High Cervical fusion, c-1, c-2, c-3 ligament damage, alar rupture

[Kathy541]

Dear Folks, is there anyone out there who has had this type of fusion, c-1, c-2, c-3? Ligament damage from a twist to the skull.  I am scheduled for this surgery at John Hopkins University, in Baltimore Maryland, December 12, 2009.  My skull feels loose and slips to the right and I am very dizzy all the time.  This has been going on for 5 years.  Did you recover from your surgery, and can you ride in a car without pain?  Right now I have to be tied down in the back seat, I cannot sit up in a seat and use a seatbelt.  But after reading your blogs, the after surgery sounds terrifying.  I've taken so much pain these last years, any hints how to get through it quicker.  Vitamins perhaps, exercise?  Appreciate any help, I will let you know How I make it through also.  Sure wish no one knew about this kind of pain, but also glad there are people who understand.  Thanks so much Kathy