Facing Operation Saturday four days time

I haven't had any operations as yet! But likely in the future. I hope your operation is successful and that your quality of life improves a lot for you. You are very brave and I send love and good vibes. XxX

Hi MaryMary444

I had surgery on c5/6 in 2003 with a bone graft to replace the disc, and on c6/7 in 2012 which had a metal frame to replace the disc. I didn't want to have either operation, was not really given the choice as was told that without the operations I could do more damage.  I am therefore pleased that I had the operations.

i have since slipped a disc at c1/2 but am not eligible for an operation at this time.

am sure all will go well on Saturday, I found neither op painful but neck muscles were a bit sore.

Like the others I have not had surgery yet. But am sending you all my very best wishes and positive thoughts. Take care 🌺🌻🌼🌷

Hello Mary. I had C5-6 disc replacement and fusion in Jan 2015.  It's a good idea to hire a reclining chair - just in case it is too uncomfortable to lie flat for the first week or so. (ie to sleep on).  Also, button down nighties and shirts. The muscles will be very sore for quite a while as they put you in an awkward position to do the operation.  As soon as they take the dressing off, use Bio oil on the scar. I did this from the very beginning and there is literally no scar to be seen!  The worst problem was the muscle spasms rather than the healing process.  I also put a bowl by the bed because it was difficult to get to the loo in the night for a while. (Just muscle spasms again).  Have a look on You Tube - I watched all the videos people had made - it was very helpful!  They told me NOT to wear a neck brace otherwise the muscles aren't used and become very floppy.  Do ask if you have any more questions.  Best wishes and the very best of luck,  Caroline (I was very squeamish like you about going in through the neck, but they are very skilled )

Hi,

Best of luck for Saturday, let's hope it's not cancelled last minute.

I was down to have same op went through all the palaver of washing with the antibacterial soap they give you at pre op. First one cancelled 25 hours before day, second one, after a other pre op three days before day , third time hospital went to black watch shut down of ops because of hospital infection.

I had a breakdown after that and because of my mental state I am not deemed suitable for an operation, even though I have spinal cord impingement at C4,5,6 and 7, have no upper body strength, both legs very heavy have trouble walking, also have bladder problems.

I wouldn't mind but I signed the paperwork for the operation immediately after the Neurologist gave me the diagnosis, which took 13 months of X rays, 3 mris and a c/t scan. Now I have 12 monthly examination to keep an eye on things.

The very best of luck and good health to you.

Mike.

Hi Mary, theres a group on facebook for people with your condition its called Cervical Myelopathy Support Group its for people with your condition. You should join as there are over a thousand people with the same condition and they have all been through the same surgery you are having. I believe you are a little confused with what you have I believe from what you describe you have cervical myelopathy which is spinal; cord compression as you would not need a cage for a trapped nerve that is called radiculopathy. Don't be scared at all there are thousands of people who have this operation everyday and I haven't heard of one complication to date. Come and join the group and talk to people who are going through the same as you. They will support you.

Hi everyone who supported me, I am now 5 weeks past surgery, the original pain has gone and I am on half the does of pain killers I was on.  The operation took much longer According to my husband I was down there 7 hours not sure how long of that was recovery. I had a disc replacement C4C5 and a fusion cage C6C7 also bone spur taken away from trapped nerve on the left.  The first two weeks after operation were very painful and it was very difficult to get comfortable Thanks to this forum I bought a reclining chair before the operation - don't know what I would have done without it also the gram stick which was from a pound shop.  I had my first 4 week check and hee did an x ray and says it looks good but it will take up to 6 months for it to fuse.  The pain is more like very achy mucles and tightness at the base of the scull.  I am taking it very easy but am glad I went through it - it will be a while before I know what the benefits will be completely but I am very hopefull.  The hardest thing is the boredom but I am sticking it with it and taking my time.  Physio started last week and even putting my arms above my head seemed difficult - I have lived on live yoghurt for weeks but was eating norrnmally after a week my voice did not go either which my husband was surprised at.  The scar on my neck is healing on the outside but I feel there is alot of healing still going on inside as this can be uncomfortable at times.  Thanks to everyone whome emailed me with support.