I have been living with a ruptured disc at the C6/C7 level for years. I learned not to reach overhead and look up at the same time unless I wanted a few hours of pain. I had basically just lived with the every day burning in the shoulder at the end of the work day. I am an accountant/office manager. My ruptured disc wasn't happy with the days with lots of computer work. On 2 occasions, once after doing some yard work and once spending a weekend painting my house the pain would become unbearable and I'd be back at the neurologist. We would do a round of steroids, get some trigger point injections, muscle relaxers, hydrocodone, maybe a few weeks of PT and I'd be back to life.
Then on October 15th at around 4 a.m. my life changed forever. I had gone to bed that evening feeling perfectly fine. I was awakened with the most excruciating pain I have yet to experience in my neck and shoulder. My fiance got me out of the bed and was trying to massage me and get me to relax. Then my entire right arm went almost dead. It was that hurtful tingling you feel when a limb is waking up after falling asleep on it for a long time. Suddenly the muscle spasms were moving down into my chest and it went through my head that perhaps this wasn't my neck. I thought I was having a heart attack. Arriving at the hospital they thought the same thing and I had to endure all the usual heart tests before they would start focusing on my neck. Since my muscle spasms were actually visible to the naked eye and I had an obvious neurological deficit in the right arm they doped me to the gills and referred me back to my neurologist.
The results shocked me and my neurologist. There didn't appear to be much if any change to my C6/C7 disc, but my C5/C6 disc had totally ruptured... in my sleep no less... and was not only putting pressure on my spine, but was totally compressing the nerve root to my right arm. My neurologist said she had never seen a herniation as large as this one. Later my neurosurgeon, who is not a young guy, said it was probably in his "Top 5". It was horrible. I have had a blocked kidney with 6 kidney stones and that was nothing compared to this. Everyone understands nerve pain. We hit our elbow and it hurts like mad for a second or two. This was like that pain, yet it was from the base of my skull, across my right shoulder, and all the way down my arm... constantly. I was put on neurotin, oxycotin, 2 different types of muscle relaxers, and valium to treat my "anxiety" over being in so much pain while awaiting all the tests, office visits, and pre-op that had to be done before surgery.
Who wouldn't be anxious over all of this? I was in constant pain, I was worried about losing my job, not to mention how I was going to pay for all of this. I had 2 epidural injections of pain med and steroids that didn't touch the pain. I felt my hand dying by the day while I was waiting for this surgery that had me terrified. I do research. This is the only body I have and when things go wrong with it I research any and all options. I had read several medical studies. I had read all the posts on this site and others like them. I even watched a video of the exact surgery I was having.
OK... the video watching part I don't recommend. o.O
I knew this surgery would more than likely change my life forever and that there are some very scary consequences related to this surgery. But by the day of surgery I couldn't lift a half full cup of coffee with my right hand without my hand shaking so bad the coffee was flying everywhere. The drugs had me fried... especially the neurotin. That stuff turns an intelligent person into an id**t... I swear.
One funny point... and you have to find the funny points... I asked my neurosurgeon if this was what stupid people felt like all the time. He said, "No honey, they don't know the difference." XD
My day finally arrived. November 10th, so I am now 16 days post-op. I suppose what surprises me most about ACDF is how every doctor is different in the after care as far as the collar goes. I had a dual anterior cervical discectomy with fusion at the C5/C6 and C6/C7 level using cadaver bone and a titanium plate with 6 screws. I didn't want one of the new "prosthetic discs". They are new. I don't buy computer operating systems the first couple of years because there are too many bugs to work out. I surely didn't want to have something in my body that needed the bugs worked out. They sent me home after 28 hours. (Personally I think it is way too soon after this surgery) Here you are barely able to swallow your own spit and they take out your IV and send you home with a pile of pills to take... in my case with my 3 normal daily meds made for 14 different medications. You can't swallow spit, but they expect you to choke down sometimes as many as 10 pills at a time with some of them being freaking horse pills. It's crazy! But I blame "revolving door" surgery on the insurance companies and that is a discussion for another board.
I was told not to ride in a car for 2 weeks besides the trip home and that I only have to wear my soft foam collar if I am up moving around or in a car. It is so cooshy I don't know that it would really protect me in a fall or anything and with one of my lingering symptoms seeming to be losing my balance at times... that is pretty scary. I don't even go in for my post-op until Dec. 5th and every time I call there with concerns over my headaches and muscle spasms they just refill my prescriptions. Luckily I'm off the neurotin so I no longer feel mentally challenged. But I'm still taking hydrocodone and 2 muscle relaxers. I still can't sleep in my bed. I've been in the recliner since this all started. Sometimes I walk like a drunk person. I'm still only eating mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, or oatmeal. Sadly, I hate soups. But at least it doesn't hurt to swallow my own spit anymore. I have a constant "tightness" in my neck and down between my shoulder blades. By the end of each day I have a terrible headache that the hydrocodone doesn't touch. I hate to complain too much because from the moment I woke up in recovery the nerve pain was gone. My hand doesn't tremble when I pick up a cup of coffee. But I can't help but wonder if I'll be one of the lucky ones and continue to improve or if this is it. Will I be one of those people stuck with headaches for the rest of their lives? Will my neck and shoulders always hurt? Will I ever be able to sleep in my bed again? Will I ever get through another day without totally losing it? I noticed another person had posted that this had changed them mentally. I've noticed that about myself. I snap at people. I am not the outgoing happy person I used to be. I cry. I'm depressed. I liked the "old me". Will she ever come back???
With all of it... I still don't for a minute regret having this surgery. I know I couldn't live the way I was. But I think anyone with a ruptured disc should try everything... steroids, epidurals, trigger point injections, physical therapy... all of it. Try all of it. Then, and only then should you consider this surgery as an alternative. I lived a happy productive life with a ruptured disc for years, but the 2nd one could only be repaired with surgery. This surgery will change you forever and unless you are in constant pain every day or are losing strength because of nerve compression... don't do it.
Then on October 15th at around 4 a.m. my life changed forever. I had gone to bed that evening feeling perfectly fine. I was awakened with the most excruciating pain I have yet to experience in my neck and shoulder. My fiance got me out of the bed and was trying to massage me and get me to relax. Then my entire right arm went almost dead. It was that hurtful tingling you feel when a limb is waking up after falling asleep on it for a long time. Suddenly the muscle spasms were moving down into my chest and it went through my head that perhaps this wasn't my neck. I thought I was having a heart attack. Arriving at the hospital they thought the same thing and I had to endure all the usual heart tests before they would start focusing on my neck. Since my muscle spasms were actually visible to the naked eye and I had an obvious neurological deficit in the right arm they doped me to the gills and referred me back to my neurologist.
The results shocked me and my neurologist. There didn't appear to be much if any change to my C6/C7 disc, but my C5/C6 disc had totally ruptured... in my sleep no less... and was not only putting pressure on my spine, but was totally compressing the nerve root to my right arm. My neurologist said she had never seen a herniation as large as this one. Later my neurosurgeon, who is not a young guy, said it was probably in his "Top 5". It was horrible. I have had a blocked kidney with 6 kidney stones and that was nothing compared to this. Everyone understands nerve pain. We hit our elbow and it hurts like mad for a second or two. This was like that pain, yet it was from the base of my skull, across my right shoulder, and all the way down my arm... constantly. I was put on neurotin, oxycotin, 2 different types of muscle relaxers, and valium to treat my "anxiety" over being in so much pain while awaiting all the tests, office visits, and pre-op that had to be done before surgery.
Who wouldn't be anxious over all of this? I was in constant pain, I was worried about losing my job, not to mention how I was going to pay for all of this. I had 2 epidural injections of pain med and steroids that didn't touch the pain. I felt my hand dying by the day while I was waiting for this surgery that had me terrified. I do research. This is the only body I have and when things go wrong with it I research any and all options. I had read several medical studies. I had read all the posts on this site and others like them. I even watched a video of the exact surgery I was having.
OK... the video watching part I don't recommend. o.O
I knew this surgery would more than likely change my life forever and that there are some very scary consequences related to this surgery. But by the day of surgery I couldn't lift a half full cup of coffee with my right hand without my hand shaking so bad the coffee was flying everywhere. The drugs had me fried... especially the neurotin. That stuff turns an intelligent person into an id**t... I swear.
One funny point... and you have to find the funny points... I asked my neurosurgeon if this was what stupid people felt like all the time. He said, "No honey, they don't know the difference." XD
My day finally arrived. November 10th, so I am now 16 days post-op. I suppose what surprises me most about ACDF is how every doctor is different in the after care as far as the collar goes. I had a dual anterior cervical discectomy with fusion at the C5/C6 and C6/C7 level using cadaver bone and a titanium plate with 6 screws. I didn't want one of the new "prosthetic discs". They are new. I don't buy computer operating systems the first couple of years because there are too many bugs to work out. I surely didn't want to have something in my body that needed the bugs worked out. They sent me home after 28 hours. (Personally I think it is way too soon after this surgery) Here you are barely able to swallow your own spit and they take out your IV and send you home with a pile of pills to take... in my case with my 3 normal daily meds made for 14 different medications. You can't swallow spit, but they expect you to choke down sometimes as many as 10 pills at a time with some of them being freaking horse pills. It's crazy! But I blame "revolving door" surgery on the insurance companies and that is a discussion for another board.
I was told not to ride in a car for 2 weeks besides the trip home and that I only have to wear my soft foam collar if I am up moving around or in a car. It is so cooshy I don't know that it would really protect me in a fall or anything and with one of my lingering symptoms seeming to be losing my balance at times... that is pretty scary. I don't even go in for my post-op until Dec. 5th and every time I call there with concerns over my headaches and muscle spasms they just refill my prescriptions. Luckily I'm off the neurotin so I no longer feel mentally challenged. But I'm still taking hydrocodone and 2 muscle relaxers. I still can't sleep in my bed. I've been in the recliner since this all started. Sometimes I walk like a drunk person. I'm still only eating mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, or oatmeal. Sadly, I hate soups. But at least it doesn't hurt to swallow my own spit anymore. I have a constant "tightness" in my neck and down between my shoulder blades. By the end of each day I have a terrible headache that the hydrocodone doesn't touch. I hate to complain too much because from the moment I woke up in recovery the nerve pain was gone. My hand doesn't tremble when I pick up a cup of coffee. But I can't help but wonder if I'll be one of the lucky ones and continue to improve or if this is it. Will I be one of those people stuck with headaches for the rest of their lives? Will my neck and shoulders always hurt? Will I ever be able to sleep in my bed again? Will I ever get through another day without totally losing it? I noticed another person had posted that this had changed them mentally. I've noticed that about myself. I snap at people. I am not the outgoing happy person I used to be. I cry. I'm depressed. I liked the "old me". Will she ever come back???
With all of it... I still don't for a minute regret having this surgery. I know I couldn't live the way I was. But I think anyone with a ruptured disc should try everything... steroids, epidurals, trigger point injections, physical therapy... all of it. Try all of it. Then, and only then should you consider this surgery as an alternative. I lived a happy productive life with a ruptured disc for years, but the 2nd one could only be repaired with surgery. This surgery will change you forever and unless you are in constant pain every day or are losing strength because of nerve compression... don't do it.
Loading...
Iam 4 weeks post op today from a C5-6&C-6-7 discectomy and fusion.
I did not have th throat problems that everyone is talking about., only a sore throat for about a week with no hoarsness. I was talking in the recovery room.
I was also scared to death to have this surgery annd put it off for 9 months trying anything to avoid having it done. I should have done it sooner. It was not a picnic but I woke up with feeling in my left arm and hand that I haven't felt since February. I am still on a lot of pain /muscle relaxers and have just started phsysical therapy. I have no strength in my left hand and arm so am hoping to get some of that back with therapy.
I also tire very easily and quickly when I try to do some of my normal activities ..my doctor also told me to expect the full healing of surgery to be alt least 3 months. Now I beieve him. Have not slept in my bed yet(only a recliner) and still use the bendy straws, both tips I got off this page before surgery. I feel like I get a little better each day and am planning on going back to work in 2 weeks. My surgeon was excellant and all I can say is know who is operating on you. Mine was a specialist of this only and I think that made a huge difference. I got a lot of info from this site befor my surgery and thought I would write to say thanks for all the info and good luck to all of you going through this exerience
I did not have th throat problems that everyone is talking about., only a sore throat for about a week with no hoarsness. I was talking in the recovery room.
I was also scared to death to have this surgery annd put it off for 9 months trying anything to avoid having it done. I should have done it sooner. It was not a picnic but I woke up with feeling in my left arm and hand that I haven't felt since February. I am still on a lot of pain /muscle relaxers and have just started phsysical therapy. I have no strength in my left hand and arm so am hoping to get some of that back with therapy.
I also tire very easily and quickly when I try to do some of my normal activities ..my doctor also told me to expect the full healing of surgery to be alt least 3 months. Now I beieve him. Have not slept in my bed yet(only a recliner) and still use the bendy straws, both tips I got off this page before surgery. I feel like I get a little better each day and am planning on going back to work in 2 weeks. My surgeon was excellant and all I can say is know who is operating on you. Mine was a specialist of this only and I think that made a huge difference. I got a lot of info from this site befor my surgery and thought I would write to say thanks for all the info and good luck to all of you going through this exerience
Loading...
To the Central Coaster recovering from C surgery in Jan 2007--try Dr. Brian Hunstock in Santa Rosa. I know that is farther than SF, but you will be glad for the extra distance... . he is excellent.
Blessings,
Bonny
He did my C6 discetomy and fusion in 2003 and I have -0- Problems!
Blessings,
Bonny
He did my C6 discetomy and fusion in 2003 and I have -0- Problems!
Loading...
My mother lives in Europe and has herniated disks 4-5 5-6, she is loosing muscle mass in her arms and legs, doctors say it is slow nerve degeneration and project that she will be paralyzed sooner or latter. Surgeons there have success rate of 80% (if that) and she is going crazy trying to make a decision for the surgery. Oh, and she tried all other alternative methods (they don’t do epidural there)
I live in the states and honestly, it got to the point that I will do whatever it takes to find the best surgeon in the states and pay whatever it costs. Maybe someone could recommend a great doctor. It would be wonderful if doctor was in FL but if not it does not matter. Also, maybe someone could tell me just about how much are these type of surgeries cost as I have no idea. Thank you
I live in the states and honestly, it got to the point that I will do whatever it takes to find the best surgeon in the states and pay whatever it costs. Maybe someone could recommend a great doctor. It would be wonderful if doctor was in FL but if not it does not matter. Also, maybe someone could tell me just about how much are these type of surgeries cost as I have no idea. Thank you
Loading...
I realize your concern. From experience I can tell you this stuff is very touchy.
I had C-5, C-6 anterior cervicle disc & fusion in 2005.
My ortho specialist told me sucess rate was 85%.
Well since the surgery my condition has worsened. My neck seems to be healed (MRI findings) but I still suffer from severe pain, muscle spasms, can't fully rotate my neck, can't lift, etc. I live in a small town and know of 2 other people that had this surgery too. They are still having problems
My family doctor told me this surgery has a 50% sucess rate. Others have said a 25% chance. So your guess is as good as mine.
I also had an epidural prior to surgery. It did not help me.
It's kind of a catch all~you are in trouble if you DO NOT have surgery, you can experience problems if you do have surgery.
My surgery was done in a surgery center, in Kokomo Indiana, by an orthopedic specialists, practicing medicine at the Indiana Spine Group in Indianapolis, In. I was in the surgery center a total of 4 1/2 hrs. My bill for the surgeon and the surgery center combined was $38,000.
I noticed on these blogs alot of people spend the night or several days in the hospital after this surgery (not a bad idea!! I made the trip home, 50 miles, in a car. I was really sick afterwards) so of course the cost would be more if this took place.
I've heard several controversy comments on what type of doctor should do this surgery an orthopedic or neuro surgeon. I settled for an orthepedic only because I knew him to be very reputable. You may want to do some more research and see if you can find any info on which type is most recommended for this surgery.
Good luck in helping your mother.
I had C-5, C-6 anterior cervicle disc & fusion in 2005.
My ortho specialist told me sucess rate was 85%.
Well since the surgery my condition has worsened. My neck seems to be healed (MRI findings) but I still suffer from severe pain, muscle spasms, can't fully rotate my neck, can't lift, etc. I live in a small town and know of 2 other people that had this surgery too. They are still having problems
My family doctor told me this surgery has a 50% sucess rate. Others have said a 25% chance. So your guess is as good as mine.
I also had an epidural prior to surgery. It did not help me.
It's kind of a catch all~you are in trouble if you DO NOT have surgery, you can experience problems if you do have surgery.
My surgery was done in a surgery center, in Kokomo Indiana, by an orthopedic specialists, practicing medicine at the Indiana Spine Group in Indianapolis, In. I was in the surgery center a total of 4 1/2 hrs. My bill for the surgeon and the surgery center combined was $38,000.
I noticed on these blogs alot of people spend the night or several days in the hospital after this surgery (not a bad idea!! I made the trip home, 50 miles, in a car. I was really sick afterwards) so of course the cost would be more if this took place.
I've heard several controversy comments on what type of doctor should do this surgery an orthopedic or neuro surgeon. I settled for an orthepedic only because I knew him to be very reputable. You may want to do some more research and see if you can find any info on which type is most recommended for this surgery.
Good luck in helping your mother.
Loading...
I have a 3 level discectomy scheduled for March 3rd, am soo scared. I’m 39 with a young child, work as a Math Tutor, and go to college online full time. I guess most of that is about to change. My neurosurgeon has the worst bedside manner. The only reason I am sticking with him is that my family doctor has complete faith in him. I was just diagnosed with cervical stenosis, and have cord compression at C4-5 through C6-7. I have had very few of the normal symptoms related to stenosis and compression. I have suffered with headaches for at least 10 years, with the progression getting to confusion, vomiting, and trips to the ER. I finally asked my Chiro to x-ray my neck last month and we finally found the problem. I dont see much of a choice for me, since the doctor doesnt understand how I am still walking. I guess I really dont have any questions, I just needed to vent. I'm glad I found this site, and wish luck to all in recovery!
Loading...
TinaO~
This is a bad site for people to view that is facing this type of surgery.
I feel bad that it has you scared...but maybe it's good too (if that makes any sense!).
Please be sure to do research. Ask what type of implant they are using. Check info on the implant.
Whether your doctor has terrible "bedside manor" or not he owes it to you to be open and up front. I realize these people (surgeons) are busy, busy people but it is your body and you have a right to know what is going to be done to it. The surgeon is not the one that has to tolerate the consequences if the surgery does not help.
The realy reason for this email is not to preach but to tell you to keep a positive outlook! I am sure some people DO fine after this surgery....there are just some that do not.
Think to yourself that it is going to help...going to be sucessful! A positive attitude will definitely help you recover. A negative attitude will not!
Best of luck to you and I wish you a speedy recovery.
This is a bad site for people to view that is facing this type of surgery.
I feel bad that it has you scared...but maybe it's good too (if that makes any sense!).
Please be sure to do research. Ask what type of implant they are using. Check info on the implant.
Whether your doctor has terrible "bedside manor" or not he owes it to you to be open and up front. I realize these people (surgeons) are busy, busy people but it is your body and you have a right to know what is going to be done to it. The surgeon is not the one that has to tolerate the consequences if the surgery does not help.
The realy reason for this email is not to preach but to tell you to keep a positive outlook! I am sure some people DO fine after this surgery....there are just some that do not.
Think to yourself that it is going to help...going to be sucessful! A positive attitude will definitely help you recover. A negative attitude will not!
Best of luck to you and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Loading...
Just fell down 13 steps and fractured my c5. I am so glad that you reminded me to slow down and to do as the doctor says. I also have a young child and it is sooooo hard to not pick him up and play with him the way I use to several weeks ago, but I want to get better so that in a few months I can do the things I use to. I hate this collar and wear it pretty tight to where I get a little claustrophobic. Any suggestions? How long does it take to feel somewhat normal again? Thanks.
Loading...
Hello!
I got hurt at work back in May, 2007. Within two days of what I thought was just a pulled muscle in my arm or something minor, I had lost almost all function of my right arm and had what I describe as constant ripples of fire surging from my neck to my finger tips and up into my head.
The first doctor I saw diagnosed a torn biceps tendon and rotator cuff tear. I had shoulder surgery in June 2007. When they opened me up, they realized that I merely had some bursitis and bone spurs (which I never had problems with before and never knew was there). They cleaned it up and had me in the recovery room within 20 minutes.
Two months later, I was still unable to use my arm and the pain was getting worse. I had never truly lost range of motion of my arm or neck, but it was so painful to move that I just didn't. The only day I didn't feel pain was on August 25, 2007 - my wedding day, which I was going to get through come Hell or High Water. Instead of high water, I used Southern Comfort. ;-)
Anyway, sometime after the shoulder surgery, I wound up having an MRI of my neck because my symptoms continued to worsen. It was then that the seriousness of my freak workplace injury was realized. I was sent to a fabulous surgeon who was able to show me what was going on and help me understand the situation. The MRI showed that I had two discs that looked at the time to have slipped in toward my spinal cord and they were almost completely compressing it. There were two other discs that were slipped as well but not as severe. I received this news on September 26, 2007 - less than a week before my 33rd birthday...
My surgery was done on October 5, 2007 by that same great surgeon in Cincinnati, OH. They took bone from my left hip to use instead of cadaver bone (at my request). It hurt like heck but I'm glad I used my own material - just a personal choice. The surgery was scheduled for just over 1 & 1/2 hours but lasted over 5 hours. My husband, his kids, his parents were all there and frantic because no one was telling them why it was taking so long. Turns out that my discs were not "slipped." They were "extruded." When I asked the surgeon what that meant, he said that they had litterally exploded in my neck and it took forever to get all of the fragments out of my spinal cord and surrounding muscles, tissues, nerves, etc.
I remember waking up in the recovery room. My 7-year-old step daughter was on the right side of the bed, holding and kissing the hand that I hadn't been able to feel for months and I COULD FEEL IT!!!!! I was so happy I cried for an hour. My husband was relieved and despite being in horrible pain (mostly from my hip) we were all smiles going up to my room where I stayed for two nights.
I'm at 6 months out now. The symptoms I had before the surgery are different than the ones I have now. I'm still in pain, but it's different now.
All of the muscles in my neck and back are so rigid and made up almost completely of scar tissue now. My doctor is still waiting on the worker's comp system to "okay" therapy to try to work the scar tissue out.
My surgeon doesn't believe me, but I can feel the titanium plate in my neck. When I yell at my 16-year-old stepson's soccer games, it vibrates. If the weather is cold, the titanium plate gets cold. I live with the constant feeling of having a knot in my throat. I have to clear my throat all of the time. I used to sing (most people say quite well, but I'll just say I wasn't embarassed about getting up in front of people) but after six months my voice has still not come back completely. It's very weak and shaky.
I'm still very clumsy with my right hand and arm. Especially if I'm reaching up to get a glass from the cabinet or something. I drop things from the right hand all of the time still and I've lost count of how many times I've slammed car doors on my fingers or banged my arm into things. I keep waiting for this to subside, but I've only had a handful of days when my arm felt "normal" over the past six months.
If anyone can share their insight or experience, I'd appreciate it!
-Marianne
I got hurt at work back in May, 2007. Within two days of what I thought was just a pulled muscle in my arm or something minor, I had lost almost all function of my right arm and had what I describe as constant ripples of fire surging from my neck to my finger tips and up into my head.
The first doctor I saw diagnosed a torn biceps tendon and rotator cuff tear. I had shoulder surgery in June 2007. When they opened me up, they realized that I merely had some bursitis and bone spurs (which I never had problems with before and never knew was there). They cleaned it up and had me in the recovery room within 20 minutes.
Two months later, I was still unable to use my arm and the pain was getting worse. I had never truly lost range of motion of my arm or neck, but it was so painful to move that I just didn't. The only day I didn't feel pain was on August 25, 2007 - my wedding day, which I was going to get through come Hell or High Water. Instead of high water, I used Southern Comfort. ;-)
Anyway, sometime after the shoulder surgery, I wound up having an MRI of my neck because my symptoms continued to worsen. It was then that the seriousness of my freak workplace injury was realized. I was sent to a fabulous surgeon who was able to show me what was going on and help me understand the situation. The MRI showed that I had two discs that looked at the time to have slipped in toward my spinal cord and they were almost completely compressing it. There were two other discs that were slipped as well but not as severe. I received this news on September 26, 2007 - less than a week before my 33rd birthday...
My surgery was done on October 5, 2007 by that same great surgeon in Cincinnati, OH. They took bone from my left hip to use instead of cadaver bone (at my request). It hurt like heck but I'm glad I used my own material - just a personal choice. The surgery was scheduled for just over 1 & 1/2 hours but lasted over 5 hours. My husband, his kids, his parents were all there and frantic because no one was telling them why it was taking so long. Turns out that my discs were not "slipped." They were "extruded." When I asked the surgeon what that meant, he said that they had litterally exploded in my neck and it took forever to get all of the fragments out of my spinal cord and surrounding muscles, tissues, nerves, etc.
I remember waking up in the recovery room. My 7-year-old step daughter was on the right side of the bed, holding and kissing the hand that I hadn't been able to feel for months and I COULD FEEL IT!!!!! I was so happy I cried for an hour. My husband was relieved and despite being in horrible pain (mostly from my hip) we were all smiles going up to my room where I stayed for two nights.
I'm at 6 months out now. The symptoms I had before the surgery are different than the ones I have now. I'm still in pain, but it's different now.
All of the muscles in my neck and back are so rigid and made up almost completely of scar tissue now. My doctor is still waiting on the worker's comp system to "okay" therapy to try to work the scar tissue out.
My surgeon doesn't believe me, but I can feel the titanium plate in my neck. When I yell at my 16-year-old stepson's soccer games, it vibrates. If the weather is cold, the titanium plate gets cold. I live with the constant feeling of having a knot in my throat. I have to clear my throat all of the time. I used to sing (most people say quite well, but I'll just say I wasn't embarassed about getting up in front of people) but after six months my voice has still not come back completely. It's very weak and shaky.
I'm still very clumsy with my right hand and arm. Especially if I'm reaching up to get a glass from the cabinet or something. I drop things from the right hand all of the time still and I've lost count of how many times I've slammed car doors on my fingers or banged my arm into things. I keep waiting for this to subside, but I've only had a handful of days when my arm felt "normal" over the past six months.
If anyone can share their insight or experience, I'd appreciate it!
-Marianne
Loading...
I am a 35 year old otherwise healthy female, 7 weeks past a C5-C6 and C6-C7 anterior discectomy with PEEK cages and titantium plate. My pain was alleviated pretty much immediately and has not returned. I am in a hard collar which I am told I need to wear for another 5 weeks. I am stir crazy from sitting around but otherwise good. I was in excruciating pain prior to surgery and now have only mild discomfort (from collar irritating skin on neck). It is scary to make this decision, I know, but I wanted you and others reading to know that there are some people with very good outcomes.
Loading...
My mom recently (days ago) had this procedure done and for the first 3 days she was in horrific pain, she is still hurting but is doing much better. She said she felt like she'd swallowed a bag of razors and her neck and between her shoulder blades were super stiff and sore. The best advice I could give is the following: Have a supportive family with you because you will need it. We had to help my mom use the restroom , bathe, eat, put chapstick on her, feed her, etc. She souldnt eat or drink anything for 5 whole days. They had to keep her on an IV with fluids. She still hasnt had a bowel movement. Her mood (of course) is depressed and border line somber. Next, once your loved one receives their RX, get a copy of each RX because the hell we're having right now is some incompetent pharmacy tech lost my moms pain meds RX and now she;s in sheer pain due to this lackey. Be prepared that the doctors dont and wont refill your pain prescrioptions and go to a good hospital. The hospital my mom stayed at was lovely. The best thing if possible is for someone to stay the whole days while you're at the hospital. So far, my mom says she doesnt regret having this procedure but ahe also stated to me that she wont have it done on the other side of her neck. So, be prepared to be in tremendous pain for at least the first 2 to 3 days.
Loading...
I had C-5 & 6 done almost 3 years ago. For me it has been a losing battle...but I've also been diagnosed with RSD and Fibromyalgia.
I know that some people have a huge sucess with this surgery, unfortunately some aren't so lucky.
I feel like the only advice I can tell someone that is going to have this surgery is do as much research as you can. My Ortho surgeon did not relay all the side effects I could face with this surgery and that really upset me. He told me I may not get better but he never told me I may be worse off. If I would have known, maybe I would have delayed it. (Easy to say now!!!)
I hate to see anyone facing this surgery to go into it "doom and gloom" because that most definitely will not help you. Have a positive outlook. Do everything the doctor tells you to do...keep your chin up and tell yourself you will be one of the fortunate ones that have sucess with this surgery! Positive attitude!!!
Best of luck to you.
I know that some people have a huge sucess with this surgery, unfortunately some aren't so lucky.
I feel like the only advice I can tell someone that is going to have this surgery is do as much research as you can. My Ortho surgeon did not relay all the side effects I could face with this surgery and that really upset me. He told me I may not get better but he never told me I may be worse off. If I would have known, maybe I would have delayed it. (Easy to say now!!!)
I hate to see anyone facing this surgery to go into it "doom and gloom" because that most definitely will not help you. Have a positive outlook. Do everything the doctor tells you to do...keep your chin up and tell yourself you will be one of the fortunate ones that have sucess with this surgery! Positive attitude!!!
Best of luck to you.
Loading...
I am 10 weeks post op and I am VERY happy. Before my surgery, I couldn't move my left arm, shoulder, neck, or head. I cried every day and was heavily sedated on Lortabs and muscle relaxers. The moment I awoke from surgery, I could tell immediate improvement. My arm didn't hurt as it had for the last 8 weeks.
The pain that I felt for the first week after surgery was terrible; however, weighed against the pain that I felt before surgery, I consider it worth it. My doctor was very understanding and provided pain relief whenever I needed it. Be sure that your doctor is someone that you can trust and feel comfortable with.
I did not have to wear a hard collar. I did have to wear a bone growth stimulator. I only have 2 more weeks to go on that one - thank goodness. It's not bad, just aggravating.
Before surgery, I went through a couple of months of severe pain. I had to quit Tae Kwondo - temporarily. I am now 2 weeks from going back. I feel that I could probably go back now, but don't want to push it.
My experience was wonderful. If I had to go back and do again, I would. I would even do it sooner. My quality of life now is GREAT!
The pain that I felt for the first week after surgery was terrible; however, weighed against the pain that I felt before surgery, I consider it worth it. My doctor was very understanding and provided pain relief whenever I needed it. Be sure that your doctor is someone that you can trust and feel comfortable with.
I did not have to wear a hard collar. I did have to wear a bone growth stimulator. I only have 2 more weeks to go on that one - thank goodness. It's not bad, just aggravating.
Before surgery, I went through a couple of months of severe pain. I had to quit Tae Kwondo - temporarily. I am now 2 weeks from going back. I feel that I could probably go back now, but don't want to push it.
My experience was wonderful. If I had to go back and do again, I would. I would even do it sooner. My quality of life now is GREAT!
Loading...
I am 10 weeks post op and I am VERY happy. Before my surgery, I couldn't move my left arm, shoulder, neck, or head. I cried every day and was heavily sedated on Lortabs and muscle relaxers. The moment I awoke from surgery, I could tell immediate improvement. My arm didn't hurt as it had for the last 8 weeks.
I was in the hospital for 3 days.
The pain that I felt for the first week after surgery was terrible; however, weighed against the pain that I felt before surgery, I consider it worth it. My doctor was very understanding and provided pain relief whenever I needed it. Be sure that your doctor is someone that you can trust and feel comfortable with.
I did not have to wear a hard collar. I did have to wear a bone growth stimulator. I only have 2 more weeks to go on that one - thank goodness. It's not bad, just aggravating.
Before surgery, I went through a couple of months of severe pain. I had to quit Tae Kwondo - temporarily. I am now 2 weeks from going back. I feel that I could probably go back now, but don't want to push it.
My experience was wonderful. If I had to go back and do again, I would. I would even do it sooner. My quality of life now is GREAT!
I would recommend it to anyone needing it. Good Luck!
I was in the hospital for 3 days.
The pain that I felt for the first week after surgery was terrible; however, weighed against the pain that I felt before surgery, I consider it worth it. My doctor was very understanding and provided pain relief whenever I needed it. Be sure that your doctor is someone that you can trust and feel comfortable with.
I did not have to wear a hard collar. I did have to wear a bone growth stimulator. I only have 2 more weeks to go on that one - thank goodness. It's not bad, just aggravating.
Before surgery, I went through a couple of months of severe pain. I had to quit Tae Kwondo - temporarily. I am now 2 weeks from going back. I feel that I could probably go back now, but don't want to push it.
My experience was wonderful. If I had to go back and do again, I would. I would even do it sooner. My quality of life now is GREAT!
I would recommend it to anyone needing it. Good Luck!
Loading...
I spent the last 2 years worrying about this operation. Managed work with painkillers muscle relaxents and antiinflamatories till January this year. Since then my neck has continually went into spasms with no warning. Have had to take loads a time of wotk stopped going out socializing ETC.
Decided enough was enough had the surgery on 13.08.08. Was out of hospital in 2 days. Have very little pain. Been able to sleep in my bed since the day i arrived home.
Can even manage the stairs.
All in all i feel loads better. Still wearing a hard collar when mobile and a soft one at night.
Stop wearing them this Friday.
Only moving into week 3 but feel really well.
Decided enough was enough had the surgery on 13.08.08. Was out of hospital in 2 days. Have very little pain. Been able to sleep in my bed since the day i arrived home.
Can even manage the stairs.
All in all i feel loads better. Still wearing a hard collar when mobile and a soft one at night.
Stop wearing them this Friday.
Only moving into week 3 but feel really well.
Loading...