Hello to all,
Today is October 14, 2020. I will be 80 years old next week. In June of this year, I had fusion surgery (Cervical levels 5-7). Additionally, I have been dealing with Parkinson's Disease for the last 6 years. I chose surgery because of 1) the horrible pain I was experiencing, nerve pain radiating down both shoulders, and 2) I knew the surgeon in my area was the best! My son vouched for that since he insisted on doing the researching. So, with a little over 4 months, I must say how pleased I am so far with the results. With my Parkinson's, my neurologist told me if I continue to fall down as I had been doing with some regularity, that the next one could possibly cause paralysis. My Neurosurgeon was one who has a history of telling his patients that surgery was the last option rather than the first option. But, when he saw my x-rays revealing a serious cord compression, he immediately scheduled me for surgery within 2 weeks. Great service, I must say! 3 months after surgery, I went to him for a review, and all seemed to be ok, with the exception of still having some nerve pain, but not as intense as before. My readings on this matter, led me to understand that this was certainly a common reaction. I must say that my taking my P.T. sessions seriously helped appreciably in my road to recovery; in addition, followed faithfully my continued sessions with my personal trainer who happened to specialize in parkinson's, building up my strength and helping with balance issues. when P.T. ended officially, I have made it a regular event at home.
So, needless to say I am so pleased with my decisions, not only to research your surgeon; determine your pain level prior to deciding on surgery, but also to faithfully do all the P.T. possible to help regain your strength. I must also add another feature of my successful recouperation process thus far; that is the fact that I purchased a hospital bed ( most of which was covered by Medicare) and quickly learned to sleep very comfortably on my back ever since surgery. Never thought I would ever want to lie on my back, but now that is still my preferred way of sleeping! The feature of having electrical controls makes for a very comfortable positioning of one's legs and head/neck areas. I suspect I will continue using it lying in my back forever. Yes, I am a very positive thinking individual who actually thinks that he can out-progress the progressive disease I am facing; and, yes, I am very blessed!
Hoping the best to all who have been suffering with any kind of painful spinal cord conditions. If I can be of further help in any way, please let me know... God bless!