anterior cervical discectomy

[Guest guest]

would really like to talk to any member that has had this type of

surgery. especially if they after surgery had a swallowing problem

called dysphagia or reflux laryngitis

[Guest guest]

I had it done less than two days ago.  As of right now, am very glad I had it

done.  I had extreme nerve pain, numbness, and tingling that has been resolved

immediately.  I would explore all of my options before having surgery.  Let me

know if you have specific questions-would be glad to give you some insight.

From: sallyhackett <srhackett@...>

Subject: Anterior Cervical Discectomy

spinal problems

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009, 9:03 PM

Hi

I just joined this group and looking for anyone who has had this surgery.

[Guest guest]

Left shoulder/left arm pain, plus numbness and tingling down my left arm, into

my pinky and ring finger.  Very decreased grip strength in left hand.  These are

the symptoms that made me a candidate for quick surgery, as pain alone will

usually resolve itself after 4-6 weeks.  If you are having numbness and

tingling, I would definitely recommend seeing a neurosurgeon before you have any

real permanent damage.

From: sallyhackett <_srhackettgmail (DOT) srh_ (mailto:srhackettgmail (DOT) com) >

Subject: Anterior Cervical Discectomy

_spinedisorderssupp ospinedisorderss uspinedi_

(mailto:spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com)

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009, 9:03 PM

Hi

I just joined this group and looking for anyone who has had this surgery.

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone, Hope you are having a great week. Just wanted to let

everyone know that my next surgery is this Thursday. I am praying for a

quick recovery! Blessings my friends, April

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi

>

> Thanks to all who responded. I have had some right shoulder pain

and

some

> tingling in my right arm/hand when I wake up in the AM. I didn't

think

much

> of it as I use my keyboard and mouse all day so i figured that was

it.

>

> When I had investigated further, I had an MRI and additional xrays.

My

neck

> is completely straight there is no curve at all (not sure what hwo

that

> happened.) I also have bone spurs and some arthritis.

>

> The doctor said:

>

> It would be an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion at C 4-5 and

C5-6

> with bone graft and plating. He goes in through the frontof your

neck

since

> it is more a direct closer path, so they make an incision 1/2 inch

long and

> use instruments to gently pull your trachea out of the way to reach

the

> spot.

>

> He said 1-1.5 hours of srugery - 1 week to 10 days downtime as far

as

> working - hard cast for 1 week and soft cast for a few weeks.

>

> I am very very concerned about having this surgery. I have gotten

relief

> from chiropractic work and massage therapy. I am not too excited

about

> going under the knife or being out of commisson(I am sure no one

is!!)

but I

> am the main bread winner in my house and I am really afraid of

danger

but

> also recovery.

>

> I also feel like - what if this stuff comes back and I have to have

more?

>

> This is a little scary to me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Best of luck with your surgery.  In my experience, the anxiety leading up to the

surgery was far more stressful than the actual procedure.  As with any surgery,

there is always the chance for complications, but remember that overall this is

a pretty safe and effective operation for the vast majority of the people that

have to go through with it. 

 

I had a one-level fusion on April 30th, and so far am very happy with the

results.  Nearly all of my pre-op symptoms have been alleviated.  Still have

stiffness/soreness in neck and between the shoulders, but that is to be expected

for the first week or two.  I feel that getting mobile (walking) as quickly as

possible has helped a tremendous amount in my recovery.  Later the same day of

surgery, I was taking laps around the hospital hallways, and am currently taking

3 or 4 walks a day adding up to 2 or 3 miles of walking per day.  It is

therapeutic and a good way to get your confidence back in your body.  The

hardest thing for me is to continue to refrain from doing things the doctor has

not cleared me to do, even though I feel well enough to do them (ex:  not

picking up my 3 yr old because he weighs over 20 lbs., sitting and watching my

pregnant wife do the vast majority of the housework, not driving, etc.).  Trust

that they know what they are

doing when they give you restrictions.

 

Finally, everyone is different, but the 3 biggest post-surgery issues for me

were: 1.  sore throat from breathing tube/trachea manipulation, 2. comfort in

sleeping, and 3.  post-surgery constipation (you can laugh).  Chloraseptic and

good old ice cream and smoothies work well for the throat.  For sleeping, after

3 rough nights I went and purchased a good memory foam pillow that really has

done the trick for me.  As for #3 (should have made it #2) you may want to be

prepared to take stool softeners almost immediately after surgery.  Talk to your

doctor and pharmacist, but the drugs I am on, as well as the anesthesia process

itself, made me very blocked-up.  I made the unwise decision to wait three days

before taking any softeners, thinking the problem would fix itself.  They take a

day or two to work, so I didn't have any real comfort in that sense until

today.  Not fun, and one of those things you generally don't think about when

having surgery

(at least I didn't).

 

Anyway, best of luck!  Your persistence in doing the things your doctor tells

you to do and staying away from the restrictions (even if you feel up to it)

will be your greatest asset.  Remember, after surgery you only get one real

chance to heal PROPERLY.  You don't get any badges of courage for doing things

that your doctor tells you not to do.

From: April <nanny04@...>

Subject: Re: Anterior Cervical Discectomy

spinal problems

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 9:48 AM

Hi Everyone, Hope you are having a great week. Just wanted to let

everyone know that my next surgery is this Thursday. I am praying for a

quick recovery! Blessings my friends, April

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi

>

> Thanks to all who responded. I have had some right shoulder pain

and

some

> tingling in my right arm/hand when I wake up in the AM. I didn't

think

much

> of it as I use my keyboard and mouse all day so i figured that was

it.

>

> When I had investigated further, I had an MRI and additional xrays.

My

neck

> is completely straight there is no curve at all (not sure what hwo

that

> happened.) I also have bone spurs and some arthritis.

>

> The doctor said:

>

> It would be an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion at C 4-5 and

C5-6

> with bone graft and plating. He goes in through the frontof your

neck

since

> it is more a direct closer path, so they make an incision 1/2 inch

long and

> use instruments to gently pull your trachea out of the way to reach

the

> spot.

>

> He said 1-1.5 hours of srugery - 1 week to 10 days downtime as far

as

> working - hard cast for 1 week and soft cast for a few weeks.

>

> I am very very concerned about having this surgery. I have gotten

relief

> from chiropractic work and massage therapy. I am not too excited

about

> going under the knife or being out of commisson(I am sure no one

is!!)

but I

> am the main bread winner in my house and I am really afraid of

danger

but

> also recovery.

>

> I also feel like - what if this stuff comes back and I have to have

more?

>

> This is a little scary to me.

>

>