I have made my decision..

[Mr. Kotter]

I had C5 and C6 fused with a metal plate, screws and rods, about 7-8 yrs ago. I was reluctant too...

It's been one of the best things I've done. I lost about 10% of range of motion rotating my neck...but other than that, it "fixed" the pain and was otherwise uneventful. Recovery for me was....relax, lay low for a week or so; after that, it was a piece of cake. Drugs were fine, good; percocet too. Just back off of it when you can; the sooner, the better.

Best wishes. I'll add you to our thoughts and prayers.

[TigerPig]

To actually post something on topic, MAKE SURE to do your physical therapy. I've seen people who's legs and arms completely freeze up and never truly move again because they thought they were done once they got the surgery. The surgery is the first step, and the easy part. After that BLOWS. You'll be forced to do a lot of exercises, none of them should cause you pain, but you will be sorer than a motherfucker the next day. You will not want to go to PT, you will think where you're at is sufficient enough. You are wrong. Keep going, be a super trooper, and KEEP GOING TO THERAPY!

[badgirl]

Originally Posted by Mr. Kotter

I had C5 and C6 fused with a metal plate, screws and rods, about 7-8 yrs ago. I was reluctant too...

It's been one of the best things I've done. I lost about 10% of range of motion rotating my neck...but other than that, it "fixed" the pain and was otherwise uneventful. Recovery for me was....relax, lay low for a week or so; after that, it was a piece of cake. Drugs were fine, good; percocet too. Just back off of it when you can; the sooner, the better.

Best wishes. I'll add you to our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you.

[badgirl]

Jan 28th is the magical day.

[SDChiefs]

Good luck to you. I know its gotta be nerve wracking but you work as a nurse right? You know they are pretty good at what they do.

[kstater]

Be sure to ask for lots of orange juice from the nurses.

[badgirl]

Originally Posted by kstater

Be sure to ask for lots of orange juice from the nurses.

I don't care much for orange juice. I would assume with it being my back though I wouldn't be able to use my hands to open it

[DBO82]

Originally Posted by badgirl

I don't care much for orange juice. I would assume with it being my back though I wouldn't be able to use my hands to open it

LOL....why the heck would you not be able to use your hands??...they aren't severing your spine..

I had microdiscectomy Oct 13th 2009 for a herniated disc L5-S1. Prior to surgery I could not move. i was trapped laying on my stomach on a bed for 9 weeks in sheer agony. I still am on lift restrictions and taking some percocet and flexeril for back pain and stiffness but the horrible pain down my leg is 99% gone. My next step is a few physical therapy sessions and should be back to near normal. Just remember you will never have a 100% healthy back. Learn correct lifting techniques and be careful.

[badgirl]

Originally Posted by DBO82

LOL....why the heck would you not be able to use your hands??...they aren't severing your spine..

I had microdiscectomy Oct 13th 2009 for a herniated disc L5-S1. Prior to surgery I could not move. i was trapped laying on my stomach on a bed for 9 weeks in sheer agony. I still am on lift restrictions and taking some percocet and flexeril for back pain and stiffness but the horrible pain down my leg is 99% gone. My next step is a few physical therapy sessions and should be back to near normal. Just remember you will never have a 100% healthy back. Learn correct lifting techniques and be careful.

The orange juice thing is concerning another thread I started. LOL

These are the same discs i will be having surgery on. How did you feel right after you went home from surgery? I will be taking care of myself.

[bevischief]

Good luck...

[Skip Towne]

Good lluck to you Gloria

[badgirl]

Thanks all you guys. My birthday is the day after surgery so maybe thats a good sign. I am nervous about being put to sleep more than anything.

[stumppy]

Give me a call when you get a chance.

One of the best things you can do to make your recovery faster and help insure you get the desired result from the surgery is the physical therapy. You should ask your Doc if there is anything you can do before the surgery that would help.
Whatever it is they tell you to do MAKE SURE YOU DO IT.

I know you Gloria and I know how you can be. Boy do I know how you can be. If YOU don't think whatever it is they tell you to do makes sense then you won't do it. This is one time you'll need to do what you're told.

[badgirl]

Originally Posted by stumppy

Give me a call when you get a chance.

One of the best things you can do to make your recovery faster and help insure you get the desired result from the surgery is the physical therapy. You should ask your Doc if there is anything you can do before the surgery that would help.
Whatever it is they tell you to do MAKE SURE YOU DO IT.

I know you Gloria and I know how you can be. Boy do I know how you can be. If YOU don't think whatever it is they tell you to do makes sense then you won't do it. This is one time you'll need to do what you're told.

Well if I am going to go through with something such as this I fully intend to do as I am told. School starts in May and I want to be fully recovered before it starts. Hopefully I will be back to work in 8 instead of 12 weeks.

Sooo, you know how sweet I am huh?

[stumppy]

Originally Posted by badgirl

Well if I am going to go through with something such as this I fully intend to do as I am told. School starts in May and I want to be fully recovered before it starts. Hopefully I will be back to work in 8 instead of 12 weeks.

Sooo, you know how sweet I am huh?

You know the routine woman ! Just do as you're told.