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What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 4 6:30pm | Replies (263)
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@mariner1925

Hi, I just joined. I am going through some fear as my ACDF surgery is June 5. I have read some of the comments and it is helpful. I only met my neurosurgeon once, but he gave me confidence with him and he explained my MRI and the surgery well. I have myelopathy and my spinal cord is already damaged, so my main reason for having the surgery is to avoid paralysis. I have just turned 73 and I don’t want to spend what time I have left paralyzed. They will fuse 3 discs together (C3/4, C5/6 and C7). I have stage 2 congestive heart failure; FMD of the carotid arteries; lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis. I am worried about my carotid arteries which are like beaded necklaces. Anybody there to give me a pep talk?

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Replies to "Hi, I just joined. I am going through some fear as my ACDF surgery is June..."
marialyce | @marialyce | May 27 3:26pm

I have FMD as well. I had one spinal surgery and there were no issues. It is important that the anesthesiologist is aware of your FMD so as to not hyperextend your neck when intubating you. That’s how my FMD doctor explained it to be. Also, be sure not to ride roller coasters which can also hyperextend your neck🤪🤣🤣

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Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | May 29 5:53pm

@mariner1925 Welcome to Connect. Sometimes choices are hard and scary. I was there too 8 years ago with spinal cord compression and scared because I'd always been scared of medical procedures that would cause pain. Fearing pain actually makes it hurt more, so anything you can do to relax will help. I worked out a routine of music therapy with deep breathing to music any time I got anxious and I picked music I could get lost in. You know that you are choosing surgery for the right reasons, so believe in yourself to get through the recovery more easily. It will take a while before you feel better and your body does that on it's own schedule. You can't rush healing, so just relax and be kind to yourself. After surgery, the pain will be healing pain.

Here is a discussion that may help give you some ideas on how to cope. You can workout your own routine for when you need it. In your mind, you will connect it to a safe place which will help ease the stress. Also gratitude helps chase away fear, so be grateful that you have decided to go forward and that you have a good surgeon on your team. Yes! You are part of the team!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-can-i-defeat-my-anxiety-about-medical-tests-and-surgery/
I didn't want to be paralyzed either and I was loosing the coordination in my arms. It mattered to me a lot because I am an artist.. I got through it and you will too! I hope you'll check in when you can.

Jennifer

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