In November we finally got the result of my partners MRI scan result which weren't good. Urgent operation was scheduled, due to blood pressure it was put back and now it's finally here the day and we're both stressing so so much. He's never had an operation before and is so scared about going in, the operation and afterwards. I have high anxiety problems anyway and this is just sending that sky high again.

This is what the surgeon said: Neurological examination is normal in both upper limbs, possibly sensory deficit C6 left pin prik. Lower limbs thre is increased turn with some cloneness bilaterally.

There is a large C6/7 disprotusion causing severe spinal cord compression. There is no non-surgical option as this is a progressive condition.

List for C6/7 Cloward procedure.

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We know what it'll involve, opening the front of his neck, taking disc out that's pressing on the spinal cord, taking a piece of bone from his hip and putting into where the disc was taken out and plating it in.

Has anyone had this and was it ok? I really would like to hear the good mainly as I'm stressed enough about it, I know nothing is certain and everyone is different but I've read about it and most people say it's a fairly simple procedure and little pain, some throat discomfort maybe.

He's been told he'll probably be in hospital 4 nights. Does anyone know how long the surgery is likely to take please? I'm going with him on my own and will be waiting until he wakes up then coming home.

He's scared of having the anesthetic, the operation, scared that the spinal cord will be damaged badly either by the injury or the operation, scared he'll die or end up paralyzed, scared about his hip etc scared of everything basically.

If anyone has anything positive to say we would really love to hear it. Thank you.

Hi Maria,
It is difficult to deal with Anxiety when you are put under a lot of stress, but now, for your partner, you must be strong. I hope you have therapy/mental techniques/meds to help you cope, and you have to draw on every resource for your partner.
Re-assure him that his Anaesthetist and Surgeon are true professionals who will take the best care of him. Being scared is natural, but it is a damaging emotion which will hamper you both physically.
Draw on your love for each other to get you through these difficult days. Talk about your plans for when the op has been a success.
Don't let each other's fear and anxieties feed off each other - you have too much to look forward to. Take a breath.
Keep calm, good luck,

Dave.

Thank you so so much for your reply Dave.

I never let him see my anxiety usually anyway much and never about his operation and this medical issue, he thinks I'm totally calm about it all and not worried, I just keep telling him it'll all be fine and how he's got a life to look forward to getting back afterwards. But then all he talks about is how i'ts going to go wrong, death or paralyzed and I'm petrified of that, not that I ever let him know it. I've had bad anxiety problems all my life (I'm 33) so know how to hide it pretty well. I'm on Citalopram anti-depressant that's used for anxiety as well.

He's now on Citalopram as well as he was very very down and was having panic attacks. He's also on blood pressure medication and some tablets to help him sleep. It's just with the operation being on Thursday it's really happening now and he's not coping, keeps saying he's going to break down before we get to the hospital or want to back out.

He's totally focusing on the 1% disaster rate with this operation that's all, he always thinks the worst and he's sure it's going to happen to him. And then he sets me off worrying although I don't say it as I said.

Thank you for the words of encouragement anyway Dave, it means a lot thank you. And you're right getting all worked up won't solve anything, breathe and calm I'll keep repeating that.

I have had a dreadful fear of Hospitals ever since I woke up in one as a teen with no memory of how I got there (mva). Tell the staff as soon as you arrive how both of you are feeling, especially your partner's fears. They should - if they are worth their salt - work to reassure. Hopefully, pre-op meds can be administered asap and then everything should return to a 'normal' level of worry.
Keep doing what you are doing, stay strong, I am rooting for you both.

Dave.

I just joined the forum today, and saw your post from last week. How is your partner?

The reason I'm posting is because about 4 years I had spinal fusion at C5-7. They went in through the front of my neck, also. I had 2 discs removed and replaced with bone, a boatload of bone spurs removed, and titanium plate and screws installed.

Like your partner, I was extremely scared of anesthesia, surgery, and the whole operating on my spine thing. This surgery was my first ever.

My results were amazing. The actual surgery took my surgeon about 90 minutes. I was in hospital for 36 hours. I was working 3/4 days after 14 days of recovery. I was completely cleared by the surgeon after 2.5 months.

Here's hoping all went well and that your partner is well on the way to a fabulous recovery, too!