Well, I went for my 2nd opinion yesterday. He point blank told me I needed surgery to get c5-6 off the spinal cord. That is the main issue. He will remove & fuse c4-5 and c6-7 as well because he said if he doesn't, it will only be a matter of time before I'm in to see him again. He did advise against running in the future. He told me the spine takes too much of a pounding. He didn't say I couldn't do it, but doesn't think it would be wise. This makes me incredibly sad but, in the big scheme of things,I'll deal. I need to put it in to perspective and find something that is lower impact. I love to exercise but I do it for the health benefits. I don't want to make anything worse. They are so backed up with surgeries, I'm looking to have surgery in about 8 weeks. This seems excessively far away. I will be put on the list to be moved up if there are cancellations - so let's hope it happens before then. I'm beyond scared, but I'm trying to stay positive. This is a common surgery done everyday, so I can only pray mine will be done without complications. Thanks everyone and I will keep you updated as things continue.

Hey well im glad u went and to be honest im glad he chose to fuse the whole thing who wants surgery twice. You will be fused at same level as me. Just for now just walk around till you have surgery. After surgery --for three months all i did was walk alot in neighborhood. Now before work in morning i do elliptical for 1 hr in 4am before work ---not always good depends if i hit szooze button(lol). Will be able to workout again-- but you know what running is vary jarring period on spine and knees --you should give that up. Eventually once your fused I would say u should be able to do most anything --accept running.

I'm feeling incredible sad right now. Since I found running a few years ago, I fell in love with it. I'm having a hard time reconciling that it isn't in my future when I find so much enjoyment from it. Pushing myself through pain & fatigue has been so rewarding, a testament to my endurance...so empowering. Will I get that from walking? I doubt it. I know I have to put things in to perspective, that in the long run it's not important. Any advice from anyone?

Loss of an activity you love, is hard to adjust to. I had to give up my career, which hurts to this day. I looked down into a magafier to create miniatures. Now that I am fused, I can't look down to do the scuptures. So I changed and do mosaics looking forward on an easel. I walk alot too, though I never did run.
It is a question of finding a substitute, something that gives enjoyment, even if it is not your favorite. Lots of adjustments are made to compensate for what we lost. It takes time, and some real thinking to make some changes.
It is OK to be sad Chelk, you are experiencing a big change. You are going to find things to do that you didn't even know you liked. Just keep moving forward, and more things will present. I grieved a long time before I found things to give me joy again. The ever talked about bucket list is another goodie. Write down all the things you can do, that you may want to do, and get to it. Maybe a concert you always wanted to see, or an outing in some location you always wanted to go to. Just keep trying and you will find ways to bring joy again into your life. ginnie

Thanks for listening to me rant. I know I need to look at the big picture. I need to focus on what I still can do. Maybe I will find a new passion (that isn't so jarring on the spine & body). It's better to stay positive...which is what I'm trying to do.

Btw, I just wanted to inform you that I got a call from the hospital when I was home for lunch. My surgery is scheduled for March 19th. I'm so glad not to have to wait 8+ weeks but a bit terrified. Ready to be on the other side Again, I'll keep everyone posted.

Thats good news 3-19 --im glad and I will give u more info when u get closer to the date on things you need to have around the house for your recovery .

Everything will turn out OK. We all will be here for you, to support you and to tell you we care. Glad you don't have to wait too long either. ginnie

I wanted to update everyone. I had my ACDF surgery yesterday on c4-c7. I asked one more time if I really needed all three levels done and my surgeon said I was crushing my spine. It is not something I should wait on.

Today, my throat is sore. I still have numbness I my right thumb and index finger. Hoping that will go away. I'm still in the hospital and I should be released early this afternoon. I am on pain medicine for which I didn't know how grateful I would be for that. I will update again when I'm home. I'm hoping for a happy & healthy recovery from here

Thats great news!!!!! ---throat will take a few days eat soft foods--honest i still get numbness in finger tips but im use to it ---doesnt stop me from doing anything. Now its very important no lifting anything heavier then a gallon of milk ---if your recovery is like mine fatigue will be a battle for several weeks. Take it easy and let people pamper you. Are you getting a neck brace? Im just glad the worst part is finally behind you.

Hi chelk, get well soon. relax. Don't push your recovery. If you get spasms which many of us do after this surgery, ask for Soma, in conjunction with your pain medication. This will stop the spasms and allow for better healing. Glad your surgery is over. I too had some tingling in my fingers and hands, this did go away for me. I wish you all the best as you move forward in your life. NT and of course I am with you 100%, Just be good to yourself now. ginnie