Just Checking In -- need laminetomy info

It's amazing: stay away for awhile (ok, a few months) and then come back, I see so many new names.
Good luck to all of you.

I continue to work hard trying to gain some semblance of a quasi-normal existence. It's hard. I'm still in a wheelchair but I can use a platform walker to ambulate. My legs are getting better, but my hands and arms are not good; hence the platform on my walker. My balance is lousy, but I am getting better. I can walk an ever-increasing number of steps without the walker, with Cheryl hanging on to my belt for security. It's unbelievable, relearning how to go from sit-to-stand-to-walk. What a struggle!

I've recently seen a neurosurgeon and rehab doctor. Unfortunately, my MRI shows a deteriorating situation since my March 6 accident (I fell and badly damaged my cervical spine). I will need surgery sooner rather than later. It will be a laminectomy at C3/C4 and maybe more; probably no fusion needed.

It's so odd. MRI's get worse, but I have come a long way from no leg/arms feeling to now. Also, MRI indicates worst is on my left side. Yet, my severe weakness is on the right side and my left leg is just about normal.

So, anyone familiar with this surgery? Input is always welcome.

(Still on HT for the PC)

Oh, and I'm a bit annoyed with this group: how dare you lock a thread(s) without me in it!




Mel

Post Edited (compiler) : 6/11/2017 9:20:36 AM (GMT-6)

Mel,
Welcome back. I've been thinking about you and wondering how you
have been doing with rehab. It sounds like you are determined and progressing. I bet your determination to overcome is why the scans show deterioration and the mind and body are overcoming the obstacles. I'm sorry you have to have back surgery. I truly hope and pray that it moves your rehab along and doesn't mean you have to start over.
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, as always.
Beth
ps. The mods haven't had much excitement at all with your absence. I think one of two have even gone on vacation.

Mel, I had a laminectomy (L4/L5) in early January for stenosis. It took about 8 weeks to start doing few exercises (mostly walking). Prior to surgery, I had pain on the right side just above the hip area. I could hardly turn from side to side when sleeping. Getting out of bed was a struggle. Right now I'm able to work out at the gym 5-6 times a week, I play golf once a week, and i can do most things as long as I'm careful not to lift heavy stuff. The surgery itself was not bad. I was in the hospital for 1 night and only needed Tylenol (1000 mg) for pain for about a week. I wish you luck.

Glad to hear your recovery continues.
I had a laminectomy at L4 -5 about 12 years ago that removed a shwanoma - non cancerous tumor - that was growing in my spine. Its done with a small incision and recovery is 6 - 8 weeks. Compared to my prostate treatments it was in retrospect an absolute walk in the park. It was the 5 days in the hospital which was rather tough, but it cured almost 7 years of sciatic pain. The doctors had trouble finding it.

I wish you all the best.

Mel - good to hear from you.

Wish I had info, but that's a procedure I no nothing about.

Hope you continue to make progress.

Andrew

Great to see you back here. Your progress is testimony to your determination and hard work. Best wishes.
Jim

Hi Mel, I had similar if not the same surgery done at C3/4 in November 2010. The neurosurgeon using the posterior approach went in through the back of my neck and he put in rods and pins on each side to stabilize my vertebra. He told me it is a relatively easy surgery for him,( I guess when your used to doing brain surgery this is just a piece of cake! LOL) but he told me, it tends to be a more painful and difficult surgery for the patient. He wasn't wrong about that!! I had 47 staples down the center of the back of my neck, from the base of my skull to the top of my shoulders, (looked like a zipper and I had to have them in in for a solid two weeks before they were removed!) anyway the recovery was allot longer than the previous surgeries I have had on my cervical spine ( I had an ACDF at C6/7 in 1985 and later on in 2009 another one at C5/6) Anyway I found this posterior surgery to be allot more painful and the recovery time was quite a bit longer, but in the end, it did do what it was suppose to do and relieved the pain in my neck and back of head. So after a lengthy healing time and then some extensive physical therapy, I was glad I had it done!

The main thing is to just be patient with yourself during the recovery and try not to over do it! Easier said than done, but it is important!

If I can be of any assistance just let me know!

Good Luck to you!

White Beard

"come here you little zipperneck" madalin kahan{ sp.figger it out bright eyes}
" I'll ask plenty questions then...to make sure it is the right surgery"...too funny...2017 state of the art communication in the new world order of medicine...What???....Me Worry!!!...sorry... Im just fission...carry on Illl be in the area all day...

Hi Mel...I've been on holiday the past two weeks and just saw this. Wanted to say hello and continue to wish you the best!