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Followed up with ortho surgeon today.

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 7/2/2014 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Well, my hubby went with me, because he wanted to make sure I didn't shrink down because of the way the previous doctors have made me feel. (The ones from the practice that did my botched surgeries 10 years ago) This doctor was very up-front with us, said I had textbook symptoms, verified as well as any can be verified by the epidural injection I had a few weeks ago.

The first thing he asked me was if I got relief from the FIRST fusion (C5/6) 11 years ago. I said NO. He was surprised that they did a follow up surgery to C6/7, AND that they had removed the hardware after just a year. He showed me the obvious non-fusion, told me that it was down to a "quality of life" decision for me.


He does nothing BUT spine surgery, for a major teaching hospital, and he thinks this is the best path for me. My hubby agrees. I am frightened. The thought of someone cutting into the back of my neck, going through muscles, and the painful rehab he described is scary. He gave me medicine for pain in the meantime, but it doesn't seem to do much really.

He said his nurse would be calling me to schedule the surgery, probably in August, and I just feel like crying. I am going to pray about this, and hope that it is the right decision to have the surgery. I do know, I have gotten used to living a life that is only centered around constant pain, and I feel that there just has to be something better out there.

What do you guys think? Thank you for all of your continuing support. I can't believe I am at this point....
Posted 7/2/2014 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad your husband went with you. That can certainly help. And I'm so sorry you are facing this difficult decision. I understand all too well and you already know the decision I made. There is someone else here who understands- Taller Now. She is just 3 weeks out from her surgery where lots of work had to be done and redone. She has osteoporosis so will be in the neck brace extra long. Did your dr say how long he would have you wear a brace? You will be in my prayers.
Posted 7/3/2014 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
ok, it hit me today. I am going to have this surgery. I read some of the past posts on here last night, and I realized I sat in the doctor's office so numb I didn't really ask many questions. He didn't even mention screws and rods, a collar, etc. I didn't ask him how big the scar would be, I just went blank.

He just said that I would have to take narcotic pain medicines for 6 weeks, and realize that it was a much more difficult recovery period than the acdf's I have had in the past. I am so worried about this.

I would appreciate anyone who can share exactly what this procedure was like from waking up in recovery, through the hospital part, and the first weeks home. I have had major surgeries in the past, but messing with my neck, from the BACK, seems horrible to me. Thank you all.
Posted 7/3/2014 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Just reaching out to say hang in there ! Big life hurdle. I read some threads (advice from moderator) and this really helped- me seeking others experiences. Hope you get good feedback. CP is no picnic, it's quite the challenge.
PS I'm having cervical disc removal/replacement, fusion with hardware in a month. Off to get centered again...
Posted 7/3/2014 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have a pain management doctor? If not, I'd strongly encourage you to consult with one. You may or may not be "without pain" after the precise time allotment of 6 weeks post-op. At the very least, discuss it with your surgeon.

I haven't had cervical surgery yet (that's on my list of things I'm putting off as long as I can function), I can tell you that with my back surgeries, 6 weeks was not a magic number. Best to have a contingency plan.

Also, my surgeon saw me a few times before the actual surgery. I did the same thing, (and no doubt, many of us here did)....just freeze up and clench up! I also didn't think of questions until well after the fact.

Write them down now as you think of them, and if need be, make another appointment with your surgeon to review these concerns in advance.

Those lists of questions are great to bring with you!! Good thing you're thinking of them now!








M.
Posted 7/3/2014 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all very much. I am getting ready to head off for the 4th of July holiday. Please say a prayer for my 22 year old daughter who "wisely" went to Wilmington, NC for the 4th. NOT. Arthur is supposed to head exactly where she is. They always think they're bullet proof at this age. I am going to take pain medicine for this 5 hour trip in the SUV. IT hurts. I know you all know what I mean... :)
Posted 7/3/2014 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Okie dokie. Sending prayers.....

May you both have a fun, and SAFE holiday!




M.
Posted 7/3/2014 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't think of questions either. That must be very common. My dr did tell me about the neck brace. I got it in his office at my last pre-op and had to take it with me to the hospital. He talked about the bone graft---there are 3 ways of doing that. My dr said I'd be in the hospital 2 nights then let me go after 1. He said I'd be in the brace for 3-6 weeks then took me out of it at 2 1/2 weeks. That was my first post-op. There were no x-rays done then since he said it was too early. He saw me again at 3 months. That was a long scary time. My neck was quite stiff and I didn't know if it would ever be better. It is! X-rays were done and PT was started. He saw me again at 6 months-3 weeks ago-and I'm scheduled for a 1 year check up with other visits or phone calls if needed. He has offered medication for all of this time so I don't feel like I've been dropped like some have felt post-op. Your dr sounds like he will take very good care of you.

I didn't intend to write so much. You can read my story. Ask anything. It's a pleasure to be able to help someone else on this journey. Have a fun SAFE holiday!

Post Edited (Abilene) : 7/3/2014 1:19:49 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/3/2014 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
We have had a lot of new members that have recently had cervical surgery or have it scheduled. From what you have described here you are miserable & have no quality of life. When it gets to that point you have to try something else. Granted no one ever wants surgery but sometimes there really is no other choice. WhiteBeard has had several cervical surgeries so you may want read some of his posts. His last surgery was in the back and he has done well. It is a different recovery from the previous surgeries.

I really think you need to make a list of questions & perhaps get another appt with the surgeon & sit down with your questions. The better you educate yourself the better you will do.

I do not know of anyone that has been off of narcotics that quickly after this type of surgery. That is nothing but textbook talk. Something I would want to know is if you are still in a good deal of pain after 6 weeks will he continue to rx pain meds till you get over the hump so to speak. I think I would ask for at least a 15 minute appt to go over my questions.

Take care...
Posted 7/4/2014 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Poplargrove,
You can look at a post I just put up if you search on this site under my blog name, "tallerNow" I had anterior incision although it is vertical and goes from my chin to collar bone and they did extensive work from C4-7 on both side around the back and then also had to realign my vertebrate and fuse them together. My understanding is that posterior approach is more painful since they have to go through more muscle. Since I have osteoporosis I am in a hard collar for at least 3 months (more if I don't fuse fast enough) and cannot even go in car as a passenger for that time either. The vibration affects fusion and also if you get in an accident it would be beyond bad. I wear a bone fuser 4 hours a day. My preop pain is gone. Now I have the surgical pain to get past and I have been told that will take a long time. I have heard at least 6 months from the doctor to 5 years from a friend with similar surgery. And my doctor said it will get my pain to manageable level and stop the progressive nature of my situation. My friend said a new normal. And I have already experienced and heard from this forum and my friend that taking it easy and not straining your neck through over use of your arms. Best wishes!
Posted 7/4/2014 7:06 AM (GMT 0)
When things slow down after the weekend take some time and use the forum search at the top of the page. Read what others before you have written, pre-op, recovery, post-op and the long haul after. This will give you not only ideas of questions for your surgeon but allow to look into the time periods of each step along the way and the progress those folks made.
Posted 7/8/2014 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hoping your daughter had a good 4th, even with Arthur in NC. My nephew is working as a chef for the summer on an island out from Boston-Cuttyhunk. We were watching Arthur and thinking of him, but the colder water slowed it.

How was your 5 hour trip in SUV? Riding in a car was most painful for me before surgery. At 2 weeks post surgery I was still in lots of pain but was so glad that bumpy car pain was gone!

I thought of something for you to consider before surgery-your hair. about 1/2" of my hair was shaved for the incision, then it goes down my neck 4". My incision is indented. Dr says that's because of muscle spasms. I think it looks ugly and I'm letting my hair grow out over it now. I went to beauty shop shortly before surgery and getting my hair washed in their basin was not at all comfortable. I certainly did not want to do that again for months post-op. So...I didn't think of this before surgery and just wanted you to consider whatever you want to do.

Also thought I would mention there was a pre-op with my PCP, surgeon and hospital, so there were lots of appointments.
Posted 7/8/2014 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Personally I would seek out a 2nd opinion away from the practice of the doctor you are thinking about doing the surgery with.

Anytime you are faced with a major procedure it is good to get a 2nd opinion.
Posted 7/20/2014 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
It's getting closer to August. Have you made your decision yet? Please let us know when you can. There are several of us here who have been down a similar path and will be glad to answer your questions.
Posted 8/7/2014 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
posterior cervical spine surgery with 2 rods and 4 screws is scheduled for next Thursday, August 14. I am as ready as I am every going to be. Thank you all for your posts and insight. This is a valuable place.
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