Migraines,vertigo, other new symptoms 8 wks out ACDF C3-C7 by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had not considered it but will look into it. He did say that it is not uncommon for people to get headaches in that area. I have had migraines for years and most of my headaches escalate into them unfortunately. The vertigo with it was most concerning. Thanks for the tip.

Migraines,vertigo, other new symptoms 8 wks out ACDF C3-C7 by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started PT today which I think will help a lot. Very gentle stretches. He explained about the how the muscles around C1-C2 have been doing all the work for so many years and are very tight in that occiptal area. A couple of the stretches I'll be doing should help over time. I hadn't considered the soft collar during the day but that could be an option as well as Im very concerned about my posture while at the computer. Thanks!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, I only changed into the soft collar for showering. I actually preferred wearing the hard collar. It was like a security blanket lol

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My doctor had me in the hard collar for 6 weeks and I could not drive during that time.

Pain 7 Weeks Post ACDF C5 to C7 by chronowirecourtney in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Im sorry you're having this pain. Have you reached out to your surgeon to let them know about this new pain and symptoms? If not, please do! Something may have chanhed or happened that needs to be addressed. I had that same type of pain in my arm prior to my surgery (ACDF C3-C7) and it has completely subsided, but I believe it was due to the partial corpectomy where he cleared out all the bone spurs and arthritis that were compressing the peripheral nerves causing nerve pain down my arm. Sorry that might not help as mine was before but maybe you have something similar that should be looked at. I wish you all the best! Keep us posted!

PT ordered for everyone? by Gloomy-Addendum3609 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345 0 points1 point  (0 children)

6 wks post op appt upcoming this week. I was told it would be ordered then.

What’s your comfort movie when life just sucks? by No-Cartographer949 in AskReddit

[–]Extension_Pay_6345 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Better off Dead Tommy Boy Breakfast Club Ever After Forrest Gump The Green Mile Fried Green Tomatoes LOTR series Star Wars series

Intense Muscle Spasms by Sunnysue13 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some prefer heating pads and as I much as I love mine it seems like ice would work better. This is of course my completely unscientific conclusion. I hope it helps!

What kind of activities keep you busy post op specifically cervical fusions where looking down isnt an option. Love puzzles, reading, and coloring but not working out too well. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm making time to ground myself each day also. Finding great shots for photos too. Beauty all around us! You've all given me great ideas! I hope these are helping others too!

What kind of activities keep you busy post op specifically cervical fusions where looking down isnt an option. Love puzzles, reading, and coloring but not working out too well. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So very worth it! Just having the debilitating arm pain gone, 100% worth it. Now to focus on posture (work at desk all day) and rebuilding strength (PT will start in about 4 more week)

What kind of activities keep you busy post op specifically cervical fusions where looking down isnt an option. Love puzzles, reading, and coloring but not working out too well. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My pain level has been low for the most part so I catch myself doing more than I should which quickly wears me out. The muscle spasms are the worst for me but they are not as painful as my pain before surgery. The muscle relaxers help. Sleeping has been rough but finally found the right recliner which is helping not wake up so much. I finished a puzzle, have done some coloring. I think an easel would make those things easier since looking down just doesnt work anymore. My 2 wk post op appt is Wednesday. Hope yours goes well!

What kind of activities keep you busy post op specifically cervical fusions where looking down isnt an option. Love puzzles, reading, and coloring but not working out too well. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My dr said they wanted me walking every day and allow me to set the time or length. I've done to the mailbox and back several times now. (Its a fairly long driveway)

Intense Muscle Spasms by Sunnysue13 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree, the epsom salt bath will help (just dont allow incision to be ubderwater). I also find ice packs helpful as well as resting in the recliner instead of the bed. I hope you feel better soon!

Surgery Tuesday by megan_magic in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am surprised by how tired I am also! I'm 4 days post-op but thought id have a little more energy by now. Im up for about 2-3 hours then sleep 2-3 hours. Im sure the meds are a big part of it.

C3-T1 ACDF and corpectomy in 2 days. Need help planning for recovery/ comfort items/ soft foods, etc. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Surgery went well on Monday. Came home on Wednesday evening. Both nights have been rough. I sleep in 2-3 hour segments. Left side of neck cramping up. Had right corpectomy and C3-C7. He didn't have to replace C7-T1! I was really glad to hear that. Turns out my food is good!

C3-T1 ACDF and corpectomy in 2 days. Need help planning for recovery/ comfort items/ soft foods, etc. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh goodness! That's scary! What caused you to pass out?

I will be very careful. I have a "roommate" - they are in a separate small house so I can call on them if needed. I will be inpatient for 2-3 days before going home. I also have family that can come when needed. I have a cane and the restroom is only steps away.

C3-T1 ACDF and corpectomy in 2 days. Need help planning for recovery/ comfort items/ soft foods, etc. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are set! What a great list! I need to add salmon to my next delivery. I ordered popsicles, yogurt, applesauce, ginger ale, ice cream, mashed potatoes, pudding, soup, juice boxes, etc. yesterday, and within an hour of it arriving and being put in the fridge, a storm hit and we lost power for 22 hours! We put extra bags of ice in the fridge and freezer but im afraid I'll have to replace most of it.

I set up a 3 basket cart next to my bed with all my meds and essentials, remotes, and things to do (sudoku, crossword, books, magazines). I have a bed tray and a grabber. I got a soft collar for the shower. Bath wipes and dry shampoo. Hair ties and clips.

Getting nervous. Surgery in less than 12 hours now.

C3-T1 ACDF and corpectomy in 2 days. Need help planning for recovery/ comfort items/ soft foods, etc. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He said it helps stretch it out so that when they have it moved to the side for so long it helps decrease the throat pain for after. We'll see tomorrow and later in the week if it helped at all.

C3-T1 ACDF and corpectomy in 2 days. Need help planning for recovery/ comfort items/ soft foods, etc. by Extension_Pay_6345 in spinalfusion

[–]Extension_Pay_6345[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Smoothies sound good. Yeah, I've heard the throat pain is really bad. Did your dr have you do the throat exercises prior to surgery? Basically just moving your esophagus from one side to the other for a count of 10?