i have a c6-7 cervical disc.want to do surgery soon,but i am really scared

Hi Lean---I had c5 thru c7 in 7-2010---surgery I have no regrets!! I was home within 24 hrs . Prior to surgery was in so much pain after surgery I had a pain pump(in Hospital) --never needed to push the button . I wore soft collar 6-8 weeks. Prior to surgery I never slept due to pain . After surgery so many of my symptoms were gone. I would recommend straws  #1 if you have a brace most do ---u really need them for drinking. I slept in a recliner 1st week . Looking back I could have managed in a bed but-- would need pillows to prop you up. You might have a sore throat for a few days some people due-- mine was not to bad. Just in case they say have soft foods,pudding,soup,yougart...etc. I was able to eat fine next day. To be honest i was tired of the pain prior to surgery for me surgery was a relief!!!!. I was scared too but looking back nothing to be scared....look at it as-- the 1st step of getting back to normal. I have herinations at every level and now shoulder issues but that almost 2 yrs out. I would do surgery again if I have too in a minute. Most people do very well after this surgery(90%) and dont post anymore because there out living the lifes. Other-- like me have other issues pop up with spine disease. I would still suggest at least get 2 consults before surgery. Most surgeons will only even suggest surgery if your discs are spinal cord compressed. Please know your MRI and indeed make sure you are spinal cord compressed.(most imporatant). Let me know if you have any further ? be happy to help. Looking back i tortured myslef mentally I guess we all do because its scary thought.....if you are spinal cord compressed you wont get better and longer you wait the more nerve damage can be done.  Please dont be scared for real ---not bad-- prior surgery pain was much--much worse. Boredom might be you recovery nightmare. Wishing u the best!!       

thank you so much and God Bless You.:-)

mg neck wrote:

Hi Lean---I had c5 thru c7 in 7-2010---surgery I have no regrets!! I was home within 24 hrs . Prior to surgery was in so much pain after surgery I had a pain pump(in Hospital) --never needed to push the button . I wore soft collar 6-8 weeks. Prior to surgery I never slept due to pain . After surgery so many of my symptoms were gone. I would recommend straws  #1 if you have a brace most do ---u really need them for drinking. I slept in a recliner 1st week . Looking back I could have managed in a bed but-- would need pillows to prop you up. You might have a sore throat for a few days some people due-- mine was not to bad. Just in case they say have soft foods,pudding,soup,yougart...etc. I was able to eat fine next day. To be honest i was tired of the pain prior to surgery for me surgery was a relief!!!!. I was scared too but looking back nothing to be scared....look at it as-- the 1st step of getting back to normal. I have herinations at every level and now shoulder issues but that almost 2 yrs out. I would do surgery again if I have too in a minute. Most people do very well after this surgery(90%) and dont post anymore because there out living the lifes. Other-- like me have other issues pop up with spine disease. I would still suggest at least get 2 consults before surgery. Most surgeons will only even suggest surgery if your discs are spinal cord compressed. Please know your MRI and indeed make sure you are spinal cord compressed.(most imporatant). Let me know if you have any further ? be happy to help. Looking back i tortured myslef mentally I guess we all do because its scary thought.....if you are spinal cord compressed you wont get better and longer you wait the more nerve damage can be done.  Please dont be scared for real ---not bad-- prior surgery pain was much--much worse. Boredom might be you recovery nightmare. Wishing u the best!!       

thank you so much and God Bless You.:-)