after wearing a collar for 3 months...

Dr. Smith · 04-04-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabbycakes

I'm confused, my husband is 4 1/2 weeks out of posterior cervical fusion. We just went to his first post op last week and his surgeon said he only had to wear his soft collar when he drove, the larger one came off after 2 weeks.

Hi Gabby,

This is what attracts a lot of doctors to surgery.... GPs see a lot of the same stuff.... colds, minor infections, physicals, tetanus shots.... and making referrals. It's pretty mundane, but some like it. Others want more challenge, and with surgery, every patient, every procedure, is different. Different level of invasiveness, different technique, different incisions, and a lot of thinking & doing on the fly - not to mention complications. They have an idea what they're going to do, but they never really know for sure until they get in there and actually see/feel what's involved.

It's good - really good - that your husband's recovery is going so well!

Doc

cath1 · 04-04-2011, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabbycakes

Hi all,
I'm confused, my husband is 4 1/2 weeks out of posterior cervical fusion. We just went to his first post op last week and his surgeon said he only had to wear his soft collar when he drove, the larger one came off after 2 weeks. The collar was bothering him the most, causing the sparms he speaks of and that I have read here. Since he doesn't wear the collar anymore those spasms really have supsided especially over the last couple of days. He really perked up over the weekend. Just wondering.

Good luck to all that are recovering. This was my husbands 3rd back surgery. He has had 2 lumbar in the past, the first was a mess the 2nd was a complete revision was a great success. My husband has spinal stenosis,I hope this is the last one. My heart truly goes out to all that have to endure these type of procedures.

Gabbycakes

it seems there are large variances in opinions on wearing the hard collar after surgery. Every doctor seems to have different rules... It must have a little to do with the levels fused and damage also, but I see lot of differences in length of time to wear them. I agree, they do cause a lot of the spasms, but if my dr says wear it, I will continue, I won't like it, but I'll do it... Ugh. Lol.... Also, my surgery was anterior, not posterior, that may have a factor in it too.

Glad your husband is doing well! nice to see success stories!
Cathie

gabbycakes · 04-05-2011, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cath1

it seems there are large variances in opinions on wearing the hard collar after surgery. Every doctor seems to have different rules... It must have a little to do with the levels fused and damage also, but I see lot of differences in length of time to wear them. I agree, they do cause a lot of the spasms, but if my dr says wear it, I will continue, I won't like it, but I'll do it... Ugh. Lol.... Also, my surgery was anterior, not posterior, that may have a factor in it too.

Glad your husband is doing well! nice to see success stories!
Cathie

Thanks Cathie,

I hope you are feeling well.

It is odd, he was told at his appointment last week he only has to wear it when he drives. Once he went from the big collar 2 weeks post op the spasmas subsided tremendously then when he didn't have to wear even the soft collar only to drive the spasms have almost gone away. The only time he still gets them is sometimes if he's getting up from a complete laying down position to standing, it will start and then subside once he's up and moving around.

Thanka again,

Gabbycakes

bunz50 · 04-05-2011, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6pack

I've had so much physio my benefits must be running low

Oh well, I'll do whatever it takes to regain my strength. My return to work date has been set for June 22nd so I have lots of recovery time. I had planned to start walking, however if you can believe it we received 15cm of snow this morning and we could get an additional 15 (6") today!! Good news is; it's suppose to warm up to 10c (50f)

Hi Dave, walking is great exercise, I've been doing a little when its warm, and yes I can believe that darn snow, we had a snowfall the other nite as well, but was gone by the next day, bring on the heat lol! June 22 nice(: that gives you awesome time for recovery, hopefully you still have physio benefits, although the therapist should give you exercises you can do at home as well, (unfortunately I am a lifer in physio/massage and lucky to have unlimited physio thur my hubby's benefits), check your ins benefits usually with a script from your Dr they cover heating pads, cold pacs, tens machines etc... these are some items I use in physio and at home, my ins has covered it all.
Take care, Bunz

Dr. Smith · 04-05-2011, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabbycakes

The only time he still gets them is sometimes if he's getting up from a complete laying down position to standing, it will start and then subside once he's up and moving around.

If he gets up from his back - like doing a sit-up - for the time being (while healing) have him try getting up from his stomach or side (or vice versa). The neck muscles used will be different, and may avoid or reduce the spasms.

Doc

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