Back again!

[carolynms]

I was here 6 years ago and got so much wonderful advice, help and support! I had a L5 S1 fusion, and
have done very well. Then, My son was in a terrible car accident 1 & 1/2 years ago, broke his neck, and had a C5 to T2 fusion. I came back here, and again, got lots of support.

I just got a diagnosis of severe cervical stenosis with spinal cord flattening and severe foraminal stenosis at C5 C6, myeopathy and this is briefly stated. I am having a C5 to C7 fusion April 12. The doctor thought I shouldn't wait too long, so I took the 1st available.
Any advice, suggestions, or ideas, as always, would be greatly appreciated. I know there are so many of you that have been through too many spiney issues for years! I thought I was free and clear....................

Caroyn

[Mark N]

Caroyn, it is good to see you again despite your coming cervical spine surgery coming up. I guess it is good news that you are getting it so soon and not needing to wait for it to get even worse. I wish you good luck with the surgery and I hope to see you posting more often once again as I have missed seeing your post.

[carolynms]

Thanks, Mark, you are always so supportive. Sorry it took me so long to reply, but am not savy to braintalk's new ways of doing things. I have tried a few times to get on with no luck.
I had my surgery Thursday, and to my surprise, I have to wear a bone stimulator 4 hours a day. Not a big deal, just not expecting it.
The surgery went well, and pain meds are keeping things under control. Had a vertebrectomy (do they take out the vertebrae?)
c 5, c6 and c7 fused with donor bone. Does that include rods or plates? Just curious about the hardware and forgot to ask the doctor. So, to all of my spiney friends, after something like this, do we get to return to our lives/jobs as normal? I am a mailman(lady) love my job (hate the post office stress, though) and hope I get to continue what I do. I have a route that suits my needs pretty well, but there are always heavy parcels and such.
Thanks for listening to me, I am home for a while, and this site is always so comforting.


Mark, How are things with you, and how is your daughter? I hope all is well, or as well as can be!
Look forward to hearing from you!

Carolyn

[Mark N]

Carolyn, good to hear about your surgery results. They just remove some of the vertebra and your DR will have to tell you if you have rods and screws as some times they do the fusion without instrumentation. I am glad to hear you are comfortable and not in much pain. I hope the healing goes well and you get good bone growth with the stimulator.

My daughter is doing much better with the new medication. Unfortunately she and her daughter have bronchitus right now but they saw the dr and have medication for it. She is now able to eat and drink keeping the food down. The baby is well situated in the uterus so they have taken her off the high risk pregnancy alert.