Cervical 3 posterior Laminectomy, cervical 3-6 posterior spinal fusion
67yr old and I had cervical spine surgery on 11/26 and they were able to free the flattened spinal cord at C-3-6. The surgery went well and now I wait to see if I get the use of my arm and legs back. Or at least it will stop the progression of cervical myelopathy. Hoping for the best. My hospital visit was really great. I had the best care at UCSD in La Jolla. The food was great , even the turkey dinner I had on Thanksgiving was delicious.
I'm home and up and moving around with the use of a walker. I'm still in a significant amount of pain. I take pain meds as ordered and it helps. I wake up at night because it's not easy sleeping with a plastic collar that is somewhat padded. The back of my head rests on the hard plastic cervical collar that isn't padded well enough. I sewed a washcloth together with 2 layers of batting inside. I can tuck that into the entire back of the neck brace and that helped. Also made another one for under my chin. Still, how am I going to wear this for 6 weeks? My head feels like a 20lb bowling ball. You have to stop and rest it completely for the pain to subside. Muscle relaxers are are very helpful. I'm doing absolutely nothing but walking around the house. The next thing I need to do is schedule an appt with my primary doc to remove the bandage. It feels like my hair is caught up in the bandage and that's going to hurt! I spoke to my Dr during the hospital visit and he said the surgery was a success. Time will tell if I'm still somewhat paralyzed on my left side. I'm so glad it's over and If anyone having this procedure, maybe I can help you. Ask me questions or concerns. Thankyou!
Janagain
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In 2001, I had cervical 2-7 disks laminectomy and heavy duty surgery, The total was 12 hours. I had to wear the Miami J collar for 3 months. No complications although pain remained for a while. it was still better than before surgery, the pain was unbearable. I had the disks pressing on my spinal cord. Luckily I had no loss of function. It takes about a year to fully regain my, " feeling"back to normal". Sounds like your outcome will be good. Hang in there, good luck.
Thankyou for that wonderful reply. You have to be so patient in this situation. You sure had a big surgery, 12hrs is unbelievable and no complications. You are a miracle! I sure hope it the arm/legs comes back strong, it's getting pretty frustrating the way I have to do things. Like put my elbow on the counter , lean in with a blow dryer and brush. All in all , I'm not going to complain. Today is a new day and I have so much to be thankful for. With the holidays upon us and losing my Mom in 2024 I just get over loaded with feelings. I know that can be from the pain meds. Thank you Morkat for your input. Knowing it could take a year to see any improvement, I just have to hang in there! I'm so glad to have this surgery behind me and move forward.
God bless, Janagain