Originally Posted by Leesa

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

Originally Posted by bunz50

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

Originally Posted by frenchfri1003

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.

Originally Posted by joojee22

For those of you that had ACDf, did anyone experience your vocal cords not working after the surgery?

The more I read, the scared-er I get.. LOL..

thanks.

Originally Posted by cath1

It's scary no matter what, I think that's natural to be scared!

I did have a sore throat and hoarseness for about 2 weeks, but my voice was totally fine. I had some swallowing issues for quite a long time, like a lump in my throat, but it went away. Once in a while I still struggle to swallow large vitamin pills, but that's about it.

Although my teenagers would have loved me to loose my voice, they didn't luck out!

Cathie

Originally Posted by joojee22

For those of you that had ACDf, did anyone experience your vocal cords not working after the surgery?

The more I read, the scared-er I get.. LOL..

thanks.