Cervical Laminectomy Help

Hi BumTum you certainly have come to the right place! There are many of us here on this forum that have had surgery on their cervical spine, I myself have had two anterior discectomy and fusions, and one posterior fusion similar to what you had done, but I had rods and pins put in on both sides at C3/4. I will tell you the recovery was a real bear!!!! I had forty some staples down the center of the back of my neck from the base of my skull down to beginning of my shoulders. It took many many months, before I felt anywhere close to getting back to normal! So please be patient with yourself, as this recovery can take some time! I can definitely empathize with you! In the long run I'm glad I had the surgery done, but it did take a while to get to that point!

I guess the best thing I can suggest is for you not to over due it, and just be gentle with yourself, give yourself plenty of rest and time to heal! And above all if you start having any concerns or problems moving your arms or anything that is out of the normal for you, definitely go see your doctor or surgeon and get it checked out!

I am sure that there will be many others, come along and give you what advice that they may have. As I said we have had many folks on this forum that have had cervical spinal surgery, many have had some really extensive work done, so your definitely not alone in this recovery!

We are all here for you, I wish you well!

White Beard

I'm really sorry you were not prepared for this recovery. It is very difficult but possible.
The title for my own story is just like it is written in my signature if you want to read it.
In the 2nd permanent post Chronic Pain 101, scroll down to 9/15/2014. There are many comments written by and for those of us who have had cervical surgery. Read through that for some very good words of wisdom.

I would say for now to take it very easy. You probably don't need to even be trying to do much of anything. I hope you have a comfortable recliner. Many of us have had to sleep in that recliner at first. Take your medication on a tight schedule, not trying to cut back on anything at this time. Are you wearing a cervical collar? Some doctors have patients wear it; others do not or only for a short time. It seemed to make me feel more secure but I was only in it for 2 weeks. I would advise against riding in a car if you can avoid it. That vibration causes some to hurt. Like I said, just don't do much of anything in this very early stage of healing until everything settles down.

I'm interested in the Turmeric you take. I've tried to do that. First I took capsules but now I've read it's better to take the powder. What's your experience? We may need to discuss this later if using the computer is uncomfortable for you.

pmdancer, Thanks. My surgery was done in Kansas at the Spine and Specialty Hospital.

Hello all. Well, I'm into this surgery post op for 2 weeks now. It all seems to be doing a little better each day. My arm and hand are still numb, but my doc says it should get better with time.

This has been very hard, but I think all will be well in a few weeks. Thanks for all your help.

Thanks for that advice. I am learning that my body is telling me when to slow down - especially today.