I had cervical spinal surgery

[JBG]

Hi all,

 

I finally had the cervical spine surgery I was scheduled for. All went successful. I feel like I was hit by a truck. I had the surgery on Oct. 24th, stayed in the the hospital for 4 days then went to rehabilitation facility for 2 weeks. I now have a neck brace on. I had 3 levels of my spine fused.

 

While in the hospital and rehabilitation facility, my blood pressure was low. That's how it is all the time. I am on 2 blood pressure meds for severe Raynauds. Because of the low BP, I was taken off the meds. I tried convincing the nurses that I needed the meds. Finally after having very bad attacks, I was put back on the meds. At least I know they are working. I guess that was a good test.

 

I see the surgeon in 2 weeks. I'll keep you posted.

[Joelf]

Hi JBG,

 

I'm so pleased to hear that your cervical spine surgery was successful.

 

It's interesting that the blood pressure medication for made such a difference to your Raynaud's. I also have fairly low blood pressure and Raynaud's which I always play down whenever I see the rheumatologist as I don't really want to be taking any more medication if at all possible. Thankfully, I don't appear to be suffering as badly with it as you do.

 

I do hope that you have a very good recovery from your surgery and continue to improve in leaps and bounds (not literally!! ;) ) Do let us know how you get on when you see your surgeon in a fortnight.

 

:emoticons-group-hug:

 

Kind regards,

[Amanda Thorpe]

Hello JBG

 

I am really glad your surgery went well! Pity the nurses didn't listen to you from the beginning eh? I'll never know why medical people always seem to forget that the people with the illness usually know what works!

 

Take care.

[Snowbird]

Hi JBG

 

Glad to hear the surgery went well. Hopefully, your Raynauds is settling down now too. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[miocean]

JBG,

I'm glad your surgery was successful. :emoticons-clap: it sounds quite intensive.You must be happy to be out of medical facilities and home.

 

miocean

[rubydoo]

Hi JBG

 

I hope you make a smooth and speedy recovery. :) I too have very low BP from taking Nifedipine for Raynaud's but so far no one has suggested that I stop taking it. I find it reasonably effective in helping to reduce the number and severity of attacks I have. My rheumatology specialist says that so long as there are no symptoms from having the low BP there is no reason to stop the Nifedipine. It's not always easy being your own advocate all the time,especially if you were recovering from major surgery but professionals need to start realising that we know our symptoms and what works best for us better than anyone.

 

Take care,

 

Helen

[Buttons]

I had exactly the same surgery done 11 months and apart from the first 6 weeks of being quite restricted with some movements it is surprising how quick you can recover. I was given exercises to do, they do help but don't overdo it. I had two titanium plates put in and the 3rd one was just a calcium block because they didn't have enough space to put the third one in with spinal cord and nerve root decompression.

 

Hope all continues to go well with your recovery and your next visit to the consultant.

 

Buttons

[debonair susie]

Hi JBG,

 

I'm SO glad your surgery is behind you and I wish you the best and look forward to hearing how everything is going, once you've seen your doctor for follow-up.

[debonair susie]

So glad that JBG has your review to look to, Buttons. It's amazing how our Sclero Family can bolster our spirits just by sharing like experiences.

 

If/when you fly, do you carry a special card to get you through security? Due to their own surgeries, we have a son-in-law and my stepson who have such a card).

[JBG]

Thanks so much for the replies. I saw my surgeon today. He was so pleased from what he saw in the x-ray. I still have to wear a cervical neck brace for 2 more months. That's when the surgeon wants to see me again. He also said that I'll start PT after I get out of the brace. The doctor was so upbeat and really made my husband and I feel good.

 

I saw in the x-ray the screws and rods the surgeon used in my neck to fixate it. I do not need to carry a card because the hardware is titanium.

[Joelf]

Hi JBG,

 

That is excellent news that your surgeon is so pleased at the results of your surgery. I think it makes all the difference when the doctor is upbeat and helpful.

 

May you carry on improving at the same excellent rate! :emoticons-yes:

 

:emoticons-group-hug:

 

Best wishes,

[Buttons]

Hi JBG,

 

I'm glad to hear things are going well for you. I have titanium plates and screws so I don't need a card when going through airports but since I have a neural stimulator I can't go through the scanners so I have a card for that which sometimes means it takes longer going through security.

 

Buttons