It’s always something - Page 3

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

I had this surgery about 5-6 yrs. ago (C5/C6 fusion). I was having horrible spasms and pain on the side of my head, pain in my left arm that spasmed and traveled down the arm, plus weakness. We tried epidural injections and they did nothing so surgery was approved. I woke up pain free. ❤️

They say whatever results you have at six months is permanent. I have some residual nerve damage in my pinkies that unfortunately wasn't resolved. I'm still glad and grateful that I had the operation.

Recuperation was long - 12 weeks. I pretty much lived in the recliner except for a little walking. I had to wear a hard collar 23/24 hrs. Daily with one hour off for showering. No lifing arms up over yiur head and no bending over. We were able to do some activities outside the home but I still had to wear the collar. My faithful DH did everything for me - dressed me, tied my shoes, dried my hair, did his best to curl it, made food, waited on me and wouldn't let me carry anything heavier than a mug of coffee. I was also told to always protect my neck so that means no risky activities. I'd love to try ziplining and bike riding again, but I won't.

Wishing you all the best @smoochy. I think you'll be glad you had it done.

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

@JeanLouiseFinch thanks so much for your detailed and very candid accounting of your experience. This helps me know realistically know what to expect

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@smoochy wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch thanks so much for your detailed and very candid accounting of your experience. This helps me know realistically know what to expect

If you have any specific questions, @smoochy, feel free to ask.

Zhills · ‎11-15-2011

@smoochy Can't imagine you 'down' for that long. Hopefully, some newer techniques have been developed that will speed things up for you. You are in my prayers.

We have some great Doctors in this area!

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

@Zhills wrote:
@smoochy Can't imagine you 'down' for that long. Hopefully, some newer techniques have been developed that will speed things up for you. You are in my prayers.

We have some great Doctors in this area!

yes we do. I see specialists at Florida Orthopedic Institute with very good results

thanks for the prayers. I think it will go well.

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

smoochy · ‎03-10-2010

@JeanLouiseFinch how long were you restricted for driving, reaching overhead? I'm in a show chorus with high intensity rehearsals preparing for a big show Oct 5 My surgery is Aug 28. I won't be able to rehearse for several weeks I'm guessing, because of all the choreography we do-mostly upper body moves for those of us on the risers. Wouldn't imagine I would be fully cleared by then but you would know since you have had this surgery

MICHIGAN STATE MOM

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@smoochy wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch how long were you restricted for driving, reaching overhead? I'm in a show chorus with high intensity rehearsals preparing for a big show Oct 5 My surgery is Aug 28. I won't be able to rehearse for several weeks I'm guessing, because of all the choreography we do-mostly upper body moves for those of us on the risers. Wouldn't imagine I would be fully cleared by then but you would know since you have had this surgery

@smoochy

12 weeks

The surgery only sets the vertebrae in place. It takes all that time for them to fuse together.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

So my next "always soimething" adventure happened yesterday---I have been feeling wobbly, something going on with with my equalibrium, not vertigo, just not steady on my feet and it happens when I sit up from bed or stand up--not dizzy just wobbly. I need to brace myself somtimes--so DD and I went to the nearby Urgent care and ended up at the ER and had an MRI and CT scan on my head!! UC dr wanted to rule out a stroke!!!! What!!! I was/am in shock. Had no other symtoms at all just wobbly. Fortunately , there was no evidence of a stroke altho they found a few arteries that were narrowed enough to go see a neurologist about it and to start taking a baby aspirin a day. These last 6 weeks have been pretty cruddy anyway--lots of digestive issues that I am still recovering from. So am a little concerned and prob can't get in for at least 2 months from now--as per usual these days. But..... I was in and out of the ER in under 3 hours--including the tests ---how often does that happen??

It's always something!!!