[rickandholly]

Just a quick background,I have been in back and neck pain since I was 15 (now 35) So for over 20 years, my life has been wrapped around my pain.
Today, I finally saw a neurosurgeon for the first time. After reviewing my MRI he told me I was lucky to have walked in on my own, that I've got a ruptured disk between my C5 and C6 and at any time with the right circumstances, I could lose the use of my arms, legs, possibly both, or even worse, be completely paralized from the neck down.
Now, i realize this is a worse case scenario, but it quickly made me realize that this isn't something to overlook. I've never had any type of surgery, I don't have anyone close to me that has went through this type of procedure, so I'm looking for some level headed people who have went through this and can try and help guide me as I undergo this life changing experience. Any help as to what I can expect post operation, would be greatly apreciated. Dr's can tell you what they've heard, but people who have experienced it, lived through it, can tell me what I really need to know, what to look out for, and most importantly, what mistakes not to make. Thank you all.
Rick

[Leesa]

Well, I haven't had it done, but I've had spinal surgery and I can tell you that after you get home, you're going to need help. You're not going to be able to do things on your own for awhile. You're going to be in pain, and will need rest - you're going to WANT rest too!

Since this is your neck, of course you're not going to be able to turn your head for while. I'm sure they'll have you in a neck brace/collar for several weeks. You have to keep the neck stable while it heals. They will give you your restrictions when you leave the hospital, but some are: no bending, lifting, twisting, reaching. There will be plenty of others. LOL. You will probably have a LITTLE trouble swallowing at first - that might be while you are still in the hospital. I don't know how long that lasts, but it's bothersome. Naturally, you'll be on liquids while that is going on.

One thing you MUST make sure of ~ You must make SURE that your surgeon gives you a prescription for PLENTY of pain meds for when you get home!!! too often they give you enough for just a week or so, and you're going to need it for much longer than that!!! So be sure you have plenty of refills, depending on what he gives you. Some meds, he cannot write "refill" on it, such as MSContin. Those have to be taken in by hand. They can't be refilled. - at least not in the states around here.

I wish I could give you more info. All I know is I needed help when I had my surgery - and even tho mine was lumbar and yours is cervical, you're still going to need help with things. Your neck does more work than people think. God bless and when you feel up to it after surgery, please check in and let us know how it went, ok? I'd like to know. Take care. Hugs, Lee

[Kathi49]

Rick,

I have had the C3/C4 fused and the C5/C6. YES, you will be able to turn your head even if it is uncomfortable. It is the UPPER levels that control most of the mobility anyway. With both fusions I was able to turn my head albeit not that far as in turning around to look at something. But that will come back with time. More than likely you will be in a soft collar. I was allowed to take mine off for a shower and to sleep. But for the most part I kept it on. The should teach you how to get up and down when getting in and out of bed. I used a recliner during the first few weeks. But you WILL feel it pull and that will hurt. As far as pain goes, I wasn't in too much pain from the surgery itself. It was the spasms that got to me. But my NS had prescribed Valium which kicked those out. Other than that it was just Vicodin and/or Lortab. To me the whole ordeal, not once but twice, was not that bad. Again, it was the SPASMS! But everyone is different. On thing that helped me, since I have 3 dogs, is one of those grabby stick things. If I had to pick something off of the floor (usually their toys), I used it. But the doc will tell you what your restrictions are. And they will also tell you one of the best things you can do is to walk; a little bit each day and a little farther. But they will also let you know when you can begin that. After that or rather they should also give you a booklet or tell you what exercises to do when ready for them. BECAUSE...you will have to keep your muscles strong yet supple. I know that sounds odd and it is hard to do. But HINT...do them in a hot shower. Oh, and you might have steri strips across your throat. Just leave them be...they will fall off on their own. And no, the incision did not hurt at all! I know it sounds awful but I will say if I had to do it again, and I just might someday, I would. I don't regret it all. Oh, and you will need help for the first few weeks. The meds alone will make you very tired. But other than that you CAN manage. Good luck!

[doggiemomma]

I am scheduled for surgery on Monday to remove/repair a disc between c5 & c6. I was in a rear-end collision in 2006, had a bad fall in March of 2010 and rear-ended again in April 2010. My current job requires me to be able to lift up to 70 lbs. For those of you that have been through this surgery, will I ever be able to lift that amount again and if so how long after surgery? My employer is trying to fire me now because of my absence this year and the doctor not being able to tell them when I will be able to return. Any information would be greatly appreciated and any info about what to expect after surgery would be great too! I'm really nervous.

[aussiemom]

I had c3 4 5 6 done 5 years ago. I was in 4 days, has a great deal of trouble swallowing. Sent home with a J collar, a soft one for showers. Had one on all the time. I had plenty of pain meds, was told not to wait till the pain got bad, it was easier to stop pain at a lower level. So true! Couldn't drive for 6 weeks.

I really don't remember any other problems, I have good ROM now

other things have gone wrong with my spine now, some related to the fusion, I'd do it again.

[WTR Nymph]

Originally Posted by rickandholly

Just a quick background,I have been in back and neck pain since I was 15 (now 35) So for over 20 years, my life has been wrapped around my pain.
Today, I finally saw a neurosurgeon for the first time. After reviewing my MRI he told me I was lucky to have walked in on my own, that I've got a ruptured disk between my C5 and C6 and at any time with the right circumstances, I could lose the use of my arms, legs, possibly both, or even worse, be completely paralized from the neck down.
Now, i realize this is a worse case scenario, but it quickly made me realize that this isn't something to overlook. I've never had any type of surgery, I don't have anyone close to me that has went through this type of procedure, so I'm looking for some level headed people who have went through this and can try and help guide me as I undergo this life changing experience. Any help as to what I can expect post operation, would be greatly apreciated. Dr's can tell you what they've heard, but people who have experienced it, lived through it, can tell me what I really need to know, what to look out for, and most importantly, what mistakes not to make. Thank you all.
Rick

Hello, This is what I was like my first surgery, over ten years ago. The MRI read severe cord compression. The best docs are the one's who work on the football players. I hope you have access to one. Also, discuss hardware, not a hip bone graft. I had two attempted fusions w/hip bone, both collapsed. Hope your surgery goes well and take the best care of you, you possibly can! No one else will. Keep us posted, WTR Nymph