Hi,
Has anyone out there had their whole neck fused (C1-C6)? I have been having trouble deciding on having the surgery, and now am finally ready. I am interested in hearing stories about this and recovery time, problems, positive feedback, etc. I have heard you have to wear a neck brace for a while, is this true? My neck really needs to be done as I am losing the use of my arms. This has been an ongoing problem since a car accident in the mid-90's, I was rear-ended by someone going 65mph on the feeder road, as I was in the middle of a right hand turn. It was horrible. I would have rather lost my spleen and be done with it, rather that having chronic pain for years. I am finally disabled, also.
So, if you have something to say or information that would help me I would really appreciate it. I am going to my pain mgmt. doctor to have a new mri scheduled. I have already seen the surgeon a year ago, and he said immediately I have to have this surgery or will end up probably paralyzed. So hopefully they can schedule the MRI quickly, then I will go see the surgeon again.
Also, I have been told I have to have some vertebrae in my lower back fused. I also have an extra vertebrae that I was born with (really not that uncommon I've been told). Can I have both surgeries at once or will this turn out to be a two year ordeal surrounded by hospitals, doctors and nurses? I am also a caregiver to my 92 yr. old former father in law so it really doesn't fit in well with what I do, so we will probably hire some kind of health professional to help us both out during the surgeries and my recovery.
Thank you.
Cheryl
Has anyone out there had their whole neck fused (C1-C6)? I have been having trouble deciding on having the surgery, and now am finally ready. I am interested in hearing stories about this and recovery time, problems, positive feedback, etc. I have heard you have to wear a neck brace for a while, is this true? My neck really needs to be done as I am losing the use of my arms. This has been an ongoing problem since a car accident in the mid-90's, I was rear-ended by someone going 65mph on the feeder road, as I was in the middle of a right hand turn. It was horrible. I would have rather lost my spleen and be done with it, rather that having chronic pain for years. I am finally disabled, also.
So, if you have something to say or information that would help me I would really appreciate it. I am going to my pain mgmt. doctor to have a new mri scheduled. I have already seen the surgeon a year ago, and he said immediately I have to have this surgery or will end up probably paralyzed. So hopefully they can schedule the MRI quickly, then I will go see the surgeon again.
Also, I have been told I have to have some vertebrae in my lower back fused. I also have an extra vertebrae that I was born with (really not that uncommon I've been told). Can I have both surgeries at once or will this turn out to be a two year ordeal surrounded by hospitals, doctors and nurses? I am also a caregiver to my 92 yr. old former father in law so it really doesn't fit in well with what I do, so we will probably hire some kind of health professional to help us both out during the surgeries and my recovery.
Thank you.
Cheryl