[jag75773]

Had had fusion on C3-C6 less than 2 years ago, 3-4 didn't fuse and screw broke. Have to go back and have it refused, has anyone else had this problem?

[ginnie]

Didn't have your exact trouble. I did have one re-done however, with 4 more added to it. The ones above didn't hold up. Second surgery was a lot harder to endure. However it worked, and I am better. I wish you all the best as you go forward. I will be thinking of you. ginnie

[jag75773]

Originally Posted by ginnie

Didn't have your exact trouble. I did have one re-done however, with 4 more added to it. The ones above didn't hold up. Second surgery was a lot harder to endure. However it worked, and I am better. I wish you all the best as you go forward. I will be thinking of you. ginnie

How long did it take you to get back to work

[ginnie]

I couldn't go back to work. I am fused C3-7. My work was as an artist looking down through a magnifier, to create miniatures. I had a national show schedule. I have degenerative joint disease all over. My ankles gave way. My fingers, go several different directions. So I could not look down to do the minis, nor lift my display, etc. I have this darn issue, below C-7, and I pray they hold up. I don't want any more surgery. T-1-2-3 aren't so hot.
As far as pain goes, I would say at 4 weeks, when I started physical therapy would have been the time, that I would have wanted to go back to work. It hurt a lot less. I was 56 when this all happened, and already had other auto immune problems that plagued me for years. That is why I developed a home business, to work around my health. I was granted disability.

I sure hope that your surgery turns out as good as mine did. It really did work for me to have a better quality of life with less pain. Get into some good PT, with massage... can 't tell you how good that felt. Yes the movement followed by 30 minutes of massage... AH WONDERFUL!!!!!. Ask your doctor to write it in as part of your therapy.


The first couple of weeks were hard for me. I hope it isn't that rough for you. I was in the hospital a couple of extra days. I refused to go home! It would be good if you had a good support team at home for you. Make prepared foods that are soft. If they go anterior, there can be issues with swallowing for a few months. Sleep with one of those gel, elevated back supports. That worked better for me than the lazy boy. Warm showers as soon as I could was a bit of heaven.

Keep in touch and let me know how you do. It will be OK. Most of these surgeries turn out just fine. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

[jag75773]

Originally Posted by ginnie

I couldn't go back to work. I am fused C3-7. My work was as an artist looking down through a magnifier, to create miniatures. I had a national show schedule. I have degenerative joint disease all over. My ankles gave way. My fingers, go several different directions. So I could not look down to do the minis, nor lift my display, etc. I have this darn issue, below C-7, and I pray they hold up. I don't want any more surgery. T-1-2-3 aren't so hot.
As far as pain goes, I would say at 4 weeks, when I started physical therapy would have been the time, that I would have wanted to go back to work. It hurt a lot less. I was 56 when this all happened, and already had other auto immune problems that plagued me for years. That is why I developed a home business, to work around my health. I was granted disability.

I sure hope that your surgery turns out as good as mine did. It really did work for me to have a better quality of life with less pain. Get into some good PT, with massage... can 't tell you how good that felt. Yes the movement followed by 30 minutes of massage... AH WONDERFUL!!!!!. Ask your doctor to write it in as part of your therapy.


The first couple of weeks were hard for me. I hope it isn't that rough for you. I was in the hospital a couple of extra days. I refused to go home! It would be good if you had a good support team at home for you. Make prepared foods that are soft. If they go anterior, there can be issues with swallowing for a few months. Sleep with one of those gel, elevated back supports. That worked better for me than the lazy boy. Warm showers as soon as I could was a bit of heaven.

Keep in touch and let me know how you do. It will be OK. Most of these surgeries turn out just fine. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

Thank you for your reply and thoughtful suggestions.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by ginnie

Sleep with one of those gel, elevated back supports. That worked better for me than the lazy boy.

Ginnie, I'm not sure what that is. (Not the La-Z-Boy; I know what that is) Could you find a picture online and link to it?

Thanks,

Doc

[ginnie]

My son works in a rehab place. He got my elevated pillow through his work place. I will find out what medical supply places carry it. It goes from flat, to about an elevation of 5 inches. It" gives" more than the foam ones do. That was the benefit, especially if I lay down with my collar when I first got home. It looks the same as all the others, like from bed bath and beyond. Just a better grade, like gel mattresses as I have now have at home. Same with my current pillow, it is gel foam, and gives nicely to the neck and upper back. These Bed Bath and Beyond do have. This has been fantastic for good sleep, and correct posture for the neck. Will be in touch. ginnie