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To clarify - my family DID speak with doctors from spine surgeons’ office over the weekend. Guess I was a little too loopy to understand at the time. Looking back over my husband’s note, I saw who they actually spoke with.
And now I am 9 weeks post-surgery. I met with surgeon at 8 weeks post-surgery to review xrays. All looked good. I was cleared to begin phasing out of collar (and don’t need to use while sleeping), allowed to drive (hallelujah!) after a practice loop with someone else in the car. And I was sent instructions for stretches to do twice daily before starting PT at 3 months post-surgery. Neck gets tired and I still need to make sure I don’t over do. Only restriction from dr. is weight - no more than 20 lbs, use common sense…if it hurts…don’t do it. I’m pleased with recovery so far.
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@cams It sounds like you are doing a good job at being a patient in recovery! Yes, do be careful. Your spine will be tender for a long time and don't lift heavy things or get yourself into odd posture that stresses the spine. At 9 weeks, the bone has not started fusing yet; it is laying down the beginning foundations that will later add mineral deposits to form solid bone. That usually takes about 3 months or more for some people, and new bone will be added over the next year or two. I didn't drive for about 6 months after my surgery. It is tiring when you start weaning out of the brace because neck muscles are weakened from not using them. I'm glad it's all going well for you.
Jennifer