diskectomy /trapped nerves 3 levels

I had a anterior disckectomy on 3 levels, donor bone, titanium plate screws , etcI strenghten neck...surgery was August 09..very painful...] I had lots of trapped nerves, dr says I was on way to loosing use of arms...and although I am 47 he said I had neck of a bad off 80 year olf..post op he said I now had neck of 15 year old..he basically re built my neck...was suprised that  2 levels was fused he had to use a very tiny drill to break apart while not risking my nerves...I get occasional twinges in right had thats it.

I very much want to regain my nurses aid license,,my scar is very obvious,,,and a pre hiring physical will be mandated for anyone entiring health care.
I need to be clear to lift 100-150 pounds...we dont really lift,,just piviot patients from bed to wheelchair/ toilet etc..hoyer lifts or two person assists are used for heavier people....

what test should i request tobe done to satisfy potentional employeers..I am thinking mri rather than cat scan.

I will not have insurance much longer end stage of divorce...my neurosurgeon is passive...a great surgeon and nice guy...but him just writting on a script page that I can lift 100 lbs will not be enough.

will mri pull on titanium.I heard not..what are anyones thoughts...I really loved my job and was good at it.  I can go back and see neuro surgeon  he is a nice guy and knows my case well, I know hed write me a note,,a truthful one...he had said I may need a second surgery down the road....I have ddd on some vertabraes L 1- something//O do not want another surgery on bones

Help !!

Cherie

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not provide you with specific advice. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I am not a surgeon but rather a neurologist, and can not therefore discuss with you specifics of activity restriction in relation to your specific surgery, but it sounds like your surgery was extensive. In the first weeks to months after extensive neck surgery, some limitations in activity are certainly indicated, but with time, it is likely that normal activities can be returned to in the majority of cases. If lifting or assisting others and other relatively vigorous activity is required, discussion with your surgeon is recommended, but in general, lifting of objects and other activity is not typically recommended against as long as it is done using the appropriate techniques (which may sometimes be obtained through occupational therapy sessions). If there are not symptoms (such as pain or arm weakness), an MRI may not be needed, and may not offer any specific information to assist in the decision of whether or not lifting and other activities should be restricted. Most instrumentation used in recent years is MRI compatible but this is again something that should be clarified with the surgeon. It may be most appropriate to discuss with your potential workplace the requirements they will have in clearing you to work, and to discuss this with your surgeon.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.