c6-c7 anterior cervical fusion

[Bruce]

I am a 39 year old male, 170 pounds, who works at a computer.  I have experience pain since last december in my left arm, shoulder, and neck.  Back in April, 2000 I experienced numbness and tinkling in my left arm.  I lost strength also.   My doctor sent my to PT, and I got better.  Most of my strenght returned, but not like before.  This condition has continued to nag me, and I decided to go back to the doctor who recommended I have a MRI.  I did.  The results showed a herniated disk at C6-C7.  I he referred me to a neurosurgeon.  The neurosurgeon after introductions said that I needed to have surgery, and that my condition would not improve only become worse. He said that I had spinal compression that would begin to affect other areas.  I was shocked, but I went ahead and scheduled the procedure for early December.  But I have reservations due to the fact that I do not hurt as much as before.  I am afraid that the surgery will open up complications that will be worse than my present condition.   Should I wait, and have surgery when this is unbearable or should I get this corrected now early on in the game?  I only have about 10 days before going to the hospital.  
Would more PT be effective, and as long as I'm not suffering much do I really need to go under the knife?  My doctor said see me now or see me later.  

Bruce

[Bruce]

Kathleen:

Glad to her your comments.  My doctor said to wear the soft collar for two weeks 24-7.   I have done that and more.  I had my
surgery on December 5, and want a good bone fusion.  I only had one level worked on, C-6,7, and have good bone strength.  I go back on January 18 for a follow up.  I am hoping that the Dr. will do an x-ray on my neck so that I can have some input on what in going on inside there.  

I am still having tightness in my left arm and some tingling.  I still am having headaches on my left side.  I am planning to return to work on January 2, 2001.   I have not gotten out very much since the surgery.  I get this tightness in my neck around the incision, and figure that I have quite a bit to go before that I am healed completely.  I have not been able to walk much due to the inclement weather that we have been having.  Ice.  I can tell that I am having some strength come back in my upper back now.  I can roll over in the bed much easier now.  At first I was afraid to move once I had gotten into the bed.  Who knows-- my bones have have done nothing since the surgery.  I am hoping to find out soon.  I was a very active person before this, and I am looking forward to returning to some on those activities.  I must be better by the spring for I have a big yard to take care of.  

Thanks again for writing.  Our group needs to keep each other informed on the events occuring related to the surgery.  

See ya later.  

Bruce

[Kathleen]

Hi Joe and Bruce:

I also had anterior cervical disc fusion on C5-6 and C6-7 done on December 6th.
I was told by my neurosurgeon to wear the hard collar for one month and it may be as much as three months depending on my followup visit January 4th.   My bone strength fell into the "B" category.   As far as driving I was told no driving for one to three months also.  I cannot lift over five pounds and cannot push, pull or use my arms to lift my self up.  My stomach and leg muscles will be awesome after this is all over.  The worst part for me has been having to rely on my husband and children to take care of the house, cooking and grocery shopping especially over the holidays.

I was told to walk every day for exercise but be careful because you can dislodge the plate and grafts.  I have sneezed and every time I do I can hear a      ing sound.  Makes me wonder.

I have some occasional pain in my left arm and numbness in my index finger which has concerned me but have been told some pain and numbness is normal for awhile.

I was scared to       before surgery as I am in the medical field myself and know the risks.  Also I was told I cannot return to work until March.  My neurosurgeon did not really tell me how limited I would be in my activity before the surgery.  It is driving me crazy.

I would be very interested to hear how you all are doing and how much of your activity has been limited by your doctor.

Happy New Year.
Kathleen

[Joe]

Great news for you Bruce!  Glad it's working out.  By the way, I meant to say my operation was on the 13th of Dec., not the 8th!  

My fusion seems to be ok, just a little stiffness but I seem to be getting a good range of motion.  I feel prettty strong, and it's only a week after the surgery!  I'm not on any pain killers...only advil as necessary and valium for periodic muscle spasms.  The incision is more prominent than I thought it would be...about 1.5 - 2 inches in the crease of the neck on the left toward the front.  I'm hoping I'll be able to begin driving this week but will find out tomorrow when I visit the surgeon.  Another week or two with the soft collar and that should be it.  My fingers are crossed.  I'm not sure when they'll scheudle me to see if the fusion took place as it was suppose to.

Oh, one slight problem....I did slip going down steps five days after the surgery and landed on my bottom. (Yeah, I know, dumb me....thinking I was back to normal!)  Other that a bruise on my arm and a sore left leg, I don't feel any negative results from the bump.  I now appreciate the warning of going slow and not moving around too much the first few weeks!

Good Luck!

[Bruce]

To Joe:

Glad to hear that you are recovering nicely.  It has been two
weeks now for me.  I am still wear my soft collar most of the
time.  I have not driven a car yet, but I think today may be the
day.  I am getting stronger everyday.  My neck still is a little
stiff, and my incisision is almost completely healed.  I can tell
that the sutures have not completely disvolved yet under the skin.  My scar is looking better.  I met a lady who had this
surgery, and you could not see her scar.  It had faded into her
neckline.  I am returning to the doctor on January 16th for a x-ray and follow up for the bone fusion.  Overall my back feels much better.

Bruce

[Joe]

Well, I had the surgery on C4-5 and C5-6 five days ago...Wed the 8th and am recuperating without significant pain.  The operation lasted nearly six hours, from start to regaining consciousness.  Very stiff neck and pain from neck scar, swallowing problems and hard to talk for the first day or two.  Discharged from hospital next day, wearing soft collar for 2-3 weeks.  Worst part for me was having the anesthesia get out of my system.  Took perkiset (sp?) for pain and valium for muscle spasms for first day or two, but now just taking advil and valium as needed.  Also, very difficulty getting into a comfortable sleeping position.  Haven't had a full night sleep yet.  But getting there.  Some dizziness and overall weakness yet.  The numbness and tingling in arms and right shoulder are remarkably diminished, but still some numbness in right shoulder which was my primary concern.  I see the surgeon for followup on Thurs the 21st.  Hope I'll be cleared to drive at that time.  Expect to return to work Jan 2nd.

Glad to hear the success of the others who have gone through this.  Glad I did it, considering I only found out of the problem five weeks ago!  I lived with the numbness and tingling for nearly a year.  Good luck to all considering the operation!

[Suzanne]

This all sounds so similar.  I slipped almost 2 years ago and caugth myself by my elbows.  The muscles of my right shoulder girdle and neck went into sustained spasm and pretty much stayed that way.  I have seen chiropractors, GP's, PT's, pain specialists, and physical medicine MD.  I have had it!  I am a 34 year old mother of 2, thin, and was once very physically active.  I am a nurse in a dialysis clinic, work full time, and attend college full time to further my degree.  This accident has really put a dent in my plans.  The first MRI was basically negative but the second MRI showed moderate disc buldges @ C3-4, C5-6, and C6-7.  It also indicated a significant annular tear at C6-7 with disc material in places it should not be.  I am very discouraged and do not want to even discuss surgery.  I have had very negative experiences with epidural steroid injections and until last month agreed to try with a different anesthesiologist and had a positive results.  Things just do not last long because I refuse to stop.  I was placed on antidepressants this year because I just felt like this was taking over every thing.  This really stinks.  I was reading remarks placed at this site and was wondering if anyone has had the same type of treatment attempts or modalities.  (Such as postural rehab with protronics, alpha stim, etc.)