My surgery was almost 6 years ago, so I am rusty on some of it. The fusion was C-2 to C-6. The procedure was anterior with a 7 inch scar. I saw the x-rays and two plates and 4 titanium screws were affixed to my spine. I was cautioned that I might be paralyzed after the procedure, and I signed multiple papers stating that I would not sue the Dr/hospital. After the surgery I was in the hospital for 5 days, they told me it was usually one day of recovery for each level fused. The truth was that I was scared to death that I wouldn't be able to turn my head or wipe my bottom. I was so relieved when I woke up and felt no pain. The large amount of steroids gave me a feeling of invincability all 5 days. Until I got home and off the steroids I had a very clear belief that I was healing perfectly. My husband and I were so amazed by my change of attitude after I got home. The head/neck brace kept me from being able to use my cpap machine so for the 5 days I was afraid to fall asleep. Not sure how the hospital could just decide to ignore my requests for cpap, but they sure did. We had so much going on with my blood sugar that I decided to pick my battles. Like I mentioned in another post, the steroids caused my blood sugar to soar up and over 200! The scar took much longer to heal because my blood sugar was sky high. To tell you the truth though, I was so concerned about getting back to teaching that I managed to kind of compartmentalize my fears. My principal called most every day and asked when I might be back at work and that he couldn't find subs easily. I told him that after 15 years teaching that I was going to use every sick day that was needed to heal carefully. All total I was out 3.5 weeks and wore the metal cervical brace for 6 weeks.

Once back at work I had to have students lift and carry texts for me the rest of the year. I now have a case of foot drop with my right leg and I could trip over anything. The surgery was in August 2011 and by January I felt completely healed and happy. I could drive and back my car out of a parking space and my use of ibuprofen dropped to zero. The bathroom issues that I feared would end my teaching job did not materialize.

Fast forward to December 2016. I am retired, 61 and not very active at all. My biggest activity is to do laundry or mow the teeny yard. My thoracic area started aching most every night, so I asked my primary care doctor what was good for the pain. He prescribed Voltaren Gel which is diclofenac sodium. I use it morning and night and then again at lunch if needed. The stuff is ibuprofen gel and I am a real fan. It seems to help my psoriatic arthritis also. I haven't seen my surgeon for a checkup x-ray in 2 years, so I know that I need to go see him. The concern is that he will tell me to get another surgery done, and that is not news that I want to hear. However, if it has to be done, I would do it again. My OPLL is reforming and probably interferring with my spine the doctor said 2 years ago. I consider myself very fortunate to be off all the pain pills that I used to beg for years ago. The pain really pushed me into the procedure. Your situation is causing you a great deal of concern, I am sure. I wish that you can experience less pain and upset. Please be in touch if you want to talk.