would like input about fusion surgery

January 30, 2009

Hi~

I had tethered cord surgery in June of 2008. All went very well with

alot of improvement in my lower extremities. But the pain in my body

and pressure in my head have made it difficult to lead a normal life.

I am being treated by TCI ad thankfully feel very fortunate to have

such knowledgable Doctors in charge of my care. My last appointment at

TCI, I was told I have Craniocervical settling, Basilar impression,

retro-odontoid pannus formation, Medullary kinking as well as a

bulging disk at C5 I believe. But the good news is that after the TC

surgery, my brain has bounced up to borderline chiari.

I was told that the fusion should help alieviate these issues as well

as the pain I am dealing with on a day to day basis. Sounds too good

to be true but at this point, I will go in with an open mind and hope

that the fusion will halt the progression. If I get more than that,

I'll be estatic.

I have known I needed this done since my last surgery (my TC). I had

the invasive traction done the day of my surgery and fealt the relief

of my head being picked up and the crushing feeling as they dropped

the weights from my head.So I do believe that this is a worth while

surgery. But, it really scares me that this is such a permanant thing.

My loss of mobility in my neck and my ability to drive are just a few

of my concerns. The fact that even a minor car accident can snap the

titanium rods post surgery. That is frightening as well and I don't

want to be a basket case back seat driver because of this. I'm bad

enough already!! LOL

I was told by TCI that my best chances of the new bone growing is for

me to quit smoking. Theres 15% chance of it not taking if I didn't

stop. I am proud to say, its a week tomorrow and i'm doing really well.

I am hoping for some feedback from others who have been fused. The

surgery, the recovery and life after the surgery. Whats it like? Also,

I have let my hair grow for a year knowing i would be shaved. Now I

wonder why I did that? What to do with the hair? Is it best to just

get rid of it? I need bangs though, so I thought scarfs would work.

Any insight on this will be appreciated. I think its easier going

through this if you know exactly what to expect. Thanks so much!!~

Recommended Posts