1. < Spine Health

Spinal Surgery: What should I expect?

Posted by Sschmitt @sschmitt77, Dec 17, 2016

I have recently been diagnosed with c3/c4 bulging and c5/c6 herniated with nerve impingment. I am to see a spine specialist soon. My doctor was trying to be positive and said surgery may not be necessary, but i know it will be. What am i to be expecting? Will they want to do surgery on all four discs or just the two that are herniated? What is sugery and recovery like? Its scary. I have had four surgerys in the past four years and this one, for me, is the scariest. Any comments will be appreciated. Thank you!

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bernese53 | @bernese53 | Mar 3, 2018
In reply to @marield65 "Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like..." + (show)
@marield65

Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like to know and also where do you go for disc replacement? My neurosurgeon never mentioned that and he is Top Doctor in Rhode Island. Please help. @marield

Jump to this post

Wishing you a rapid recovery and healing from your surgery. It is my understanding that sometimes fusion may be the only option to correct scoliosis or kyphosis; disc replacement will not straighten curvature. I am glad you found a surgeon after what seems like much searching.

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Mar 3, 2018
In reply to @marield65 "Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like..." + (show)
@marield65

Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like to know and also where do you go for disc replacement? My neurosurgeon never mentioned that and he is Top Doctor in Rhode Island. Please help. @marield

Jump to this post

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WISHES.
YES, SEARACHING FOR A GOOD DOCTOR IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO.
I HAVE FOUND THAT SOMETIMES DOCTORS I REALLY LIKE DON'T RECOMMEND DOCTORS TO THE STANDARD I AM LOOKING FOR, SO I LOOK FOR MYSELF.
WHEN THEY ASK HOW I CAME TO THEM, I TELL THEM. SPECIALTY DOCS SEEM TO PREFER YOU GO TO THEM THROUGH SOME OTHER DOC. WHEN I TELL THE SPECIALIST ALL I DID AND HOW WONDERFUL THEY CAME OUT OF MY INVESTIGATION, THEY ARE USUALLY FLATTERED.

REPLY
Marield65. Marie | @marield65 | Mar 3, 2018
In reply to @jenapower "Thank you Jo54, really appreciate your comments. Actually I'm in my early 60s and don't want..." + (show)
@jenapower

Thank you Jo54, really appreciate your comments. Actually I'm in my early 60s and don't want to wait till I'm 80. My mother had serious back problems, and her early to mid 80s she started to fall from the pain, the Drs insisted that she do the back surgery that she didn't want to do for 20 years, and she passed away two months later. I'm very glad you're OK, but I don't want to wait that long to take care of this problem. I know that it gets harder and harder to recover from as we age. I really do not want my neck fused because I still am active and drive and want to exercise etc. My injuries I have were caused because of a horseback riding accident, and then a skiing accident. I have always been a very active person and I'd like to go back to being that way. Maybe not quite as active as I was when I did that which wasn't very long ago. Cautiously active, Jennifer

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@oldkarl I am @marield65 and I am interested in your story about the nurse giving you a shot of pain medication after surgery. I too need more back surgery and can’t take pain medication as the last time I had surgery I was put in a Delirium state from having certain pain medication and not being alert I kept telling them I was in pain and they gave me more pain medication on top of the previous medication and I was in a Delirium state for 4 days before a Geriatric Doctor discovered the state I was in and stopped the pain medication and it took another few days before I became lucid. I remember nothing about being in the hospital or the tests they took during my stay.
My husband kept them from putting me in restraints as I kept getting dressed and trying to leave the hospital I fell and just had knee surgery, after X-raying my knee they had me on a 24 hour every day watch until they sent me to a rehab center.
What would you do if you need more surgery like I need 2 more surgeries and I am scared. I am 72 and the older you get you process medication slower?
Thank you
@marield65

REPLY
Marield65. Marie | @marield65 | Mar 3, 2018
In reply to @shenriq "Most of the questions you're asking are things I would expect would be rightly addressed with..." + (show)
@shenriq

Most of the questions you're asking are things I would expect would be rightly addressed with your surgeon. Having had the exact cervical spine surgery you've mentioned, it is my opinion that the "fix" would happen at the same time. Multiple surgeries seems excessive and needlessly jeopardize you, besides contending with two surgeries and healing timelines. Get a copy of your MRI - and have two other consults with a surgeon outside of the practice you're working with, something you should schedule. You can get referrals from your insurance provider for at least 2 other surgeons opinions, take your MRI and go with all your questions written down. It would be thoughtful to ask each of the physicians you confer with, to give you his/her recommendation, never sharing what the previous Dr has said. You are entitled to have multiple second opinions, that are usually covered by your insurance provider.
Here's hoping you've been working on physical therapy and pain management, before reaching a surgical decision.
I empathize with your discomfort and justifiable concerns, but understand you must exhaust all your pre-surgical options, as I mentioned, before going under the knife.
It will be 5 years since I had my surgery and if you want me to weigh in on anything related to your decision process, don't hesitate to ask.
PS
When you hear the Drs talk about surgical options, it's scary and uncomfortable, so do take a friend -- and have them take notes.
Best of luck and trust your surgeon!!!

Jump to this post

@marield65
Shenriq I really like your message and I will do that. You seem to understand quite well what I am going through and your message is very on point.
You don’t know how much I appreciate it.
Thank you
Marield65

REPLY
Marield65. Marie | @marield65 | Mar 3, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "Hi All, Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced..." + (show)
@grandmar

Hi All,
Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced with artificial ones.

I have been dealing with cervical and lumbar stenosis for over 10 years. For me, it started with horrible pain down my left arm into my fingers. I went to see my wonderful orthopedist because I was certain I had reinjured my left shoulder for the 3rd time. It was fine. I was sent to 2 other doctors who also found nothing wrong. I was starting to feel like I was losing my mind. My orthopedist finally sent me to a pain doctor who finally diagnosed me with cervical spine issues. He gave me a shot and put me into PT. Between both, I was fine for over 3-4 years.

Next came the pain down my legs. I had lots of issues with my lower back when I was in my 20s. Each started after having a baby, but the chiropractor was able to help me and the pains went away. When the pains started about in my late 40s/early 50s, I started to see another pain mgt. doctor. After trying many times, he could not help me. My journey to find a doc to help started. I saw 4 docs in New Jersey. One helped my neck when it acted up but none could help my lumbar spine.

When I moved to Central Florida, the 2nd doc I saw was my miracle doc! Sadly, he has not been able to deal with my neck. I had been told many years ago and then it was confirmed that my cervical spine was worse than my lumber spine and I would need surgery. Not if, but when. With the successes I had previous years, it really went off my radar. When the pain returned and my miracle doc could not help, I decided it was time to see a specialist. I found a neurologist who specializes in the spine and brain. He also felt the cervical spine needed attention first. So, as I said at the beginning, yesterday I had the surgery.

After much discussion, it was decided I'd have C5/6 disc replaced with an artificial one. It was felt that that is where I'd get the 'most bang for my buck". I see the doc for my follow=up in 2 weeks and at 6 weeks. At that time I should know where I stand. At that time, we will see if I need any more surgery on other areas of my cervical spine or/and what we will do with my lumbar spine. For right now i will continue with the shots in my lumbar until a decision is made. I have to wait until 6 weeks out before I can get my lumbar shot. I really have needed it for weeks but I could take one too soon before the surgery. I really don't know how I will make it for 6 more weeks???????

I have a 'normal' rapid heart beat so my PCP put me on Metropolol Tartrate for a week to slow down my heart before surgery. I suppose because of the pain, surgery, nerves and 'natural' rapid heart beat, my heart rate did not fail. When I woke up, it was around 121. The anesthesiologist was very aware and worked with me to monitor my heart rate carefully.

By the time I got home yesterday, I have been very sore down my right shoulder (which doesn't usually bother me a great deal), my upper back and chest and my throat. I am hoping it has something to do with the way I was positioned and the nerves that became aggravated.

By the way, we have no idea HOW this all came about. My brother, who is 67, has had issues with his upper and lower back for years, too. Not as bad a mine, thank God! So, could it be hereditary, the weights I used to do, the extra 100 pounds I used to weigh, getting older???? Who knows????

Id really like to hear other stories.
Thx!!!
Ronnie
@grandmar

Jump to this post

grandma. My name is @marield65 and please keep me informed about your lumbar spine as I have had a fusion 10 years ago and now need another surgery because other discs have gotten weak. When does it end?
@marield65

REPLY
Marield65. Marie | @marield65 | Mar 3, 2018
In reply to @marield65 "Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like..." + (show)
@marield65

Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like to know and also where do you go for disc replacement? My neurosurgeon never mentioned that and he is Top Doctor in Rhode Island. Please help. @marield

Jump to this post

Grandmar you are right. Read my previous message. @marield65

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Mar 3, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "Hi All, Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced..." + (show)
@grandmar

Hi All,
Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced with artificial ones.

I have been dealing with cervical and lumbar stenosis for over 10 years. For me, it started with horrible pain down my left arm into my fingers. I went to see my wonderful orthopedist because I was certain I had reinjured my left shoulder for the 3rd time. It was fine. I was sent to 2 other doctors who also found nothing wrong. I was starting to feel like I was losing my mind. My orthopedist finally sent me to a pain doctor who finally diagnosed me with cervical spine issues. He gave me a shot and put me into PT. Between both, I was fine for over 3-4 years.

Next came the pain down my legs. I had lots of issues with my lower back when I was in my 20s. Each started after having a baby, but the chiropractor was able to help me and the pains went away. When the pains started about in my late 40s/early 50s, I started to see another pain mgt. doctor. After trying many times, he could not help me. My journey to find a doc to help started. I saw 4 docs in New Jersey. One helped my neck when it acted up but none could help my lumbar spine.

When I moved to Central Florida, the 2nd doc I saw was my miracle doc! Sadly, he has not been able to deal with my neck. I had been told many years ago and then it was confirmed that my cervical spine was worse than my lumber spine and I would need surgery. Not if, but when. With the successes I had previous years, it really went off my radar. When the pain returned and my miracle doc could not help, I decided it was time to see a specialist. I found a neurologist who specializes in the spine and brain. He also felt the cervical spine needed attention first. So, as I said at the beginning, yesterday I had the surgery.

After much discussion, it was decided I'd have C5/6 disc replaced with an artificial one. It was felt that that is where I'd get the 'most bang for my buck". I see the doc for my follow=up in 2 weeks and at 6 weeks. At that time I should know where I stand. At that time, we will see if I need any more surgery on other areas of my cervical spine or/and what we will do with my lumbar spine. For right now i will continue with the shots in my lumbar until a decision is made. I have to wait until 6 weeks out before I can get my lumbar shot. I really have needed it for weeks but I could take one too soon before the surgery. I really don't know how I will make it for 6 more weeks???????

I have a 'normal' rapid heart beat so my PCP put me on Metropolol Tartrate for a week to slow down my heart before surgery. I suppose because of the pain, surgery, nerves and 'natural' rapid heart beat, my heart rate did not fail. When I woke up, it was around 121. The anesthesiologist was very aware and worked with me to monitor my heart rate carefully.

By the time I got home yesterday, I have been very sore down my right shoulder (which doesn't usually bother me a great deal), my upper back and chest and my throat. I am hoping it has something to do with the way I was positioned and the nerves that became aggravated.

By the way, we have no idea HOW this all came about. My brother, who is 67, has had issues with his upper and lower back for years, too. Not as bad a mine, thank God! So, could it be hereditary, the weights I used to do, the extra 100 pounds I used to weigh, getting older???? Who knows????

Id really like to hear other stories.
Thx!!!
Ronnie
@grandmar

Jump to this post

marie
DURING MY VISIT WITH THE NEUROSURGEON, HE SAID THAT WHEN YOU HAVE A FUSION, THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN ANOTHER WILL BE NEEDED. THE QUESTION IS WHEN. THAT IS WHY HE PREFERS THE DISC REPLACEMENT.

REPLY
bernese53 | @bernese53 | Mar 3, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "Hi All, Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced..." + (show)
@grandmar

Hi All,
Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced with artificial ones.

I have been dealing with cervical and lumbar stenosis for over 10 years. For me, it started with horrible pain down my left arm into my fingers. I went to see my wonderful orthopedist because I was certain I had reinjured my left shoulder for the 3rd time. It was fine. I was sent to 2 other doctors who also found nothing wrong. I was starting to feel like I was losing my mind. My orthopedist finally sent me to a pain doctor who finally diagnosed me with cervical spine issues. He gave me a shot and put me into PT. Between both, I was fine for over 3-4 years.

Next came the pain down my legs. I had lots of issues with my lower back when I was in my 20s. Each started after having a baby, but the chiropractor was able to help me and the pains went away. When the pains started about in my late 40s/early 50s, I started to see another pain mgt. doctor. After trying many times, he could not help me. My journey to find a doc to help started. I saw 4 docs in New Jersey. One helped my neck when it acted up but none could help my lumbar spine.

When I moved to Central Florida, the 2nd doc I saw was my miracle doc! Sadly, he has not been able to deal with my neck. I had been told many years ago and then it was confirmed that my cervical spine was worse than my lumber spine and I would need surgery. Not if, but when. With the successes I had previous years, it really went off my radar. When the pain returned and my miracle doc could not help, I decided it was time to see a specialist. I found a neurologist who specializes in the spine and brain. He also felt the cervical spine needed attention first. So, as I said at the beginning, yesterday I had the surgery.

After much discussion, it was decided I'd have C5/6 disc replaced with an artificial one. It was felt that that is where I'd get the 'most bang for my buck". I see the doc for my follow=up in 2 weeks and at 6 weeks. At that time I should know where I stand. At that time, we will see if I need any more surgery on other areas of my cervical spine or/and what we will do with my lumbar spine. For right now i will continue with the shots in my lumbar until a decision is made. I have to wait until 6 weeks out before I can get my lumbar shot. I really have needed it for weeks but I could take one too soon before the surgery. I really don't know how I will make it for 6 more weeks???????

I have a 'normal' rapid heart beat so my PCP put me on Metropolol Tartrate for a week to slow down my heart before surgery. I suppose because of the pain, surgery, nerves and 'natural' rapid heart beat, my heart rate did not fail. When I woke up, it was around 121. The anesthesiologist was very aware and worked with me to monitor my heart rate carefully.

By the time I got home yesterday, I have been very sore down my right shoulder (which doesn't usually bother me a great deal), my upper back and chest and my throat. I am hoping it has something to do with the way I was positioned and the nerves that became aggravated.

By the way, we have no idea HOW this all came about. My brother, who is 67, has had issues with his upper and lower back for years, too. Not as bad a mine, thank God! So, could it be hereditary, the weights I used to do, the extra 100 pounds I used to weigh, getting older???? Who knows????

Id really like to hear other stories.
Thx!!!
Ronnie
@grandmar

Jump to this post

But again, that depends on why. Disk replacement cannot correct scoliosis or kyphosis.

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Mar 4, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "Hi All, Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced..." + (show)
@grandmar

Hi All,
Tomorrow I turn 63 and yesterday I had 2 disc (C5/6) removed and replaced with artificial ones.

I have been dealing with cervical and lumbar stenosis for over 10 years. For me, it started with horrible pain down my left arm into my fingers. I went to see my wonderful orthopedist because I was certain I had reinjured my left shoulder for the 3rd time. It was fine. I was sent to 2 other doctors who also found nothing wrong. I was starting to feel like I was losing my mind. My orthopedist finally sent me to a pain doctor who finally diagnosed me with cervical spine issues. He gave me a shot and put me into PT. Between both, I was fine for over 3-4 years.

Next came the pain down my legs. I had lots of issues with my lower back when I was in my 20s. Each started after having a baby, but the chiropractor was able to help me and the pains went away. When the pains started about in my late 40s/early 50s, I started to see another pain mgt. doctor. After trying many times, he could not help me. My journey to find a doc to help started. I saw 4 docs in New Jersey. One helped my neck when it acted up but none could help my lumbar spine.

When I moved to Central Florida, the 2nd doc I saw was my miracle doc! Sadly, he has not been able to deal with my neck. I had been told many years ago and then it was confirmed that my cervical spine was worse than my lumber spine and I would need surgery. Not if, but when. With the successes I had previous years, it really went off my radar. When the pain returned and my miracle doc could not help, I decided it was time to see a specialist. I found a neurologist who specializes in the spine and brain. He also felt the cervical spine needed attention first. So, as I said at the beginning, yesterday I had the surgery.

After much discussion, it was decided I'd have C5/6 disc replaced with an artificial one. It was felt that that is where I'd get the 'most bang for my buck". I see the doc for my follow=up in 2 weeks and at 6 weeks. At that time I should know where I stand. At that time, we will see if I need any more surgery on other areas of my cervical spine or/and what we will do with my lumbar spine. For right now i will continue with the shots in my lumbar until a decision is made. I have to wait until 6 weeks out before I can get my lumbar shot. I really have needed it for weeks but I could take one too soon before the surgery. I really don't know how I will make it for 6 more weeks???????

I have a 'normal' rapid heart beat so my PCP put me on Metropolol Tartrate for a week to slow down my heart before surgery. I suppose because of the pain, surgery, nerves and 'natural' rapid heart beat, my heart rate did not fail. When I woke up, it was around 121. The anesthesiologist was very aware and worked with me to monitor my heart rate carefully.

By the time I got home yesterday, I have been very sore down my right shoulder (which doesn't usually bother me a great deal), my upper back and chest and my throat. I am hoping it has something to do with the way I was positioned and the nerves that became aggravated.

By the way, we have no idea HOW this all came about. My brother, who is 67, has had issues with his upper and lower back for years, too. Not as bad a mine, thank God! So, could it be hereditary, the weights I used to do, the extra 100 pounds I used to weigh, getting older???? Who knows????

Id really like to hear other stories.
Thx!!!
Ronnie
@grandmar

Jump to this post

HI
I HAD THE SURGERY FOR A FEW REASONS. I HAD SEVERE STENOSIS, ARTHRITIS, BULDGING DISCS. I HAD PAIN DOWN MY LEFT ARM, PINS AND NEEDLES IN BOTH HANDS AND LOSING STRENGTH IN MY RIGHT HAND. IN ADDITION TO CONSTANT PAIN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY NECK AND SHOULDER, I WAS GETTING VIOLENT HEADACHES EVERY MORNING THAT WOKE ME UP.
THAT IS WHY I HAD THE SURGERY.

REPLY
Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Mar 5, 2018
In reply to @marield65 "Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like..." + (show)
@marield65

Anyone with lower back surgery, or fusion and now needs more vertebrae fused? I would like to know and also where do you go for disc replacement? My neurosurgeon never mentioned that and he is Top Doctor in Rhode Island. Please help. @marield

Jump to this post

@grandmar, thank you for letting us know why you are using all caps. In virtual communication, all caps can sometimes be interpreted as shouting, but obviously we want to be accommodating and appreciate you letting us know that it helps to use when you are experiencing stiff joints.

REPLY
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