neck surgery

[Deanna1045]

Hi I had recently had surgery or a broken disc in my neck and 3 other compressed discs that were all laying on nerves. My surgery was about a little over a week ago and I still don't have feeling in one of my fingers and the doctor told me that if I didn't come back within a week it probably won't, is this true?  Also I was told I didn't need a cervical collar and everything I've been reading about has said to wear  a cervical collar so I reasked the doctor again and he said no, is this also right? What is the usual recovery time and what am i limited to? I know i'm not suppose to drive yet or lift over 5lbs, that's all I was told. I'd appreciate any information that could be given to me. Thank you so much.Deanna

[Deanna1045]

Thank you so much for your advice. I will be seeing the doctor on Friday so hopefully he will give me so more information too. I'm so glad yours was successful, good luck to you. Dee

[Carmel66]

I was told not to wear a collar anymore after my neck surgery. Please remember you neck muscles do become weaker from the time wearing a collar so it will take some time for your neck muscles to become stronger again.  I had to wear a soft collar only when I was in a car and was told this was for always. After six months I stopped using it when driving as it became awkward and in the way which showes I was improving. I should hope in three months time you will start feeling a lot better. At first, I felt no improvement and was upset thinking it didnt work. It took a year for me, then I started gentle weight training to improve my neck muscles to help strengthen my neck. This was a success for me.
I hope you have a speedy recovery and in the meantime just take care as it is early days!