I am writing about my neck fusion experience because I have had a huge response with lots of questions.
Lots of our readers are contemplating having this same surgery (maybe at a different part of the spine), are scared and not sure if they should do it or are waiting to have their surgery. If you are contemplating surgery ask yourself at least these questions:
What does your doctor say? Do you need surgery or do you feel you need surgery?
I believe you should try all conservative treatments first. I also believe when you have exhausted these treatments, the surgery is going to have a lot greater chance of success. I have dealt with my neck issue for more than six years. I tried lots of different options; chiropractor, spinal blocks, massage, reflexology, physical therapy, exercise, and just plain patience. I ran out of options. It kept getting worse. I couldn’t function normally. It was and is a HUGE decision, but let me tell you this ó I did not realize how bad I had felt for so many years until after I had my surgery.
And boy is it hard to take it easy! I have been really good (really, for me I have). I did have a scare after a reflex action of trying to catch a falling object (ice cream ó who wouldn’t?). I felt something pop and had a big scare for a day and a half. I have been so happy how successful this surgery has been. Again, if your quality of life is suffering tremendously due to back/spinal issues AND your doctor feels surgery is the road to take, trust your doctor, pray a lot and go for it. I was scared to death, too.
Here we go ó three-week post-op appointment. First, I had to go to X-ray. The technician asked me if I knew what level was fused (make sure you know what is going on and ask lots of questions before your surgery) I said yes, C6-C7.
She said, “You can keep your earrings in.”
Have you ever seen an X-ray with earrings? Well I have not, this one was the first time I saw my skull, vertebrae with the plate, cadaver bone and screws AND earrings! It is hilarious! But also amazing.
I had my list ready for Dr. Adamson. Can I swim laps? Can I lift weights? Can I do yoga? Can I go horseback riding? He was very excited with my progress but had to remind me that it has only been three weeks.
I feel so good! But I don’t want to mess it up either. By the way, no to swimming laps. Yes to weights, low, of course and in upright positions. Fortunately, we have a great line of Techno-gym which has 21 pieces, all of them upright. Cardio: walking, elliptical, Wave. I can do some standing poses of yoga and I can stretch. No to horseback riding.
I had some other questions like: When I travel by air will the metal detector go off? No, I am stealth-like ótitanium plate and screws. My next appointment is in seven weeks. Dr. Adamson said by then we hope to have a full fusion, which means he’ll let me do more stuff!
For all the pre-op fusions out there: I understand your pain and pray your surgery goes as well as mine.
Contact Ester Hoeben at 704-636-0111 or eburgess@ rowanymca.com.