Prepared for surgery

Isn't it ironic that an almost full night of sleep is so very good for your healing, except that not moving for that long can make you hurt more? I had forgotten about that. It's kind of funny to remember things long forgotten as you mention them. Since you have been through very similar surgery, you probably have a much better understanding of this recovery than I did.

I've just read about the ProDisc C implant. That sounds very interesting. I'll be eager to hear how it works for you. Just another great reason to not have gone with the other surgeon since it seems this implant is not used for multiple levels.

In reading your signature I see that you have Graves Disease. Is that well controlled? I've just been diagnosed with subclinical hyperthyroidism and it's related to Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease. I read and asked questions in the Thyroid forum here at Healing Well and was given good information. Just reading the Thyroid 101 articles helped since I had no experience with it at all. I've just started on medication this week. You seem to have more than your share of experience with autoimmune issues.

Keep on taking gentle, good care of yourself. I'm glad you have Pearl right there beside you.

Vernita, try some alcohol on a cotton ball to get the adhesive off of your arms. Just thought about this, lol.

Hello Abilene, I am doing well 3 weeks post op. Still muscle pain and stiffness, but Motrin seems to take care of it.
Explanation of my most recent surgery. It is called an anterior cervical disc fusion with ProDisc C artificial disc replacement , but will not actually fuse. Mine is c4/c5, which is 1 level. A one level is a procedure done on one disc between 2 vertebrae, referred to by the vertebrae number above and below the disc. Mine being the disc between c4/c5. In a regular fusion these 2 vertebrae will fuse together after disc removal. ProDisc C is a metal with plastic implant, similar to an implant used for total hip or knee replacement. It is a ball and socket implant to allow for complete range of motion. That implant is placed in the 2 vertebrae with the ball and socket part now being the disc replacement. With this implant between the 2 vertebrae they will not fuse. You can view this implant by searching ProDisc C website, and see on YouTube the implant being placed in an animated procedure on a dummy, or an actual person.
My surgeon was going to let me go home that afternoon, but due to vomiting I stayed overnight. Went home with 6 days of percocet, have been driving since 1 week post op, released from hospital without a collar.I am taking 2 Motrin a day still for muscle cramps and morning stiffness.
I am fortunate. This was a breeze compared to my old fashion ACDF c5/c6 in 1991.
Because of degenerative disc disease I may have future problems with the level below my 1991 fusion, which would be c6/c7. Only time will tell. Right now I am good. Thanks to God and a great neurosurgeon.

Abilene I understand the tiredness of thyroid problems and the trial of getting the medicine regulated. I swear I feel the most tired when they have the dose just right. Good luck with your treatment.

I loss range of motion from the original fusion in 91.Especially tilting my head to the left to get water out of my left ear. No chance of getting that back. Also was never able to look over my left shoulder very well to back up the car. No chance of getting that back either. I always had snapping, cracking and popping in my neck after the original fusion. The Rice Krispy effect is gone since my prodisc surgery. That has been a surprise relief that I was not expecting to get.

There are less problems reported with the prodisc c, on adjoining levels because of not fusing with them. I have not found any further loss of motion with the prodisc c.

Because of my c5/c6 fusion, I have that risk of c6/c7 causing failure. At the moment I am very pleased with my results, and am blessed everything has gone so well. I totally understand not everyone gets the same result.

Hope everyone is feeling less pain and enjoying the weekend.

Thanks Susie
I have just been blessed with this procedure.
I never discussed with my surgeon the "what if" of my lower level maybe failing. He told me it is possible, but I didn't think to inquire whether a prodisc would be the answer. I will research if that has been done.

Susie, yes I have read frightening results from everything about these, both lumbar and cervical. They only have about 10 years experience on these Prodisc ones, there are other makers of artificial discs also. So they don't know the longevity results past this time.
It is so hard to make a decision of any kind when you're in pain, reading one result is good and another is bad, having different opinions of surgeons. And everyone responds differently. Hard life choices.
I became overwhelmed trying to read information about multiple levels disc replacements. Some say yes, some say absolutely not. Read numerous statistics, some have made me nervous, others I am pleased with. I just won't know what the future will hold.
Sad for that lady you know. Wish she had better results especially since she is so young.

Agreed Susie.

Thanks rocckyd.
I agree that more people should come back to give updates, especially if they were positive. It gives hope.
Hope you have a great week.

I am back to normal, doing very well.
How are you? I see you are out and about traveling. Looks like fun.
I hope everyone is doing well.