Anyone had multilevel cervical spine reconstruction surgery?

@
llander1966
I had cervical fusion with a plate 20 tears ago for c3-c7. Pain was gone from neck immediately after surgery. Only issue I had was anesthesia reaction is happens to me quite a bit. Only thing you'll find is that your neck range of motion will be less side to side. But that you adapt to over time. I get neck stiffness but very glad I had it fixed as it affected my life terribly. I think all surgeries are the unknown and we fear not knowing. I wish you well. Think positive.

I am late to this discussion—just found this group while searching on recovery from cervical spine surgery. I having anterior and posterior surgery to fuse C4-C7, and am extremely anxious about what the recovery will be like. I’m 72 and in great shape from years of exercise and physical activity, but I’ve heard that recovery is a bear. I will be in a hard brace for two months. I’m wondering what I will be able to do by myself after the initial pain dissipates somewhat.

@strongwoman I had a frontal surgery to fuse C5 and C6. I was in a neck brace for 3 months because I had this surgery without hardware. I felt a bit like Humpty Dumpty and I got used to not being able to bend or twist. I was able to was my hair fine. I had a foam neck brace for showering. I slept in the brace and wore it 27/7. I had elastic shoe laces so I could just slip my shoes on because I could not look at my feet. I have been told posterior surgery is more painful. I didn’t think the pain after my surgery was that bad. The months went by sooner than I expected. I was tired from healing and slept a lot. After 3 months in the brace, I needed some physical therapy for a few months because neck muscles become weak when not being used. I used folded bandanas to pad the chin part of the brace and I could wash them often and always have clean ones. I also had an extra set of pads for the brace so they could be washed frequently. You might try walking around without bending or twisting your neck to see what will be difficult. Picking something up from the floor would be difficult because you can’t look at it. Sleeping on my side was most comfortable in the hard collar. I had my cloths in bins on benches so I could get them easily. I hope that helps give you a sense of what recovery is like.

@jenniferhunter
Thanks so much for this information. It does help, enormously. Were you able to put the brace on yourself, or did it take two people?

@strongwoman I had a Miami J neck brace and it was easy to put it on and off by myself. The foam neck brace for showering was easy to put on, but not as supportive as the Miami J. I just had to be careful in the shower. Sleep as much as you need. Naps help with healing as your body is directing all your energy toward healing. Did you have other questions?

@jenniferhunter
Did you sleep with the brace on or off?

@strongwoman I slept in my neck brace. I wore it 24/7 and only took it off for a shower when I put on a foam neck brace. I was comfortable sleeping on my side in the brace as long as I had enough pillows arranged to support me. I got used to it. My surgery was done without hardware, so I had to wear the brace until fused. I know some people are anxious about that, but I saw it as freedom because I knew there would not be any hardware issues. I have sensitivity to metals and was worried about that becoming part of my body. To heal well, you must embrace the procedure and your recovery plan. I am 10 years after my surgery and doing well. I have not have any other spine issues since my spine surgery. How soon is your surgery?

@jenniferhunter
It’s on August 5th. I really appreciate all the information you’ve shared. Thank you so much!