12 days post op c 3-4 fusion & PT question
 

Morning, everyone.

I'm post-op day 12 of a C3-4 spinal fusion (cadavar bone and plating). A little backstory: I had rapidly developing symptoms over a 4 week period that included burning in all four extremities, weakening of the arms and loss of ability to walk. Turned out c3-4 had an 80% compression into my spinal cord and no spinal fluid left. My neuro said I was "days" away from complete paralysis, which still terrifies me to think about.

So, bullet dodged. I'm doing well post-operatively. However, I still have pretty significant weakness in my legs. They cramp, can't hold me up for long, become exceptionally weak, foot drop, you name it. I tried going to the store and made it about eight minutes before my right leg gave out completely. This is BETTER than before the surgery, if you can believe it.

I'm curious, if you had similar symptoms, was there any specific type of physical therapy or certain exercises that you found most useful for getting your strength back? I start PT on Thursday, and I really don't know a lot about it. If there's something I should be reading about or educating myself on ahead of time, I'd like to do that. Any suggestions for PT things you found helpful?

My surgeon said it could be 4-6 months before I'm able to go back to work. At the rate of my leg weakness and fatigue, I can see that might easily be true. But if I can hurry things along, I'd love that. :)

Lisa