Look at those paws 🐾 such a majestic boy. Brutus sounds fitting to me
Definitely 1 - excellent choice
I’m so sorry to hear that! Do you know how many levels you had done? The insurance system here in my experience has now become incredibly expensive & declined significantly compared to what the industry and care was like before the pandemic.
Yes, the procedure was very expensive out of pocket but felt it was well worth it. He’s one of the best Neurosurgeons in the region, if not the country. His staff is amazing and always available at any time if I needed care. And even with all the best of care, I continue to recover at this stage. I hope you get to see someone soon & hopefully get some answers. Been a pleasure to share experiences from many miles away.
That’s terrible - it sounds like you are not in the US. I see my Neurosurgeon every 3 months with X-rays & MRI’s if the situation calls for it. I believe my final follow up will be this September. Definitely PT is in order as well as using moist heat, ice packs etc. There are many, many ACDF patients that are on muscle relaxers for extended periods of time for tightness, spasms etc.
I hope you get some resolve soon. - there definitely are those of us that take longer with full recovery. For reference at this point; I’m at about 80%. I had severe osteoarthritis, stenosis & tons of bone spurs that crowded the foraminal space. Resulted in bilateral pinched nerves C5-C6 & C7. It’s a miracle I have no nerve damage but those muscles get angry if overworked. I see improvement each day. Wishing you the best - this recovery is a wild ride
Yes yes and yes 😊 I’m 20 months post op from ACDF C4-C7. Although much better I still deal with spasms in my left trapezius region and neck stiffness.
Age, length of time you had issues, reason for surgery etc. are some of the factors that come into play. I was at the gym today and sitting here resting was thinking here I am again. 🙃 some days are better some worse. Full recovery can take 2-3 years. This is such an extensive surgery like all spinal procedures.
What does your surgeon say and any suggestions when you deal with a flare? Are you fully fused? This can take at least 12 months in some cases. My procedure was successful however I do need to be aware of certain movements etc.
Also - I had physical therapy at 8 weeks from a therapist that was overly aggressive and set my recovery back after a month of sessions 3x a week. I rested for two months and went to a therapist that was gentle & focused on my lower body as I was so inflamed. 8 months of PT and 4 months of myofascial release treatments. The neck is so delicate and the muscles are very protective of the surgical procedure. Have you tried any therapeutic treatments such as massage, dry needling or myofascial release? Those modalities may be helpful as well.
I also have encountered overuse injuries in both of my knees during this recovery. Every time I jump back into a workout routine similar to pre-surgery my body slows me down. A very slow and non-linear recovery for me with baby steps. Sending you healing thoughts - lots of time and patience 🙏
Yes, yes and yes. If you purchase certain products in quantity that fits your needs it’s the best. Been a member for 45 years
October can be fabulous but- we have been known to have dry weather with warm (hot) Santa Ana winds. Bring a sweater, jacket, leggings as well as shorts, t-shirts etc. The beach will probably be beautiful and the tourist attractions should be perfect at that time of year. Enjoy the West Coast
For myself I’m going on my third year and still adjusting. I’m an exception as I had a spinal surgery a year post retirement and spent much of this time in recovery and healing. Physical therapy, doctors appointments, decision to have surgical intervention, and a lifestyle of recovery was my priority at the onset of retirement. As I’m feeling like my old self again, I’m now beginning to look around and try to find my new routine. Everyone is different, but I wish I had been more patient with myself on the days that I felt a bit lost. It’s a natural process and takes time. Enjoy your newfound chapter in your life.
Oh yes - I also encountered the same. My lower back and both knees. You’re right about this recovery being unlike any other. I had a hip replacement 7 years ago and was back to the gym at spin class in 2 months. It’s unbelievable how your spine is now inflexible at one portion; therefore the muscles are protecting and trying to adjust to realign. As a result the muscle imbalances put pressure on other areas and symptoms in those places arise. It’s wonderful you’re in good care and you were able to get an updated MRI. I experienced my first setback as a result of overly aggressive physical therapy 8 weeks post op. Thankfully I also had diagnostics done with a good report. I had two other instances during my first year that was very concerning and after tests, etc. all was well.
I’m sure you’ll bounce back much sooner than myself. A multilevel fusion can take longer than a single. Hang in there; lots of moist heat and ice packs helped me. Myofascial release, walking, patience and rest. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Best of luck to you
Hi - wow this is an old post. I’m now 20 months post op. I’m fully fused and the procedure is successful however, I’ve had many ups and downs throughout recovery. Mostly due to muscular issues & my tendency to overdo activities when I’m feeling good.
I’m one of those longer term recoveries as far as feeling 100%. I would say I’m at 85% and made vast strides. I now understand what triggers a flare and how to handle my new neck. I’m continuing to get therapeutic massage and be watchful of the intensity of exercise and other activities. I’m in my mid sixties though; and my procedure was related to osteoarthritis with lots of bone spurs and nerve compression. I dealt with it for 2 years before I elected surgery as a last resort. I’ve heard of people taking 2-3 years to see the full benefit allowing the muscles to heal and body to adjust to the new spinal alignment from the fusion.
How many levels did you have done? You are still extremely early in recovery and this surgery is like no other. Are your symptoms different than the original ones or are you experiencing new pain? Sending you healing thoughts- any time I was concerned I called my Surgeons office and they helped me through.
2 - not sure I’m fond of the textured material in the other options. 1 is an option if the sleeves can be removed. Have fun - beautiful choices
He wears it well. In prior years, I felt his drama was sloppy but he’s grown into a fun and entertaining guy to watch on Bravo
You enjoy clean lines with structured tailored fits as well as a minimalist, sophisticated approach to style with rich colors and textures. Personally it suits you well and it’s refreshing to see a classic, tailored, stylish look. Your taste is fabulous
So impressed by this beautiful lady. Her grace, intelligence, dedication to her profession and ease of spirit was inspiring to watch. Wish she would have made the team
My female boxer was stung by a bee. Her jowls swelled up and were hard like rubber. Fortunately we got her to the vet & things calmed down after an injection
Your post is inspiring to say the least and highly comforting. I’m recovering from a neck surgery that was intensive and fortunately successful. However, I’ve encountered many sleepless nights from recovering nerve decompression pain over the past 18 months. After much reassurance from my Neurosurgeon with great diagnostics, this is muscular and can happen with individuals with fusion procedures. I’ve made significant progress in the past 6 weeks and the nighttime pain has dramatically decreased to close to nothing. What’s interesting is I have no pain to speak of, but I’m restless and unable to sleep. Insomnia is no stranger to me. I’ve dealt with it at varying times in my life, but had not experienced it in the past 20 years until my neck became an issue 4 years ago. It’s almost like my brain is so accustomed to the pattern it’s looking for something to fill that nighttime gap. I should add I do fall asleep for 4-5 hours and sometimes I’ve had a blissful night of close to 12 hours. On those days I’ve totally relaxed, had some comfort food and spent very little time on the phone. No googling, self diagnosing etc. I did so much of that if I had a setback in recovery, it was self defeating and maddening.
Life is a crazy journey and your recommendation of letting it go and knowing your body will find a way is the most accurate and true advice one can give. Our bodies and brains are miraculous and have the ability to heal. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge.
That’s wonderful you found therapy beneficial and are motivated to help others.
I’ve been an insomniac off and on my entire life. I don’t use my phone in bed, watch TV or do much of anything but sleep or nap. Before cell phones I used to cover my digital clock to avoid constantly looking at the time. That said, some people find these activities relaxing and don’t have an issue with it. I think all of our brains are wired differently making it okay for some but not for others.
My heart goes out to all insomnia sufferers. It greatly impacts so many areas of our health and lives.
Do you use your phone in bed?
insomnia