I relate to that I watched more t.v that year then my whole life combined ---after surgery your right boredom because a problem (lol) my pain after surgery was so much more tolerable then before. Its bad when your family tells u ---you told us that story like 3 times--lol, whens your next apt??

Ha! I already tell my family things more than once! Or they say, Mom, I already told you! Gotta love aging!

I am waiting to hear when the next appointment is...a family friend who used to head up the top eye hospital in the country is talking to the chief of neurological surgery (he doesn't concentrate on cervical spine) at another hospital to determine which surgeon I should meet with and they're trying to "triage" me in. I am very, very fortunate to be able to call on friends such as this one to help me!

P.S. I've never done Netflix, but I'm thinking it might be just what I'll need during recovery!

My appointment with Doc #3 is this Friday, 1/25. Can't wait for his opinion!

Very good --Please post when its over I will be anxious to see that he has to say. Thanks!!

Hello friends!

I received a third opinion and have made a decision. I'm having a single level, C6-7 fusion using an iliac crest bone graft. It is scheduled for Wednesday, 2/27. I chose a neurosurgeon from University of Pennsylvania, who has been incredibly informative and caring. His PA and other staff members are wonderful too.

Since the purpose of this site is to share information, I plan to post updates as things progress. The good...and the bad.

All pre-op tests were done on Wednesday and included a chest x-ray. Ummm...here's the bad...I got a call from the very nice PA saying everything was normal except for the chest x-ray, which showed some lung "scarring". Not a lesion, not a mass...scarring. Possibly from a long-ago respiratory infection like bronchitis. I was told not to get worried or to make myself crazy, but I do need a CAT scan to confirm. It is scheduled for Monday morning.

I was already verklempt about the fusion decision, a little more when he told me about the graft, and now I'm really queasy about the results of the CAT scan! Yes, I smoke, but have finally seen the light...and it's not a cigarette lighter! I've been down to five per day since early January and will be down to none on Sunday according to my plan!

Now for good news! My sweet USMC son has returned from Afghanistan!!!

Kate

[Hi Kate,


Please ask dr try to get you bone growth stimulator --for your recovery period. You dont feel anything its like a horse collar you wear around your neck for 4 hrs a day for like 4 weeks ---it really help aid to achieve a sold fusion. Wishing you the best --let us know how your ct turns out .

Thankfully, all is a-okay with the CAT scan. The unremarkable results were sent to my primary physician, and we'll do a follow up scan in three months -- just to be on the safe side.

Surgery is set for next Wednesday, 2/27. I recall someone mentioning practical items to have on hand following surgery. Straws, front buttoned shirts/nighties, pillows of various sizes are some I remember. Anything else? I'm a subscriber in good standing at Netflix! Any other helpful hints?

I'm anticipating an overnight in the hospital and 6-8 weeks recovery. Walking is a must as soon as I can following surgery. I already have collars (one regular, one for shower) and have been told to wear them always, at least until my 6-week follow up.

Do any of you have any input on the iliac graft? I was told it may be more painful than my neck!

Many thanks in advance to the very kind folks on this site!



Kate

I wish you the best with your surgery. I used an incline pillow for about 6 months. Helped with pain, and to keep me comfortable. It will all turn out OK. We hope to hear from you soon, that all went well. ginnie

I didn't have the Iliac graft. I had donor bone grafts C3-7. I do know that the area can be sore for awhile. ginnie

[Hi Kate,

You will be in my prayers on 2-27-12 --only thing in case your throat is sore have pudding,yougart,soups,jello==soft foods just in case throat is sore for a few days. Always wishing you the best!!!