Originally Posted by bunz50

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

Originally Posted by bunz50

Hi Cathie, congrats on your surgery date, things you will need, yogurt, ice cream, popsicles, jello, cream soups, oatmeal, smoothies, ensure etc. Frequently used things close by I had a couple of baskets in my room, lozenges, kleenex, bandages and dressings, lotions, deodorant, toothbrush/paste, powders, wetones, lipbalms, mouthwash, these are usally the small versions, bendy straws, stool or chair beside bed to help you out, lots of ice for fluids feels good on the throat, garbage can, bell, bedtray, cold pacs, slippers, pj's and robe, or comfy clothes, books mags, crosswords etc. Organize things at home to be within easy reach to avoid bending and reaching, walk a lot after surgery, have someone with you for the frist week as you will need them, for the hospital take pj's, robe, brush/comb, toothbrush/paste, lipbalm, and comfy clothes to wear home. Hurting again, maybe more later Bunz

Originally Posted by Neeni

Hi, Just wanted to chime in, Im here in NYC, just had level2 ACDF on the 28th of Jan.
It was supposed to be level one, surgeon and neurosurgeon changed mind in the OR. I had severe right arm/hand pain, burning for a long time. Was losing use of the hand and arm most recently. I will say this; the surgery has completely cured that. My hand and arm are perfect!
Be prepared for pain though! Today is one week, and the pain is still there in the neck area. But most bothersome is my throat. It was fine in the hospital, so was my voice. This got worse three days ago. I can barely swallow water and I feel like food is coming up and stuck there.
Still on pain meds, I will be going to see the Doc today because I cannot sleep nor eat at all with this throat. At least the main objective was successful