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combined anterior and posterior cervical spine surgery
Spine Health | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
Hi @marycdickens01 hope you’re doing well. I am 55 and scheduled for anterior and posterior fusion C2-T2 soon. Front and back at same time. I’m 55 with severe RA for many years. This will be my 19th orthopedic surgery (but first on my spine) so I’m pretty familiar with most aspects of the surgery and pain management etc. My surgeon has said I’ll be 5 nights in the hospital and I was wondering what exactly they do for you all that time? The doctor says they have you up and walking the same day so is the long stay just for pain control?
Also are there any things I should pack that would be helpful during my stay? When you got home what position were you able to sleep in? I’m fairly active now - driving, cooking, traveling, keeping house. About how long until you were able to get back these activities? How long until you were able to do your hair and makeup? Will I be able to dress myself right after the surgery? My husband works from home and my son will be back from college so I won’t be home alone but I like to be very independent.
Is there anything that surprised you about either the surgery or the hospital or the recovery or anything else I should know?
Thank you!
Replies to "Hi @marycdickens01 hope you’re doing well. I am 55 and scheduled for anterior and posterior fusion..."
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@lorihgk Welcome to Connect. C2 to T2 is a big surgery. You'll need to be walking so they know that you can walk, and to also exercise your lungs, and to know that you have control of bladder and bowel functions. They will consider you a fall risk until you demonstrate that you are not. Anesthesia causes phlegm build up in lungs that you need to clear so it doesn't turn into pneumonia. You will need help at home, and this is your excuse to be a couch potato and nap because you will need that. You will have lifting restrictions that start about 5 or 10 pounds max. I think the hospital stay is so they can be sure you will be able to function and walk safely after you get home. This surgery will probably be more painful because of cutting though the back and front. A lot of cervical fusions are done only through the front as mine was for C5/C6. I was able to handle that without pain medication, and I was really nauseated by pain meds. I may be the unusual patient that could manage like that. If you can control your anxiety and fear, it will help control pain and help in healing. If you take them, it may cause serious constipation, so you'll need to work on relieving that.