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05-13-2011, 02:15 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 657
M.O.C. #9178
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Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (UPDATE )
Having the above cervical surgery done on the neck, C-4 through C-7, next Friday, the 20th. Anybody else had this done and any special things I should do, in addition to following all directions, during the recovery period to speed everything up? Hope to be on the road about six weeks after the surgery. Thanks, Tim
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05-13-2011, 04:05 AM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mansfield
Posts: 330
M.O.C. #8078
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Tim - sorry to hear about your surgery. I'm sure others will be along shortly with words of wisdom and encouragement. I don't want to tell you what you already may know, but after two back surgeries and 4 herniated discs in the exact area you're have worked on....the best advise I could say is, don't rush any activity.....or do anything you shouldn't, just because you feel good at the moment and or you are still on your pain medication and it's masking your true health! I've done it and learned my lesson in a very hard way. Just know that time is needed for rest and healing and you're the only one who knows when those times are. And if and when you have therapy, and there'll be some pain....remember you're in charge and let the therapists know when you've had enough.
Hang in there and take care...you'll be in our prayers. D & D
__________________
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05-13-2011, 04:14 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,156
M.O.C. #6920
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Tim, no advice here. Your doctor(s) should be your guide. Wishing you well in your surgery and recovery.
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05-13-2011, 06:45 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 729
M.O.C. #3206
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My surgeon recommended a series of exercises TO BE DONE DAILY for the rest of my life- On the rare days I don't do the exercises, I suffer some physical discomfort- I don't miss very many days of doing the exercises- JHMO- Don
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05-13-2011, 09:49 AM
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#5
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Roseville
Posts: 57
M.O.C. #8071
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Husband had it done 8 years ago. Just a few hints.
Get something tall to set on the table to lift the plate closer to your mouth because you will not be able to bend your neck for a while. It makes it much easier to eat.
If you wear bifocals you may have to adjust your computer screen so you are not tilting your head back to read. Better yet get reading glasses when you are on the computer.
I think recovery may take longer than you think. Don't push it. You will probably have the collar on for 6 weeks. Then your neck muscles have to strengthen again.
Just our experience.
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05-13-2011, 04:41 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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I have spinal degeneration on C5-7 with herniation. So far, I deal with it with exercise routines and Celebrex and hope to never have to have surgery. I wish you the very best with your surgery. Good advice offered here to give yourself time and listen to your body. Hope to hear good reports on your recovery.
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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05-13-2011, 07:52 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sun City Center
Posts: 626
M.O.C. #8563
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I had the exact same surgery on 2/13/07 and the doctor went thru the back. I was 3 months in an Aspen collar. They don't keep you as long in the collar now. They have found that it is important to move and excercise those neck muscles. My rotation is not bad, but I would have less discomfort and more flexibility if they had gotten me out of that damn collar sooner!! Best advice I can give is to excercise those muscles when they say you are ready. Also, don't rush things. You need time to heal. I thought my life was over because I had to give up some activities and once my grandbaby got over 10 pounds I wasn't allowed to lift her anymore. I now pick her up and she is 3 years old!!! You will learn a new normal. My prayers go out to you for a speedy and painless recovery. If you want to talk, email me and I will send you my number.
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05-14-2011, 02:16 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 657
M.O.C. #9178
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Thank you all for the wonderful advice and encouragement. This isn't something I want done, but it's at the point where it needs doing to maintain the quality of life I have now and hopefully keep the loss of feeling and other things from progressing further. I'm worried about it, but DW is really worried!
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05-14-2011, 06:07 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,156
M.O.C. #6920
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Our Prayers and best wishes Tim. I think I can say for many we wish you the very best in the procedure and recovery.
Dennis and Judy
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05-14-2011, 08:00 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,372
M.O.C. #8728
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Our prayers and thoughts are with you for a speedy recovery.
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05-15-2011, 10:53 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 2,351
M.O.C. #6831
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Tim,
Our prayers are with you for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
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05-19-2011, 06:46 AM
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#12
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mansfield
Posts: 330
M.O.C. #8078
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Tim.....Deb and I have been praying for you and tomorrow's surgery. Blessings, D
__________________
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05-19-2011, 10:03 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 657
M.O.C. #9178
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Thanks all, up in Durham now with a show time of 100hrs in the morning with the operation starting at 1230hrs. Little up tight to say the least! Tim
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05-19-2011, 02:11 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,372
M.O.C. #8728
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Good luck.
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05-19-2011, 05:09 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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Tim,
You're going to be fine! Positive thoughts and Karma heading your way.
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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05-23-2011, 05:10 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 657
M.O.C. #9178
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Thanks all for the prayers and encouragement. Went under about 1300hrs and Friday and came out of it about 1730hrs that evening. They released me yesterday and we are now home an all is well. I have only great things to say about the combined VA/Duke team that worked on me.
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05-23-2011, 05:38 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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Tim,
Glad to hear you are doing well. Please keep us posted with your progress.
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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05-23-2011, 11:54 AM
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#18
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mansfield
Posts: 330
M.O.C. #8078
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Fantastic!!!
__________________
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05-23-2011, 12:07 PM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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Tim Great News. We wish you a speedy recovery.
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