I'm scheduled for surgery in 4 weeks to have a 2-3 level fusion in my cervical spine. My neurosurgeon will decide whether it will be 2 or 3 after my updated MRI which is tomorrow. But for now we know he will be fusing C5/C6 & C6/C7.

Is there anyone that has had this surgery that can offer advice on pain management, recovery, sleeping after surgery, anything that you wish you knew before your surgery? It's always helpful to hear from someone who has already "been there & done that". Would appreciate hearing how long it took for recovery and did you feel relief from the pinched nerves right away? (I have pinched nerves in my hands and neck which is excrutiating).

Is there anything you wish you knew before surgery that you know now?

Thank you!

Hi ~ You have pinched nerves in your HANDS??? Or are the nerves in your neck affecting your hands?

I can tell you that I'm not a fan of surgery, only because most of the time your pain will NOT be relieved. The surgery only fixes mechanical problems - your pain will most likely still be there, and sometimes it's worse than before. There have been articles from the Amer. Society of Surgeons that stated that MOST of the surgery performed on spines in the U.S. had the SAME results as did physical therapy!! So in other words, the surgeries were useless. That went for the fusions too, as stated in the article. I've had 2 open spinal surgeries, and I'm worse now than I was before the surgeries - I have more pain than I had before.

Also, after spinal surgeries, you will undoubtedly have the "domino" effect, meaning that the levels either above/below the surgical site will fail - thus requiring further surgery. It's a never ending cycle unless you just opt for physical therapy. The only reason I would ever opt for further surgery is if my SPINAL CORD was being impinged.

I'm sorry you have to have surgery. You will need to talk to your doctor about post-op medications because they ALWAYS undermedicate the patient. Be firm about wanting adequate pain medication. The recovery is "longish." If you mean how long does it take to be fully fused -- that takes about a year - sometimes longer. As far as how you feel - it's different for everyone and it's hard to say. You will need some help for probably the first week. Sleeping - you will have to wear a collar for awhile - most docs have you wear a soft collar at night. They aren't too bad. It may take awhile before you feel relief because the nerves are very irritated - nerves heal at the rate of 1" per month. So it depends on your own case.

I hope I've answered a few questions. God bless and take care. hugs, Lee

The pinched nerves are in my neck and radiating to my hands. I've already been tested for carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve, and went through 6 months of physio, accupuncture, massage, traction, etc.... and then the MRI and CT scans showed the DDG and osteophytes in my neck causing the problem. I was told by my surgeon I will be required to wear a hard collar (at all times) for at least 6 weeks. So the recliner or couch will be wear I will sleep I guess. I am worried about the pain relief, I've been weaning myself down off the high doses of Oxy for 6 weeks now to get my tolerance down and avoid rebound pain after surgery. I will bring in my own meds if need be to get relief! LOL

Thanks for all the advice, I'm having the surgery no matter what, I have lost all quality of life right now, can't even drive, so I would rather take the risk for domino effect than stay like this forever.

Appreciate all the information.. .told my hubby to start learning how to make home made soup! )

Hi Cathie, I am actually in Chatham but had my surgery at Hotel Dieu Grace. My neurosurgeon is Dr. Shamisa, he is a wonderful man and I liked him right from the start. I do not blame him for any residual symtoms or new dx, he sent me to different docs and tests to finally discovered I have TOS. If I recall correctly Dr. Shamisa gave me the same chances of success and had also advised that if the radicular pain was still there after 2yrs then quite possible would have permanent nerve damage. I have been dealing with my cervical issues since 2006, and it was a long process. You know the steps, xray then ct scan and finally the MRI, then it took 2yrs to see Dr. Shamisa and have surgery. I wish you complete success with your surgery and a healthy recovery! Let me know how you make out with your MRI results and if your family or friends have had Shamisa for their surgeon. Thank-you Bunz

One of my very close friends also had Dr. Shamisa for the same surgery. She had it 7 years ago, and is now completely recovered. So it definately depends on the person and their problem. Dr. Jhawar (my dr) is in the same office as Dr. Shamisa. I've heard good things about both. You are correct, it has been a very long process, I'm off on WSIB, and it started with physio, then xrays, then ultrasound, then CT and MRI, then a second MRI last night. (It was very hard laying still last night for the 20 minute scan due to pain and twitching, but hopefully they got good images!)

I hope and pray not to end up on disability, it is so frustrating not to be doing and enjoying all the things I was only 1 1/2 years ago. This last month I'm not even driving anymore, which is hard since I live in Belle River and everything is 20 minutes or more driving to Windsor.

How long were you in the hospital after your surgery? Did you get a morphine drip or did you ask for one? How long before you were able to shower after surgery. Silly questions, but I'm getting nervous and my mind is racing thinking of all the things I don't know.

This forum has been very helpful for information, you're the first person on here that is only 1/2 hour away from my house though! LOL... small world.

Thanks for answering all my questions! very appreciated.
Cathie

I understand the concerns. I had the same when I had my surgery 12/9/2010 2 level ACDF. The surgery usually lasts about 2-3 hours. People are in the hospital anywhere from 1-5 days depending on your recovery, insurance and doctors. I was in for 5 days due to excessive swelling (uncommon). I had a pump with didulad the first 12 hours (don't remember). Then I had morphine shots because I could not swallow. The only IV I had was antibiotics and fluids (48 hours). Then I had the nurses crush the meds and place in applesauce, pudding or italian ice. I had oxyicodone then down to hydrocodone along with flexril (muscle relaxer). I came home with scripts for hydrocodone along with flexril (muscle relaxer) and Ambien to help me sleep. I had a sponge bath while in the hospital. Once I came home I was allowed to shower. It felt SO good. Just ask for some special plastic non stick covering for the steri strips that cover the incision. Swallowing and swelling was my biggest issue not pain from the surgery. The incision area did not hurt at all. I also had a drain above the incision that I did not expect. That came out on day 3. Let me know if you have any other questions. The waiting is the worst. Once it is over you will be relieved. I no longer had the tingling, numbness and pain. I felt that way as soon as I was coherent in the hospital. Good luck and keep us posted.

Cath ~ I just wanted to warn you that this surgery probably will NOT ease the pain - and if you have nerve damage, you may still have the numbness. Usually after surgery we're left with the same pain and sometimes worse. So just wanted to remind you of that.

God bless you and best of luck. Let us know how it comes out. Hugs, Lee

Hi Cathie, Yes it is a small world! I agree with frenchfri1003 post. My surgery took almost 5 hours. When my Dr drilled the holes for the screws they did not fit properly so he used bone cement to fill in the holes and redrilled. I was in the hospital for 1 nite, originally told 2, but the head nurse saw me straighten my bed sheet after using the washroom (she was a B****), and said if she can make her bed she can go home, I told them I was not ready, ( my husband was livid) but was discharged without seeing Shamisa. I was readmitted 2 days later with swallowing issues due to a large(golfball size)hematoma on my incision . I was given morphine injections, no drip, and discharged 3 days later. I would have to go back later that month as a stitch broke, and had to have the hematoma drained. It was day 2 that I showered, my husband put a lawn chair in the tub (my head felt heavy and I felt weak) and he washed my hair, sitting while showering was actually the easiest way for me. My girl friend came over 3 times a week to braid my hair. Cathie, the hard collar has blue velcrose pads, make sure you get 2 sets so you always have a dry set after showering, my husband always did my collar and I just stood very still. Sorry you had pain issues during your MRI, I am claustrophobic(?)and I do not like the MRI machine, I take a little pill and then it is still all I can do not to squeeze the red ball and scream lol. Happy Thoughts, Positive Attitude, and no Stress, makes for good surgery, as frenchfri1003 stated Relax! Well my hands are numb arms are throbbing and too long of a post. Talk soon, Bunz

Hi, I have just read your post about statistics from Amer. Society of Surgeons regarding advisability of surgery versus physical therapy. I have tried physical therapy three times and got no improvement. I am scheduled for ACDF at C4/5, 5/6 and 6/7 in two weeks, and I am terrified. My NS told me that there is a 90% chance of improvement....with the actual improvement in pain being 50%. IF that is true, I would think that the surgery would be worthwhile. I presently have no real quality of life. BUT I am terriefied after reading many posts from people who say they did not have good outcomes. How can I access the information you are quoting? Thanks

Hi ABBB, Welcome.

If there's only a 50% chance of actual improvement in pain, what's the 90% chance of improvement in - the surgeon's standard of living?

Most people who even consider spinal surgery do it in hopes of alleviating pain, paralysis, or something life-threatening; what other reason is there to chance going under the knife? And 50/50 is, IMO, pretty much a crapshoot. My surgeon advised against surgery for that very reason with similar odds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failed_back_syndrome

There are many options in pain management between PT and surgery, and many that don't necessarily involve daily narcotic medications (though those aren't necessarily the evil they're made out to be either - they provide a quality of life for many that's otherwise impossible).

You read about more bad outcomes than good outcomes because it's the people with bad outcomes who have reason to find support groups and write about them. People with good outcomes are continuing with their lives, and have (no offense to anyone here, but it's natural and true) better things to do.

Were your 3 courses of PT with the same therapist? IME their knowledge, skill, and experience can vary as much as any doctor's, and finding the right therapist can make as much difference as finding the right doctor.

I DO hope you've gotten at least 2 opinions, and asked about alternatives like ED, MED, pain management, and any others. Doctors base their recommendations on what THEY are knowledagable and experienced in doing - not what another surgeon may be able to do more easily/safely. (It's not like Miracle on 34th Street with Macy sending customers to Gimbels.)

Google: questions to ask neck surgery

Doc