My surgery is scheduled for next Monday coming. I went to the hospital and it worked doing it that way instead of waiting 2-3 years. I walked in instead of the ambulance however.I ended up seeing the surgeon right away today when I went. I am very happy! I am nervous of course with any surgery, but I am excited to hopefully get rid of the intense pain. I will be having a cadaver and hardware with the surgery. Thank God it is happening soon! I am just hoping my many pillows will suffice as I cannot afford at this time the special pillow. I am ready!

I wish you all the best in that surgery. things can improve and stay positive. Let us know how you do. ginnie

After my surgery...and by the time I go for therapy, my benefits will have stopped. I have 120 medical leave days of benefits from when I went off of work and that leads me until November. I was wondering If you remember any possible therapy that I could do at home? I have an elastic band, tense machine, heat and ice to help me. I will need to start therapy moving my neck around the forth week i believe I read. If you could give suggestions would be great as I want to rehabilitate and be back to work.
So Grateful! Kim

Yes start PT at four weeks if your neuro will let you as he did me. You can't rush it no matter how much you may want to Kim. I had to go the route of disability as my business demanded my neck looking down, and that was not going to happen again. Maybe you can get your benefits extended. do you have help? are you alone? Now is the time to ask your friends for all the help you can get while you recover. It will be OK. I hope and pray it turns out OK for you. ginnie

I will ask if I can extend my benefits...i hope so or I am doing therapy on my own. Yes
I have help..and I am so grateful!! Getting nervous ticking the days down.But i am staying
positive!! God Bless you and thank you Ginnie

Can't you get some professional PT? You do need help to know which type of movement you need to work on. I am not sure doing this on your own is such a good idea. My son is an OPTA. Do you want me to ask him for a list of correct PT? I need to know what verterbre involvement you have. He would help at least to get you on the right track. One thing that is good, is massage. There are groups of muscles that spasm at times after the surgery. My PT involved a good deal of that at the beginning, not just movement. No Tens unit on the neck. The PT I had was very very good, and very gradual. I sure hope I can help. ginnie

Hi Ginnie! I just wanted to let you know I went by ambulance last Thursda
to the Hospital.I had Surgery Saturdayand I felt instant relief of my nerve ajd spinal cord.
I am just dealing with the surgery pain now,but that will subside.I was released Sunday afternoon.I was a trooper and up and about,half hour from surgery.It was more comfortable to walk around than sit or lay down.Thank you for your support.I just need to rest and take it easy for the next little bit...God Bless you!!

Glad the surgery is over. You will be sore for awhile, but it seems you came through this just fine. I hope that your recovery continues on a steady pace toward a better life. It has been two years for me, and I still have no regrets. Get well, relax, be good to yourself. I will be here for you. ginnie

Wow Checker -- I've been following this, and sounds like you did just fine! Good for you. Please keep us posted on your healing process, ok?

I'll be interested to know how you're doing in a month or so. Let us know, ok? God bless & take care! Hugs, Lee

Hi!! Its been 5 days,and as long as I take my pain meds,I feel really good.I do not wear
a collar either.My c5/6 has been fused with a cadaver and then plate with screws. My left arm and left side of my neck is very sore,I believe the neck pain on that side is makimg my left arm sore.I hope it will subside,I am still surgery fresh.It stil hurts to swallow,but not to bad.I have tried to move my neck a little each way but i am also affraid at this point. I am icing and trying to relax,and not overdo it,while my pain meds.are working,I can do quite a bit doing things at my own cautious pace. I am having a hard time quiting smoking and i know the fusion may take longer because of nicotine??
Thank you ,
Kim