchy feely kind of girl and not emotional at all...until the past three months. I am very sensitive and this is foreign to me! I feel like a sissy la la and get more upset with myself for feeling that way which in turns makes me feel worse. **SHEESH**
Anyways, I put off getting the surgery until I moved from my home town on an island to outside of Anchorage. I needed to be closer to my neurosurgeon and where I can receive PT after the surgery. These things are not available on the island, obviously. So I am living here and I feel stuck. I can't get a job until I recover (I feel that isn't fair to my employer to have me start work and then be like, "Oh, I won't be in for sometime since I am getting an ACDF"). The terrible thing is being on call. Wondering if they are going to call that day. It is also difficult to stay out of my head. I am a thinker and as I am trying to go to sleep I keep visioning a scalpel cutting my neck! Nice I know. **SIGHS** This site has helped me realize I am not alone which I feel most of the time. Living in a strange city, with no job. Trying to stay busy and not get depressed or have the anxiety take over me. The truth is I am scared. I want it over with but also I don't wanna get cut. I am hoping for the best and doing what I can to research the procedure and post op stuff. I am looking for advice. Simple things weigh no me. Things like post surgery do and don'ts. Am I going to be as independent as I am now and be able to do normal things like the dishes and bathe? How I am going to take care of my lab without being able to walk him? What foods should get before I go in? Even stupid things like how should I do my hair (I have long curly hair) for the surgery? Am I going to need someone around to help me and make sure I am okay for the first few days after surgery? What meds are the best to take (I hate taking pills, especially ones that make me feel not like me)? How long is going to take to recover so I can apply for jobs? What should I tell my boyfriend to expect? This is just a few things that I think about randomly through out the day. I just want to be ready for anything. I want to do my part in my healing because I don't want to have limitations down the road. I want to heal so I can run more marathons. Play basketball again and go fishing and hunting without hurting. I am young and just want to be able to do the things I love with the ones I love.
So, what I would like is for anyone who has any thoughts or can recommend anything I should or shouldn't do to please tell me!! I need to settle my mind and be prepared. Thank you in advance and I look forward to your replies.
Cheers,
Vena