Anyone had multilevel cervical spine reconstruction surgery?

@strongwoman
I had C3-C7 fusion with hardware anteriorly. I was 72 yrs old, female, and in good physical shape other than degenerative disc disease. I didn't have to sleep in the brace after the first night but it went back on when out of bed. I could apply it myself. The brace and the pain were minimal. I didn't need to take all the hydrocodone and I stopped the muscle relaxer in the hospital because it was making me lightheaded. I was suppose to spend 2 nights in the hospital as my surgery was done late in the day. My nurse and I talked my doctor into letting me go the afternoon of the second day, I was starving. Turns out eating was my biggest challenge. I went to a speech therapist to help with swallowing due to the hardware. I'm small and the plate takes up room. I can eat anything now but I'm careful to grind well and use caution with things like apple & grape skins. My range of motion is great, better than I expected but my neck can get tired if I drive more than a few hours, all I need is a few minute break. I have long hair and I went to the local cheap cuts just for an occasional good shampoo & blow dry after I got out of the brace. I didn't wear the brace for very long, 4 or 6 weeks. I could wash my hair but drying in the beginning was challenging.
I pray you do as well as I've done. You've got this.

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

@strongwoman
I have posted a couple of times to the Mayo site primarily about my upcoming neck surgery and the revelation via DEXA scan (routine one) prior that I was moving quickly to osteoporosis after inactivity due to a complicated knee replacement. Subsequently my posts were regarding the Tymlos I started upon recommendation of my neurosurgeon who hooked me right into his bone specialist NP. Incidentally have been on Tymlos going in the third month now with no noticeable side effects.

But - I am now 9 days post surgery for a cervical reconstruction of C3-T1. I have had two other cervical surgeries (2008 & 2018). The first one anterior and the 2nd posterior. I, too, had difficulty swallowing because of the plate with the 1st one which resolved pretty much (or I adjusted!), none with the second and a few swallowing issues with this one also having speech therapy do swallowing test, recommending chewing more with sips of liquid frequently between bites. I have a residual cough related to the swelling and swallowing which I hope will resolve.
My pain is minimal if any at home. Tylenol occasionally. Have to wear neck brace 3 months. I send photos of my suture line periodically to the doc prior to my staple removal just to make sure healing is on track with no infection. I can remove my neck brace fro personal grooming and eating. I sleep in neck brace otherwise am in it most of each day. I cut my hair rather short so I didn’t have to muck much with that afterwards. Avoiding looking up and down (easy to do with neck brace!) or side to side. No lifting anything over 8 lbs.

I sense a little resolution in some of my prior symptoms I think. But at 74, I feel grateful to have whatever symptom abatement I can get and blessed if the symptoms don’t get any worse over time. My children were grown when I had my first surgery so having little ones certainly adds another dimension to physical recovery! Best of luck with your upcoming August 5th surgery. I will hold you up in prayers! I, too, sense that you are a ‘strong woman’.

@alexis7
Thank you ! This is very encouraging. I’ve heard that swallowing is difficult. I guess the discharge team will refer me to a speech pathologist if I need one. I was very worried about whether I’d be able to put the brace on myself so I wouldn’t have to wake my husband, so this is very good news!

@strongwoman
I had C3-C7 fusion with hardware anteriorly. I was 72 yrs old, female, and in good physical shape other than degenerative disc disease. I didn't have to sleep in the brace after the first night but it went back on when out of bed. I could apply it myself. The brace and the pain were minimal. I didn't need to take all the hydrocodone and I stopped the muscle relaxer in the hospital because it was making me lightheaded. I was suppose to spend 2 nights in the hospital as my surgery was done late in the day. My nurse and I talked my doctor into letting me go the afternoon of the second day, I was starving. Turns out eating was my biggest challenge. I went to a speech therapist to help with swallowing due to the hardware. I'm small and the plate takes up room. I can eat anything now but I'm careful to grind well and use caution with things like apple & grape skins. My range of motion is great, better than I expected but my neck can get tired if I drive more than a few hours, all I need is a few minute break. I have long hair and I went to the local cheap cuts just for an occasional good shampoo & blow dry after I got out of the brace. I didn't wear the brace for very long, 4 or 6 weeks. I could wash my hair but drying in the beginning was challenging.
I pray you do as well as I've done. You've got this.

@dorob
Thank you so much!!

@strongwoman
You are so very welcome! Incidentally, having a laminectomy will not change your post-surgical course. It should be the least thing to be concerned about.

The neck brace comes in two pieces, a front and back. They attach together and can be adjusted for comfort with two Velcro straps one on each side. When you take it off, as one poster indicated, only undo one side as it is easier and quicker to get back on.

May God bless you with His infinite healing and guide your surgeon’s hands as he works. I pray for you that your guardian angels are right there by your side thru the procedure and afterward to deliver you back safely and on the way to an uncomplicated recovery back into the loving arms of your family.

You will be tempted to jump right back in to your usual routine of chores once you get back home but please be kind to yourself and rest even tho you don’t think you need to. Hydrate well and continue to eat healthy. You will likely be encouraged to walk so don’t miss those walks! Not only are they good physically (the heel strike of walking stimulates bone growth) but also mentally.

My best to you as your surgery day draws near. You got this and keep in touch..