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]

It has been a week now.  I am still having some pain and discomfortment.  I am mainly concerned about the fusion process.  How long does it take?  What if I sneeze?  Could that
hurt the process?   My doctor has told me only to wear the collar for about two weeks--this does not seem correct according to my internet research.   I do not want to do anything that would prevent a proper fusion.  I have read stories about folks who never achieved a good bone fusion.  I don't want to one of those folks.    If anyone has an answer please respond.

Bruce

[Peter]

Hey there Bruce,
I'm glad that your surgery went well. Still sounds to scary for me. Where did they make the incision? Did they go through the front? Good lucck and keep us posted.

Peter

[Bruce the Survivor]

Hello,

Tommorrow will be one week since the surgery.  The procedure went very smoothly.  I experienced pain in the recovery room, and received pain killer once in my room.  I arrived in the room about 5:30 PM and left the Hospital around 10 AM the next day.  My arm and shoulder pain are gone, but I am still dealing with post operative conditions such as stiff neck, and incision pain.  But now I am only taking motrin for the pain.  Last night I slept the whole night from 10 PM to 7 AM.  Which did wonders.  
The drugs from the surgery have taken a while to work out of my system.  I plan to take it easy for the rest of the week.  Things are looking better.  

Bruce

[Bruce the Survivor]

Thanks for all who have made comments.  I'm sitting at the computer with my neck collar on.  I am feeling much better.  My neck is still sore, and my voice becomes weak when talking to much.  My scar is really beautiful, but I don't notice it to much beacause my shirt hides it.  It will make a great consveration item at parties.  I am still have a bit of swelling around the incision, and it is a little red.  But all in all it has healed up very well for six days.  

My physical abilities seem to be coming back very quickly.  But, I am concerned about the time it takes the bones to fuse together again.  If any one has comments--let me know.  

Bruce

[Jim]

Glad to hear your doing well.  Your surgery sounds like a mirror image of mine, from the soft collar period to the length of stay in hospital.  I'm sure you'll heal quickly.  Best wishes Jim

[Bruce the Survivor]

Thanks for all who have made comments.  I'm sitting at the computer with my neck collar on.  I am feeling much better.  My neck is still sore, and my voice becomes weak when talking to much.  My scar is really beautiful, but I don't notice it to much beacause my shirt hides it.  It will make a great consveration item at parties.  I am still have a bit of swelling around the incision, and it is a little red.  But all in all it has healed up very well for six days.  

My physical abilities seem to be coming back very quickly.  But, I am concerned about the time it takes the bones to fuse together again.  If any one has comments--let me know.  

Bruce