Lessa was spot on with laymans terms. I just want to add one thing. Besides getting another opinion, know that surgeries can and do work out OK. I have had two. In my case fused C3-7 now. My pain is tolerable, and no shooting pains down the arms anymore. Surgery is always the last resport, but when the MRI States, Severe, in the termonology, that is the time to act. Let us know how you are doing. ginnie

I was wondering if anyone knew of having a shorter neck causing issues? I had a CT Scan and it said ". There are image degradation artifacts at C6-C7 and C7-T1 due to the patient's short neck therefore assessment is not optimal in these regions." I thought my neck was normal...lol. It doesn't look obvious anyways.
Is there anyway having a short neck could cause disc bulging?This was a CT Scan from 2009 and a current MRI didn't state anything of a short neck
Thank you!! Kim

Ok...I am just awaiting my surgery date and I have questions for after, and here goes.
I live alone and I have 2 cats and a small dog, will I be able to move around slowly after my surgery at home? I can have someone come and change my kitty liter but I will need to let my dog out and possibly a little walk to stretch her legs. Will I be able to do so slowly? I am in a pickle with this after surgery with no family in my area to help. Can I lower myself to my dog if I need to, like a squat? I am just very concerned about caring for them after while I am in the first few days.I will have friends stopping by to help but I will need to let my dog out and pay attention...I hope I can do this! I do know lots of Popsicle's and soup for after as well,,,Thank you

In my case I needed help. I had a series of people come to my aid. My best friend, her mother, and several neighbors. Walking the dog is not something you are going to feel like doing that first week. I had trouble just getting out of bed. Had help in getting into the shower. We all heal, and experience pain differently. Ask your doctor ahead of time for something for spasms, along with the pain killer they will give you at the hospital. Also an incline pillow helps alot. I also found some adultwipes for washing my body that I used for about three days. I was fused C3-7, and was grateful for all the help I got. You may want to ask for volunteer from church, or even the hospital administration for patient advocasy help. There may also be a "womans"center that could give you some advise. Tell your doctor you are alone, ask him if he can suggest something, or an aid worker for a few days at least. Prepare the food you want ahead of time, and have it ready to go, either in ther fridge or feezer. The last think I wanted was to eat actually. Keep up juices, and easy foods to eat. Don't be scared, you will heal, and the pain will diminish. This was my experience. I wish you all the best, and the good outcome I was blessed to receive. ginnie

I so thank you very much for your advice and suggestions, I will look into getting help for a few days with my dog. I am not looking forward to this but I am hoping I can manage. I have stocked up on frozen things and quick meals. I am prepared to go anytime and I believe it will be an ambulance call to get quicker relief. I am in Windsor,Ontario,Canada and our process is very very slow, I have been off work 3 months now and can barely go out to enjoy life. I just want the surgery over and done with so I can return to life and working. 10 years I have been dealing with this and they hadn't a clue what was going on until last month.I started with a small disc bulge that was no concern to even tell me and then it is surgery stage now.It has been rough, but could be worse!

I hope you get it done and overwith soon too. It is NO fun being in pain. You have suffered way to long. Do you have a date set? or do they call you in your country? If I were your neighbor, I would be over to help. Just rest alot after. Get home from the hospital as soon as you can. I did wind up staying an extra day. Rested much better at home. I wore a soft collar, but didn't have to do that at night. I only did that the first two days when I was scared to move. I am glad I did the surgery Checkers, and it will turn out OK for you too. ginnie

I do not have a date, I am still awaiting to see the Neurosurgeon, by the Neurologist. I was advised that if I want faster service to my neck to call the ambulance and I should be taken care of right away. Did you sleep in your bed? I have lots of pillows and I set up my anti gravity chair for now and after for a recliner type rest. I am just preparing myself to call the ambulance and as soon as I have someone to help with my dog while I am in the hospital and a week or so after. I will be on the phone calling to go. I was just waiting to see what this week brought with a call for an appointment. The best Surgeons are a 2-3 year wait, just to see. I cannot wait any longer. I have also prepared lots of movies to watch for my resting time...lol

you may just do fine sitting in that anti gravity chair. I have a lazy boy,and icould only sit an hour the first couple of days. All I wanted to do was sleep. I was in bed most of that first week, then started to get up and do, little by little. I started physicial therapy at just four weeks. I thought it too soon, but it wasn't. Hope you get it done soon. The waiting game is no fun. I also walked in the garden that second week every day. I live in a warm climate, florida. If you can get a gel incline pillow at a medical supply place. They are not hard and fit your neck well. It has been two years now, I am off all medication for the first time in ten years. This is a freedom I never knew I could have again. I had this domino effect, after the C6-7, so i was real scared about a re-do and C3-7. My first surgeon was not the best, and he did not address all the issues there were in my neck. didn't find out about that until I got my records. I have other medical issues, but for sure, not to have this one with the neck is a blessing. All my best, and my prayers to you. ginnie

Thank you so much Ginnie! You have been a blessing to me with your help and advice...God Bless you, and you be safe. I am trying the hospital thing tomorrow, is the plan.
Kim

I will be waiting here for you. Take your time getting well. I came to this site scared too. My prayers go with you. ginnie