Anterior cervical discectomy and spine fusion

[Saint_Augustine]

I am scheduled to have this surgery on the 21st at 1 pm. Here is my caveat to that. I have a herniated disk at C4-C5 and C5-C6. I went to my family doctor initially because my left arm goes numb and tingles like a crazy bone hit times 10. He said it was my neck and sent me for an X-ray and MRI. I seen the surgeon and thought for sure it was a pinch nerve. Come to find out these herniated disks are pushing on my spinal cord and a nerve or two for my left arm. I really dont have any real pain, my left index finger is completely numb, feels like when you get super glue on your skin. Anyhow, the surgeon said the only way to fix it was surgery.

I am REALLY REALLY anxious about this. I have had panic attacks in the past and I had one about two weeks ago over this. I get all worked up on what this all going to be like, What can I expect on Monday before surgery while waiting? My big concern is when I wake up, being all paniced and what not. Breathing or swallowing issues too.

Does anyone have any good tips on pre surgery jitters? What was it like for you when you woke up from this surgery? How long did you stay in the hospital? I just want to get this crap over with, but am a huge chicken. Please dont give me horror stories, that will not help. Just looking for what to expect. thanks...

[cricket3991]

I hope your surgery went well today and you will be as pain free as I am.  I had surgery Oct. of 08.  I had the usuall pain afterwards but by summer I was doing all the usual things, gardening, scrubbing floors without even thinking about my back.
Unlike MZ33 I am sorry I did not do it sooner.  the disk was so mashed and squeezed into the vertabra it took a lot of digging to get it all repaired.  One disk, and some bone spurs took 3 hours instead of the two it was suppose to.  
The only reason I am on line is my daugher in law just had surgery on the 14th and her leg is free of pain but both legs are numb.
I had a neurosurgeon and she had an orthopedic Dr.  I don't know if this made a difference but I would not go to an ortho because both Dr's I saw wanted to use rods and screws.  They said I would have pain afterwards.  I could not believe that, however, daughter did not have the rods so I don't know what is causing this and am concerned for her.  they put her on steroids to get down swelling and I hope it works.  
People are only on this page if they have trouble but I am surprised at this problem and how much pain is still there after surgery.  I will continue to read to find out if there is an answer to all of this.  

[MZ33]

The best advice is do not have surgery unless you can not deal
with the pain.Look around this site most are left in chronic pain as
myself.The surgery has no promise to relieve pain,so please do not
let anyone rush you and get a 2nd opinion.Also if you have surgery
find a good neurosurgeon,not an ortho!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MZ33

[sharadale]

Just wanted to let you know that am two months post surgery. I had 4 herniated disks and had tried many therapies and nothing could relieve my pain. I had pain in my shoulders and numbness and tingling down my left arm. I had no choice but to have the surgery.
I had the surgery and was lucky to have a great neurosurgeon. The morning of the surgery I was taken ito a bed and was asked to remove my clothes and put on a gown. The nurses were very pleasant. Then my doctor caame in and told me that my anesthesiologist would be in to introduce himself. They asked me some basic questions,like my name and why I was there, what allergies I had. Different people asked me the same questions over again. Then the anesthesiologist came in and told me he would be giving me something to relax me before he got me ready for surgery. That is all I remember from prep. I think I fell asleep from whatever he gave me.
I don't remember waking up. I remember them rolling me into my room telling me that I already had company. I didn't feel any pain. They kept me pretty pain free while I was in the hospital. I had an iV so they could give me what I needed. I had no trouble swallowing or talking. I had discomfort in my throat rather than pain. I was able to get ip and walk on the first day and was able to use the restroom
They released me to go home the next day. I had a hard brace on my neck as soon as I got out of surgery and have continued to wear it 24/7 until I saw my doctor 6 weeks after surgery.
I was given pain meds and muscle relaxers. I also had a visiting nurse that came daily for the first 10 days to change my bandage and wound care. My pain was about a 2-5 depending on the time of day. I spent most of my day in an electric recliner. I had difficulty sleeping flat but somehow found it more comfortable laying with my legs elevated.
I tried to wean off the pain pills much too early because I was concerned about the addictive nature. The nurse told me to continue to use the meds as long as I was having pain and to take it when my pain was a 5.
My biggest difficulty was the boredom and lack of freedom. I had a real problem letting someone else take care of me.
8 weeks later I havebeenweaned from the collar but I continue to wear it at night. I have returned to work and have found that therma care wraps help me with muscle stiffness after sitting at my desk working on the computer for a few hours.
My scar is very unnoticeable as my doctor made it blend in with my wrinkles.
I still take meds on occasion, but not often.
I have been as thorough as I could be because I thought that was what you were asking for. I was originally concerned after 3 weeks that I was still having pain but the doctors nurse explained that the nerves that had previously been pinched and not functioning were free and starting to grow. This was something that I wish someone had told me before. She said it takes a total of about 8 months for the neck to completely fuse if you are having a bone fusion.
Well hope this gave you what you needed. Good luck