Removing vertebra in decompression surgery

[DeenLMHC]

I'm having decompression surgery in about 3 weeks, and my neurosurgeon is a local Chiari specialist.  He's removing my first vertebra to help with blockage issues, which is typical with his Chiari surgeries.  Has anyone that has gone through the surgery had their first vertebra removed, and if so how is your post-surgery experience?  Do you have any issues with your spine after having it removed? Surgery is a must for me, but I'm very nervous about cutting into my spine.
Thank you

[mmsfontenot]

In March of 2010, my then 7 year old son had decompression surgery.  He had his first and second vertebrae removed (the back half) and the third vertebrae was shaved down.  It's been a year since the surgery and he is doing great.  He was released to play basketball and baseball, but never football.

At first, it was hard for him to turn his head.  After going through therapy, he has a full range of motion in his neck.

Good luck to you!

[jennylynch]

I had mine removed jsut over a month ago during my decompression.. its a little tender adn you can definatly feel the difference of it being gone at first but i am starting to not even notice now...

[jvilletina2]

Oh, you're bringing back memories ;) When my NS said he was going to remove my 1st vertebrae I was so shocked. I asked "so what will my head be attached to" and "will I be shorter?"!!
He patiently showed me on a model that he was only removing the back half of the vertebrae. Huge relief!
I haven't had any specific issues from that part of the surgery aside from a loud clicking noise when I rotate my neck a certain way. No pain though ...
I have lots of neck and shoulder muscle pain post surgery, but so so much better in general than b4 surgery.

[selmaS]

Hi...I only had part of my !st and 2nd vertebra chipped away to make room, I did not have the entire 1st one removed. We r all diff in what we need done to make room, but I am not sure it is the complete removal.

  I wish u well and pray u keep us posted on ur progress : )
Did u add ur surgery date to ur list?


  "selma"

[DeenLMHC]

Thank you for your feedback.  That does help to hear.  If 50% of my pressure is gone after surgery, I'll be a very happy camper.  I'm excited about being able to bend over and pet my dog again without feeling like my head is about to explode.  I'm very nervous about surgery though.  I'm so glad to hear that your MRI looks good.  That is great news!
Take care

[kkratz]

I had posterior fossa decompression sugery in June 2010. The middle part of my first vertebrae was removed. I have had some issues with some of my symptoms returning, though not as bad as before surgery. But, I have had no issues with my spine. I had a repeat MRI in December and everything looked good.
Good luck to you!

kkratz