Worried about neck operation

[Joe Finkle]

Hello - I'm a newbie, be gentle with me!

I went to see a doctor about what I thought was a routine operation on my hand, only to be shoved into an MRI scanner and then told that I needed an operation on my neck to remove 2 of my discs (C5-6 is ruptured and C6-7 has a bulge in it). Needless to say this has come as a bit of a shock. I have done some more digging around, the operation is an anterior cervical discectomy, it involves going through the front of the neck, removing the damaged discs and replacing them with a 'PEEK' cage which would fuse to the discs above and below. Apparently it is absolutely routine for my neuro-surgeon and I should be out of hospital within a couple of days, although the recovery is somewhat slower.
I've never had general anesthetic, let alone have my neck slit open and I'm a bit worried. Has anyone out there had this procedure or know of someone who has had it? If so, how was your recovery and what sort of mobility do you have in your neck now?
I've got to go back next week for another MRI on my lumbar region - there may be problems down there aswell - oh well in for a penny in for a pound!!
I'm trying to retain my sense of humour but deep down inside I'm terrified.
Doof
[&:]

 

[viktoriazzIT]

Hello - I can't answer your question about mobility I'm afraid - but wanted to try and reassure you about the operation itself.

I'm a student nurse and actually on a placement within the theatres at the moment so I'm seeing lot's of people undergoing operation every day. The whole team fully understand how worried people can be about their upcoming ops and are really reassuring. All the anaesthetists I have seen will adjust the aneasthetic given to suit the patients, so the more anxious a patient it will be one combination, if they are worried about nausea it will be another. What I'm trying to say is when it comes to your op just be really open with the surgeon and the anaesthetist as they will help you as best I can.

I actually saw an operation on some discs the other day, but in the lumbar region. The surgeon was telling me that sometimes it really is easier to go from the front and that resultscould bemuch more beneficial, obviously individual circumstances determine what the surgeons decide for each case.

Anyway, spinal and disc operations do seem to happen at this theatre several times a week and so as you say I'm sure it will be routine for your surgeon, but he will know its not 'routine' for you and I'm sure be happy to listen to you.

I hope that helps somewhat, and at the very least it will have bumped your post higher so hopefully you get some more replies.

Take care & keep us posted!!

 

[Rodney]

Hi Doof

In 1991 I had the same op that you're going to have. Two discs in my neck were actually touching my spinal cord causing excruciating pain, and obviously I was in danger of them cutting through the cord. I think mine were C4 and 5.

Naturally you're terrified ...................... I know I was! My op was successful and I've been fine since. As for the slit in the front of the neck, it's really not that bad and the scar healed very quickly. I had to wear a neck collar for 6 weeks and wasn't allowed to drive for about 2 months. The mobility in my neck is obviously slightly restricted , and I was told that I have to be careful with exercise, ie no impact exercises or horseriding. Apart from those things, everything is as normal.

What I would advise is for you to talk to your consultant/surgeon about any fears/worries that you have so that you're fully aware of what is going to be done.

Try not to worry (easier said than done I know!) Back in 1991, it was quite a rare op, but not so much these days I think, and techniques have been perfected and refined. Of course there are risks involved, but there are in any op, and I'd be stupid not to say it to you.

Please let me know how you get on, and feel free to ask anything else. If you'd rather PM or E-mail me, that's fine.

Stay strong and positive ......................... the power of the mind can play a large part in this.

SageCat

 

[andy muso]

[sm=rollaugh.gif]
Thank you both for replying. I've been doing quite a bit of research since and it would appear that this is a fairly routine procedure nowadays (as you both said). If I'm honest I am a little nervous about the operation, however, I'm probably more shaken abouthaving to come to terms with the fact that I am vulnerable after all - there you go I've said it!!

I'm due to have another mri tomorrow, this time it will focus on the lumbar region, hopefully it wont show up anything else, but who knows???

I'll keep you posted

Sandra D

 

[SnackeyG]

Hiya Sandra

I think you're doing the right thing by researching as much as you can. That way, you have some idea of what to expect. Do you know when you're going to have it done yet?

Good luck with the MRI ....................... let us know!

SageCat

 

[Nicole_x]

Hi Doof

Just found this forum, hope you are recovered now, am myself having op for no 6 + out in 1week was wondering if you could give a bit of advice please as to behonest am ----ing myself,mainly from op but after is also a bit worrying hence the time of day.

Many Thanks
Demoman