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combined anterior and posterior cervical spine surgery
Spine Health | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
The reason for the extensive surgery is because of the RA damage. My discs are destroyed and the vertebrae are bone on bone and sliding forward and back. The vertebrae are also compressing my spinal cord so I already have arm and hand pain, numbness and lack of strength and coordination (on top of the arm and hand pain from the RA).
I already have to sleep on a cervical pillow so sleep is a challenge and I can’t lift much. I don’t trust myself cooking because I can’t carry hot pans or pots of boiling water. Believe me I wish I could just have the ACDF surgery.
I’m aware of how much pain there will be after. I’m used to that. I just want to know that I’ll be able to take care of my hygiene needs and fix myself up. I don’t want to look like an invalid on top of being one 😘
Replies to "The reason for the extensive surgery is because of the RA damage. My discs are destroyed..."
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@lorihgk It is Ok to ask for help. I needed help after my single level fusion. It’s a bit strange when your pride doesn’t want to ask for help and you need it. If it was someone else, you’d offer to help with even simple things. No one will expect you to shine when you are recovering from surgery. It’s ok to relax and you’re going to be very tired when healing. Maybe it won’t be your norm for awhile. Toward the end of my recovery, I was at the grocery store in my neck brace and lots of people were offering to get items from the shelves for me and it was kind of nice that they cared.