[nursebetty]

Hi! I am new here. Had anterior cervical fusion c5-c6 4 weeks ago and was looking for some support. I am 30 and feel as if I'll never be the same. Still having daily pain. Does anyone know when I could expect to go back to work, I am a nurse and work in Geriatics/Palliative care. The doctor hasn't been real specific, have to see how things heal. So I was just wondering what others have experienced. I look forward to posting here.

[GJZH]

Betty,

I had a 360 cervcial fusion in August of 2005...C 4-5, 5-6, 6-7...I would think that you would not be able to go back to work for at least three months...I want to just say too... My doc knew I was switching from teaching to a career in nursing...I planned to go into administrative nursing or teaching nursing...just knew I could not do the lifting...but did not realize I would have to do the floor work first....and lift about 75 lbs...These surgeons do not have a clue what you do...You might not be able to go back to nursing...ever...or lifting...that is if you do not want to blow out the levels below and above your fusion..I am already having problems above and below...and I do not work...Talk to a PT about your area of work and see what they tell you and what they see...I do not mean to be depressing just realistic...

[nursebetty]

Thanks for the info. My doctor did suggest when I start back to do 1/2 days, but I'm not sure if my work will allow it. He also said that I may go back and find that I can't do it. So I have had that on my mind. Am I more at risk now to injuring my other levels. I never imagined that I would be in this boat. Where in Pa are you from?