Annette, and Guest(s),
Annette I fully agree that a 100% recovery at 3 months is unrealistic but not impossible. I am nearing 4 months now and if I was asked this question last week I would have to say that I was only 50%, This week I am at 65%. Thank you for your supportive remarks about me. I have gone through all of the ups and downs emotionaly and physicaly that you can imagine and all I can say is.... It will get better!
Guest, I cannot drive far yet at 4 months. The turning of the head/body hurts a lot. I was spasming through the 3rd month I think... the flexeril worked for me only when I was on pain killers at the same time. I told my DR and he said to take both if it worked. I told him that flexeril by itself was a waste of money. The only thing I can tell you is to make sure you are turning your body when you look left or right and not your head. Lead with the torso and let your head follow. It will feel better and maybe help you afterwards.
As a little note: Today was the first time I was able to be off pain killers. I figured I would try it and I noticed that I hurt with them and without them just the same... so I will choose to do without them until I need them.
Good luck everybody,
Rob
Annette I fully agree that a 100% recovery at 3 months is unrealistic but not impossible. I am nearing 4 months now and if I was asked this question last week I would have to say that I was only 50%, This week I am at 65%. Thank you for your supportive remarks about me. I have gone through all of the ups and downs emotionaly and physicaly that you can imagine and all I can say is.... It will get better!
Guest, I cannot drive far yet at 4 months. The turning of the head/body hurts a lot. I was spasming through the 3rd month I think... the flexeril worked for me only when I was on pain killers at the same time. I told my DR and he said to take both if it worked. I told him that flexeril by itself was a waste of money. The only thing I can tell you is to make sure you are turning your body when you look left or right and not your head. Lead with the torso and let your head follow. It will feel better and maybe help you afterwards.
As a little note: Today was the first time I was able to be off pain killers. I figured I would try it and I noticed that I hurt with them and without them just the same... so I will choose to do without them until I need them.
Good luck everybody,
Rob
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Congrats, Rob! I discovered the same thing....at this point the pain meds do not make much of a difference. If I have a bad day, the Percocet is there, but most days now I take only Tylenol Arthritis if I think I need pain remedy. Driving is not safe for me yet as I cannot turn my head enough to have good judgment. I feel fairly comfortable driving a couple of miles to the grocery store, etc, but I cannot imagine driving 20 minutes unless I was on a straight road and did not have to change lanes or merge. I am hoping that I gain more neck mobility but at this point, as Rob says, I am using my body more than my neck. My dr. seems very reluctant for me to work to "push" my neck through a larger range of motion so I am following his instructions. I have been working with elastic bands to strengthen and tone muscles without using weights and this seems to help...at least mentally :-)
As I am sure you all agree, I cannot wait until I wake up one morning, and forget I have ANY neck issues at all. I am not sure that it will ever happen but right now I am hoping to regain my active life one day at a time. Small steps forward, right? Sounds like we are all doing that, thank God. It has been good for me to share our experiences...there may be some differences but we are all working toward the same goal.
Take care, guys, and again, Congrats to Rob for nixing the painkillers.
Annette
As I am sure you all agree, I cannot wait until I wake up one morning, and forget I have ANY neck issues at all. I am not sure that it will ever happen but right now I am hoping to regain my active life one day at a time. Small steps forward, right? Sounds like we are all doing that, thank God. It has been good for me to share our experiences...there may be some differences but we are all working toward the same goal.
Take care, guys, and again, Congrats to Rob for nixing the painkillers.
Annette
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Hello everyone,
Thank you for taking the time to post. I am currently researching on whether or not I should have surgery. I have been in pain for over a year and a half. I am tired of it. I am reluctant to have the surgery or any surgery for that matter. I am scheduled for surgery on 4/14 after I finish some traveling for work. They will be fusing C5-C6 and C6-C7.
I do have a question. I drive A LOT. About 40-50,000 miles a year. I also fly a lot. How long until any of you were able to comfortably travel by car and plane? That is a major concern.
Thank you for taking the time to post. I am currently researching on whether or not I should have surgery. I have been in pain for over a year and a half. I am tired of it. I am reluctant to have the surgery or any surgery for that matter. I am scheduled for surgery on 4/14 after I finish some traveling for work. They will be fusing C5-C6 and C6-C7.
I do have a question. I drive A LOT. About 40-50,000 miles a year. I also fly a lot. How long until any of you were able to comfortably travel by car and plane? That is a major concern.
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Hi all. I am two weeks and 3 days (February 9th) past my surgery date. I had C4-C5 disc removed replaced from bone bank, no hip graft, and holes in 6th cervical for nerves opened up slightly. As a side also had carpal tunnel syndrone on right hand fixed at same time. I began with a left shoulder ache, like a rotator cuff problem, then 4 months later sore bicep, then 4 months later sore thumb with numbness. Orthopaedic doctor in August told me I had a bone spur in the shoulder causing all the problems. Regular doctor said nope,... nerve problem. Out of hospital morning after surgery. Horrible sore throat. I refused water and food for 3 1/2 days because I could not swallow. Now just a little lumpy in throat, swallowing fine eating great. Took pain medicine and a few muscle relaxers for 1 week. I was not restricted by doctor against any movements of the head or nck. just told not to over push it. Small soft collar off and on for my comfort for 1 week. 2 days after surgery thumb quit hurting. 4 days after surgery bicep quit hurting. My left shoulder that I could not lift or push with or sleep on quit bothering me within 8 days of surgery. I still have a little soreness in the neck/back/shoulder area. and not a complete "up" motion with my head yet, but I am driving, working, going, after only 10 days.
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I should followup my post above with this,... I had two discs removed and replaced and the titanium plate was installed as well.
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Hi new Guest and "Newbie"....I think what we all have to remember as far as recovery goes is that no matter how quickly we FEEL better, the fusion still needs time to be complete. My doctor admonished me that "there is no way to speed the recovery, but there are ways to mess it up and have to start over." That put things in perspective for me.
I am lucky in that I do not have to drive right now, except for short distances. I am 3 months post op and my range of motion is still very limited and my doctor does not want me to "push it". Therefore i have to turn my whole body to get a clear view of the road and other drivers. This is not safe for long distances. Also, in the event of even a rear-ender, damage to the fused area can cause serious problems. I know that you have to do "what you have to do" to keep a job, etc, but it may be quite dangerous if you have to drive "a lot" as you indicated.
I feel like, all in all, I have recovered well but I constantly remind myself that the bones have not completely fused and it may be months more before that happens. My surgeon says it usually takes a minimum of 6 months for that to happen. I tripped and fell in the house a couple of week-ends ago -- no I was NOT drinking, ha ha -- but that scared me because the worst thing possible right now would be for me to mess up the work and have to have surgery to correct it. UGH...therefore, I try not to push myself as was my nature in the past.
Keep me posted on continued recovery and upcoming surgery :-)
Annette
I am lucky in that I do not have to drive right now, except for short distances. I am 3 months post op and my range of motion is still very limited and my doctor does not want me to "push it". Therefore i have to turn my whole body to get a clear view of the road and other drivers. This is not safe for long distances. Also, in the event of even a rear-ender, damage to the fused area can cause serious problems. I know that you have to do "what you have to do" to keep a job, etc, but it may be quite dangerous if you have to drive "a lot" as you indicated.
I feel like, all in all, I have recovered well but I constantly remind myself that the bones have not completely fused and it may be months more before that happens. My surgeon says it usually takes a minimum of 6 months for that to happen. I tripped and fell in the house a couple of week-ends ago -- no I was NOT drinking, ha ha -- but that scared me because the worst thing possible right now would be for me to mess up the work and have to have surgery to correct it. UGH...therefore, I try not to push myself as was my nature in the past.
Keep me posted on continued recovery and upcoming surgery :-)
Annette
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I am one week out from surgery. I spent the first three days in the hospital. I spiked a fever and was kept a litttle longer than usual. I was happy to stay. There are no narcotics,pain killers. that you can get at home that help to minimize the pain as well as IV med's. I was kept very comfortable. The worst part of the surgery for me was the excruciating sore throat. Even swallowing was terrible. I quickly made friends with the nutritionist assigned to me and I ate (what I could ) of mash potatoes, soft macncheese and oatmeal. My husband brought freeze pops up and the nurses kept them in their fridge and I sucked and let it trickle down.
I was up and going to the bathroom etc. within hours of my surgery and showering unassisted the next day.
I am home now and really the only restrictions I have is no driving for three weeks, no lifting anything haevier or bogger than a milk jug, and no overhead lifting at all.
I ws very anxious and scared to have this surgery. But.. all I can say is so far I am beyond thrilled that I did.
It is very important you know and trust your surgeon.
Best tip>>> if you are going to be admitted and most of will be. Be kind to your nurses, thank them for whatever they do and be gracious to the housekeeping staff. I received superior treatment and when I rang for my nurse she came to me first before the crotchety old guy in the room next door. My nutritionist slipped me poached eggs and my LPN made sure I had lots of ice chips all day long!
Be kind... it pays off!! especially when you are in need of your pain med's!
I was up and going to the bathroom etc. within hours of my surgery and showering unassisted the next day.
I am home now and really the only restrictions I have is no driving for three weeks, no lifting anything haevier or bogger than a milk jug, and no overhead lifting at all.
I ws very anxious and scared to have this surgery. But.. all I can say is so far I am beyond thrilled that I did.
It is very important you know and trust your surgeon.
Best tip>>> if you are going to be admitted and most of will be. Be kind to your nurses, thank them for whatever they do and be gracious to the housekeeping staff. I received superior treatment and when I rang for my nurse she came to me first before the crotchety old guy in the room next door. My nutritionist slipped me poached eggs and my LPN made sure I had lots of ice chips all day long!
Be kind... it pays off!! especially when you are in need of your pain med's!
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Thank you for you reply. It is nice to see a positive story after all of the negatives that are on line. I am heading into surgery on April 16th. I could use all the advise I can get.
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks,
Dan
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I agree with Guest - Dan. It is nice to see a positive story. I'll be beating Dan to the Neurosurgeon's knife by 8 days. I will undergo ACDF c4/c5, c5/c6, and c6/c7 on April 8th. I could also use all the advise I can get.
Thanks,
Julie
Thanks,
Julie
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I had C5-C6 ACDF on 1/26/2006...never fully recovered but neuro said nerve damage was pretty severe. So I carried on pretending I was getting better, but never really believing it. I was on large amounts of vicodin pre suregery for about 3 months so had definitely "waited til pain was unbearable"! Now, seem to be getting worse and headed back to pain I had pre surgery! Have gone to spine specialist and just had new MRI/CT today and awaiting doctor appt Friday. He feras that perhaps my "fusion didn't take"??? WHAT?!?!? I didn't know that was a possibility! So I wait, and pray!
Good luck to you.
JB in Fort Worth.
Good luck to you.
JB in Fort Worth.
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JB in Fort Worth-
Please let us know what the findings are. Several of us our in the same boat and any advice on what to look for or anything that would help would be great.
Thanks.
Please let us know what the findings are. Several of us our in the same boat and any advice on what to look for or anything that would help would be great.
Thanks.
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JB,
What KSF said is true! Please keep us posted. It sounds like you shoud start a new topic on your story. It may prove a valued read for many of us.
Good luck,
Rob
What KSF said is true! Please keep us posted. It sounds like you shoud start a new topic on your story. It may prove a valued read for many of us.
Good luck,
Rob
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I had surgery for a herniated disk b/w my c6/c7 2 weeks ago yesterday. My injury began back in late January and caused a lot of pain down my right arm, some tingling in my right fingertip, and weakness in my tricep. I tried visiting a chiropractor (went about 8 times total), physical therapy (took a round of medrol to help me be able to do any of it; the pt caused a lot of serious pain and aggrivated my symptoms), accupuncture, giving it a lot of time. Nothing worked. First neurosurgeon I said told me unequivocally that I needed surgery due to the location/severity of the herniated disc and the weakness in my muscle. Saw a second NS who said that trying physical therapy and a round of steroids wouldn't hurt, but was unlikely to work. Ultimately got surgery through the second Neurosurgeon.
I am posting because while I was in pain, I looked on these boards and was very very worried about other people's experiences. I am posting because since having my surgery two weeks ago, I have had NO more radiating pain, my fingertip stopped tingling a few days ago, and I am beginning to feel human again. I left surgery feeling better than I did in months. I have only taken 1 tylenol since the surgery, no other pain medication needed. My doctor used a titanium plate and said that this removes any need for a cervical collar, so I haven't had to wear one. I've had some pain in my throat and shoulders since the surgery, but the throat pain went away after about a week and the shoulder pain was nothing compared to what I had before and is slowly going away (it's just tightness in the muscles and I'm sure that if I took the muscle relaxers it would help, but the pain isn't so bad that I've felt the need).
I'm sure that the surgery is not the answer for everyone, but in some cases, I think it really does help and can work!
I am posting because while I was in pain, I looked on these boards and was very very worried about other people's experiences. I am posting because since having my surgery two weeks ago, I have had NO more radiating pain, my fingertip stopped tingling a few days ago, and I am beginning to feel human again. I left surgery feeling better than I did in months. I have only taken 1 tylenol since the surgery, no other pain medication needed. My doctor used a titanium plate and said that this removes any need for a cervical collar, so I haven't had to wear one. I've had some pain in my throat and shoulders since the surgery, but the throat pain went away after about a week and the shoulder pain was nothing compared to what I had before and is slowly going away (it's just tightness in the muscles and I'm sure that if I took the muscle relaxers it would help, but the pain isn't so bad that I've felt the need).
I'm sure that the surgery is not the answer for everyone, but in some cases, I think it really does help and can work!
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Will you recommend to use the autograft? My surgeon is one of top doctors in Washington DC area, but, was rush and short to my questions. He recommend to use autograft and told me can go back to work in 3-4 days and no weight lifting limited. I am scheduled to have surgery next month. After reading all the post, I am very concerned. My son is almost 30 lb. I am worry about the long recovery as mentioned in a lot of posting, and not be able to resume regular activity with my son (pick him up, hug, walk, play and chase after him). What happen if I choose not to have surgery and bear the pain in my upper back and arm? Does it get worse than that (like I won't be able to move some day)? My pain is really severe, I can only sleep on my back and move head to one particular position. Any advise is really appreciated!
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I had the plastic inserts with plate and after the first fortnight thought I could fly, wings didn't extend though and crashed for a week. Am up and about now, lump in throat, pain in one shoulder sometimes but it appears slowly getting better. Somedays are better than others.
I think recovery might take up to a year. My pre-operative mental problems seem to have lessened with the understanding of the problem and realistic expectations of a partitial solution. No migranes since the op, no bowel accidents, no weakness spells, no racing heart.
I think recovery might take up to a year. My pre-operative mental problems seem to have lessened with the understanding of the problem and realistic expectations of a partitial solution. No migranes since the op, no bowel accidents, no weakness spells, no racing heart.
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