hi all,

well, I had another appointment with my neurosurgeon today, and I decided to proceed with the ulnar nerve transposition surgery (a double crush that appeared after my C5-C7 fusion). My hand is just not getting better, and the pain is at the relentless point.

My question is in regards to general anesthetic and being intubated after having an ACDF. I'm told they have to intubate very carefully for anyone who has a neck fusion,`and they warned me that I may have to be intubated awake. I have a anesthesiologist consult prior to surgery to discuss this.

Has anyone had any problems and/or pain being intubated for a surgery after their fusion??? I'm very nervous about that part.

Cathie

Hello Cathie, I have had surgery since my fusion and as well had a consult with the anesthesiologist (I have a large visual lump in my throat I think it is scar tissue from the fusion), and had no issues with intubation, sorry but I cannot see anyone being intubated awake as you would be gagging and grasping at the guys hands trying to stop him I do not believe that would even be considered. As far as pain goes I may have had a bit of a sore throat but nothing major.
Good luck and take care,
Bunz

I have not heard of being awake for the intubation. I have a few friends who have had numerous surgeries. I'm so sorry that you have to have an additional surgery. Whe is your surgery? I hope this relieves your pain.

I am still pleased that I had the ACDF and hope that you are also even with these issues. As you know I had a rough time with recovery also and was rear ended in Sept. I was recently diagnosed with RSD and bulges and a tear in the lmber region and the EMG in the neck showed a problem with the nerve from C^ which I can't figure out since I'm fused. There may be extra growth hitting the nerve. Oh joy the saga continues .

Yes, it does seem like we are on a merry go round sometimes, doesn't it? There is always some issue to deal with. I'm glad I had the ACDF also, my neck is finally starting to feel better, and with the pain patch I'm on the pain is controlled.

My arm surgery is April 4th, so just a few weeks away. I hope recovery is fast and easy! I will have lots of questions for the consult about being put under.

Sorry you are having issues with you spine again, not fun. We've been on this ride long enough I think.

Take care,
Cathie

Good luck with the arm surgery. I will be thinking about you. Hope the recovery is fast and easy. Just remember to listen you your arm and not do too much.

JEEZ enough already
you sound like how i feel
i am so sorry
after second things
changed sooooo
much for the worse
and continue to live
with additional pain
that i never had before

jeeez cat

so sorry
i am so sorry
lean if you need
i hope someone
can help you
with your question
may your angels
watch over you always

Intubation while awake would be kinda rough. I was intubated for my second fusion and I didn't have any thoat problems at all. I hope all goes smooth for you. Tell you doctors how you feel about the situation, and address your concerns. all my best to you. ginnie

It was a total success. The surgeon felt my problem might have been a congenital thing as opposed to repeatitive motion. Anyhow, I recovered quickly and was very comfortable compared to that awful pre-op nerve pain. I now get a little tingling if I spend too much time on the computer but it is no big deal. Best wishes.

Oh, thank you for this! I'm so glad to hear a positive outcome!!

Hoping my results are as good as yours. Painful fingers crossed.. Lol

Cathie