Spinal Surgery

Until just last month, I had no idea how extensive my spine and neck was deteriorated.

My MRI results indicated I have spurs and stenosis at C3-4, 4-5, & 5-6. I have visited two physicians. The latter doctor pushed his schedule to operate this September 22. Only thirty days from my visit with him. He had shown me, on the screen, the extreme narrowing. He told me he was amazed that I was even walking.

He will be replacing and fusing the 3 vertibrea and putting in a stabilizing rod.

Looking back it explains many symptoms that I have had.

I thought the tingling in my legs and feet were because of my obesetiy. I'm 230lbs and 5'6", as well as my, the personally embarrassing frequent urine urges from my overweight.

The ringing in my ears from working in a factory and being a telemarketer for many years.

The weak and clumsiness? in my hands from carpal tunnel, even though I had corrective surgery.

The stammering walk from just being clumsy.

My wretching cough and difficulty swallowing from anxieties.

My irritability, unfocused thoughts and sleeplessness from my bipolar. The tingling in my neck was rationalized as I have been a frequent neck popper since I was 18, I am now 50.

The frequent headaches from stress.

I chalked all these as separate symptoms to separate issues.

I had some reduced strength, but I was always a strong pack mule.

I still can carry more weight than usual. An example is I can handle 2 extra large bags (52 lbs.) of dog food one on each shoulder and one large bag (24 lbs.)of cat food with one hand and a large bucket of clumping litter (30 lbs.) in the other. All the distance from the checkout to the car without getting tired or short of breath.

I don't know what to expect.

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