Very informative Diane..I am a retired critical care nurse(45yrs), who has been thru 4 spine surgeries..I previously had my neck done via ACDF, but now saying they will need to go in posteriorly..I have been told by many medical people it is very painful..I am mid 70's and it sounds pretty intense..
Love this as there isn't a lot on extensive posterior fusion. Thanks so much for this. I'm a C-2 to T1 PCDF with Lam and am almost 2 weeks post op and doing well. I wish you continued progress in your healing!
@@matthewbodmer5552 I'm fine for the most part. I'm fully mobile with no issues. There are some symptoms that didn't go away after surgery but there was no guarantee they would all go away. But I can pretty much do everything I did before. Anything that requires looking up or down I had to adjust for, but nothing crazy. Pre-surgery I was more worried about left to right but that ain't so bad, up and down is where I notice it the most.
@@jgaita78 hi Joe, I just had this exact surgery . I'm at about 4 weeks post surgery and still taking pain meds frequently. How long was it until you could get off the pain meds?
@@kathyhutchings7933 I was told my progress was not normal and the majority didn't fit into the boat I was in. I was off all meds at 2 weeks. However I know many that were on pain meds for a while after surgery. I was more the exception than the rule, I got very lucky.
Appreciate your time and this video. I'm scheduled for C3-T2 Posterior surgery January 4 2023. Had ACDF on C4-6 in 2021. Am grateful to be able to have the surgery. Bit less anxiety about it after your information. Thank you
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have to have this surgery in 2 months and you are right it is hard to find someone who had pcdf and not acdf. Your story is so appreciated - it gives me an idea of what to expect. 2:58
Hi Diane, I am glad your pre surgery symptoms are gone. I had the same surgery performed in April 2014. I must say,I need a cane for balance now.the pain on my right shoulder travels down to my wrist everyday. The only time that I ampainfree is when I am lying down. All the best. Ellen.
So helpful. I’m getting 3 spinal processes removed,and couldn’t find anything about what covered that area!! You look great considering it’s been 3 months when you posted this.
Thank you so much for sharing!! I am having Anterior & Posterior surgeries, at the same time. My surgeon seems to be an excellent surgeon. But he didn't explain, at all, what I can expect, following the surgeries. He did speak more, abt Anterior and very little, except Pain w Posterior. This video has helped alot. Again, thank you!
Thank you for doing these videos! I am one month post surgery and doing well going for first post surgery X-rays in 2 days and hoping they will allow me to ween off the hard collar and possibly get the word that I can start driving soon. Your videos offer great inspiration and hope for movement...walking IS KEY!
Hi Dianne I'm Gary I live in Southampton UK. I am slated to go in to hospital early next year. I have Cervical Stenosis with mylopethy The spinal cord has is showing some signs of damage. I am at the stage i can barely walk. And unsteady on my feet Also numbness in legs sometimes also in my arms and hands fingers similar to carpol tunnel. Im 56 and have already had lumber spinal surgery back in 2009. That did not work for me. I am terrified of going for the operation Not just because of the pain i remember all to well after my lower spinal surgery But I'm worried about how i will be after the surgery seeing as my lumber spinal surgery didn't work out for me. I am so glad you seemed to be doing well after you're ordeal. I don't know anyone else who is / has been through this so to gain some insight is helpful Although scary. I live on my own after my relationship fell apart after 25 years And am living in a small flat that is a mess its not a home fit to come back to recover Especially being on my own. 😢
@@claudiacruz2323 Hi Claudia. Thanks for sharing your update. It's been 2 or 3 months since your surgery? Is you pain still intense? I know what childbirth pain is like but it's over as soon as the child is born. I had ACDF 13 years ago and I honestly can't remember what my pain level was like. I am hearing more people saying the pain from a laminectomy (through the back) is so much worse. Ouch! How are you doing? Sending healing energy your way!
Thank you 🙏🏽 Your videos have been an amazing resource for me. I’m at 3 months post-op. Laminectomy and fusion c3 -c6 -posterior. This is a lonely journey until you connect with others who’ve been there. Thank you for recommending the face book groups as well.
So glad they've been helpful for you, Allan. Hope you're getting to the point where you're seeing some really positive changes beyond the 3 month mark.
@@DianeMoore yes, I’m starting to see improvement. I still have challenges but I’m feeling good about my recovery. By the way… your suggestion of getting a heating pad was so instrumental in my comfort. I still sit with my heating pad on most of the day. Thank you 🙏🏽. Thank you also for your reply I was thrilled to receive it.
Thank you for your videos, Their is not a lot for posterior. I wanted to do one from the day of my surgery 2 weeks ago but the surgeon and the surgical center wouldn't allow. 2 weeks from Posterior C5-C6 still in a neck brace doctors orders and staples for another week. Muscle spams and surgical site seem to be my problem area's of pain the most. Besides that the same as your videos still the numbness in the fingertips sometimes. I might do a video after my first post op doctor visit next week. Stay strong and stay safe and thank you again for your advice it does really help to hear from others experience.
Thank you! I just got my 2nd covid jab and I can schedule my 2nd surgery soon. I have not forgotten the pain i felt when I awakened in recovery. My first surgery was 3.5 years ago and was anterior. My surgeon has told me this one is more complicated and difficult. It may take more than a week for recovery. The first time I was supported during my recovery by my daughter. My hospital has had an influx of new covid patients from Spring holiday celebration. There is a no visitor enforcement. I don't want my girl there. She is immunocompromised. I am having extreme anxiety in anticipation. I was on my back at a 90° recline for the first 48 hours. I cannot imagine lying on an incision. I haven't been able to find an answer. I guess I will know post surgery. P.S. You are right about post surgery pain. I had NO neck pain prior but holy cow, it never ends. Thank you again for sharing.
I'm sorry you're facing these additional challenges. I hope you can find a clear way to get some support after the surgery without putting your daughter in a tough position.
Thank you for posting your videos, they’re very helpful in hearing what you experienced during your recovery. I had PCDF with Laminectomy from C3 to T1, almost 7 weeks ago. I’m still experiencing a lot of pain, but much less than the first several weeks. I have painful cramping in my neck and across my shoulder blades, tightness, aching, stiff and sore. One of my arms has these issues as well since surgery. I have painful muscle spasms in my neck. I’m just using Tylenol now, heating pad, sometimes ice. I’ll look into muscle relaxants as you mention. Mobility in my neck is still limited, hopefully this improves in another month. My physiotherapy hasn’t started yet. Hopefully I will see more improvements over the next month.
Sounds like you're definitely seeing progress, Susan. It's a slow, long road but I saw steady improvement as the months went on. God bless you in your recovery!
I am so sorry you are still having so much pain. It must be exhausting for you. This is exactly what I am recommended to have. I am so scared and anxious about it. At present I am waiting for appointments for a second opinion. Are you able to drive yet? Or work?
Hi Diane, thank you for these videos. I am being told I will need a similar surgery due to my ossification of posterior ligament. I dont have as much as your symptoms, I have no balance or gait issues, yet; and I only have pinprick sensations on my shoulder or forearms. Some short duration numbness on my fingers. My ncv tests were normal. Like you I am a bit of a piano player. I am somewhat worried about going through surgery this early in my stages but I feel encouraged watching your videos. I am due for another visit to my neurologist this week and possibly get another round of mri. I was diagnosed 7 months ago and recommended for surgery within a few months. Thanks for these. It comforts me to see someone go through something similar and help me be less anxious.
Thank you for all your videos which have been helpful and give hope to others like my wife. She has the same symptoms that you had and is scheduled for surgery in about 1 week! Your video has made it easier to make the decision to have the surgery and given my wife hope for recovery! Thank you and may God Bless you and your family!
Your videos are so helpful. Facing C-3-C-7 (?L1) I am good when I have real world knowledge. This is so helpful. Appreciate you putting yourself out there for all of us.
@DianeMoore I'm 5 week post op. The FB group help tremendously. I had my surgery done. I opt to go thru my surgery with no pain meds just Tylenol if it gets tough... before surgery I was wheelchair bond. I'm now up and walking. I still get overwhelmed and dealing with fatigue but overall my doc says he can't believe I'm walking... minor muscle spasm, muscle stiffness, etc. But all went away by week 4 post op. Only symptoms I have is tingling and numbness to feet and hand.
Thank you for letting me know about postoperative things. I have two stenoses in the cervical spine and a cyst between the vertebrae. It was revealed in magnetic resonance imaging. Maybe surgery in front. It then sees when I meet a neurology surgeon.
Appreciate this video. Im about to have my second cervical spine surgery Dec 13. 2022. The first was in 2012, Anterior fusions C4-7. I was rear ended twice within a 2 week stint early summer and now am having same anterior, with removal of fusions and replacement and a Posterior Lam. as well simultaneously. What can I say , Im flipping scared. You helped me see there is a community out there and I will have to endure the pain that comes with recovery as best as I can. Id love to know more of the groups for support. Thanks ! Josephine K
Thanks for walking us through your experience following surgery. I am fearful about my upcoming surgery, which will cover more than one cervical area. Thanks for your help and advice. I will be purchasing the neck/shoulder heating pad.
Hi Kat - I understand the nervousness. Hope these videos help you to know a bit more about what you might expect. God bless you as you go through the process.
Thank you so much darling. Your video did exactly what you intended. Thank you for posting I will follow you and find you on Facebook. I am encouraged to make my own video. You rock Lady
Hey Diane, I just watched your 3 month recovery video. Very helpful. I’m interested in the reason why some surgeons advocate posterior and others looking at the same information recommend the anterior approach. Posterior seems a more difficult surgery to recover from. Can you tell me why posterior was the right decision for you? Thank you, Karen N.
Hey Karen - well everyone's situation is different. But for me, I was originally told I'd need ACDF from an orthopedic surgeon. I got a second opinion from a neurosurgeon who advocated for PCDF. He was honest that it would be much harder to recover from, but with my issue, he said that ACDF would only be a partial solution and that I'd likely be back for PCDF in a few years when the symptoms returned. After weighing the info, I decided to go for the PCDF in hopes that it's a one and done solution. So far, so good!
@@DianeMoore sounds familiar. Neurosurgeon said posterior Ortho said anterior. I will ask more questions tomorrow w neurosurgeon. Felt like I got a better exam w neurosurgeon. Plus, ortho is day surgery 2hrs from home, neurosurgeon is local in hospital. Can you explain why some say no pain in hospital?
@@jamesnugent6547 Hmm - I really haven't heard that. Certainly the goal would be that the hospital helps to get the initial surgery pain under control quickly. But you have to get yourself to the spot with pain medicines that you can actually leave to go home. :)
Thank you so much for these videos! I have been told a few days ago that I will need a surgery. Watching your videos are very helpful to know what I can somewhat expect (I know every situation is different). Please post more videos. I hope you are feeling better.
Thank you so much for sharing. I just had surgery on 29Feb2024. posterior cervical fusion and foraminotomy at C5-C6 and C6-C7. I had the anterior cervical fusion 2 years ago. This one is worse. But you gave me hope.
@@DianeMoore Hello Diane. I was rear-ended in a car accident and I am scheduled to have a laminectomy at C3-C4 in December 2024. Did I see on one of your videos that vitamin A and another vitamin helped with healing? I have had 3 ACDF surgeries, so the surgeon doesn't want to go through the front. I'm getting nervous hearing that the pain is much worse than it is with an ACDF. Anymore tips would be helpful and thank you. I hope you are now completing healed. Sending healing energy your way!
@@RamonaJ. Wow, Ramona. Sorry to hear about the accident. No, I really don't have any knowledge of any specific vitamin usage or recommendations. Must have been someone else. I share lots of tips in my videos on the neck surgery playlist - hope you can find some of them to be helpful.
Diana i had my surgery in the front of my neck they worked with my spine 4 to 7 feeling better only no strength walking but getting very tired but getting there god bless you
I am supposed to have C3-T-1 laminectomy with fusion. I am in the process of getting a second opinion. I am so scared! Your videos are so helpful. I appreciate your honesty and tips. How did you wrap your head around knowing it is more than 3 months of pain? I have been through other painful experiences but his one is very frightening to me. I am worried about the outcome. Thank you so much.
I can’t thank you enough for these videos. You are an angel and a hero. My mom is 71 years old and she saw this and forwarded it to me because she is having a posterior laminectomy and Fusion from C5 to T1. She’s also diabetic and has a lot of other complications and they have to check her heart to make sure it is strong enough to go through this procedure. She is a very young 71 But has a lot of health complications. As her daughter, I can tell you she is my rock on earth secondary to Jesus Christ. My husband and my parents mean the world to me. I’m so worried about the surgery and anything you can tell me about how you were doing now would be so helpful. God bless you and I pray you are stronger every day.
Hi - thanks for your kind note. And with Jesus Christ as your rock, you've made the best choice. :) I'm doing very well. If you have more specific questions I can answer, please feel free to email me at diane@dianemooremedia.com
I wish I had this outcome! Unfortunately the surgeon bumped a nerve and affected mobility in my upper limbs! About a month out of surgery and still in a lot of pain and numbness!
Thanks for posting your experience with your laminectomy. Question: how many vertebrae were affected in your surgery, and which ones? How much has your neck mobility been affected? Thank you
Hi Camilo - my surgery was C3-C7. At this point, I'd say my neck mobility is quite good. I don't think I can turn quite as far as I could before the surgery, but I try to turn more with my torso rather than neck. The only place I can really tell a different is in looking up - I think the hardware placement makes that a bit more difficult now.
Thank you for these informative videos! A family is going in for a similar procedure this week. We have a long car ride home.. any recommendations for the long car ride. Do you have a list of items that helped with recovery? It’s encouraging to see your progress! Ty!
Hello, I just had posterior cervical laminectomy-fusion C2-T1 on May 3rd. How do I connect with some of these groups of others who have gone through this surgery? I am having issues with my deltoid muscles on my left arm called C-5 palsy. Did you have any issues with the nerves in your arms after surgery surgery ?
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This helps me feel better since I might be going through similar surgery. I have a question for you though. Why do you opted to have Laminectomy instead of Laminoplasty?
Glad it's been an encouragement for you, Gerry. Honestly, laminectomy was the only thing recommended by my surgeon, so laminoplasty was never a consideration for me. I'm sure different situations warrant different courses of action.
hi Diane, just curious..how long did you notice you were dealing with the myelopathy? for years? months? before you knew you had to treat it? how long did they tell you that your spinal cord was compressed?
Hi! I’m having this surgery this month. I’m 80 and have osteoporosis and arthritis. My question.. how long did you wear a neck brace. When could you drive? How bad was the shaved back of neck. Ha ha . I worry about silly things. Did you have to sleep sitting up for awhile? Are there limitations in your neck movement? I just retired 3 years ago from working 12 hours and driving an hour each way , so I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet. Ha Ha
at the end of april is when mine is going to happen, im really worried about how bad it'll be, they told me im having issues from C3-C7, not sure how many they will do, how many did you have done?? and how long was it before you noticed moving your neck wasn't as bad
Diane, I had posterior cervical fusion and laminectomy on C4-T1. I was just wondering how your neck and shoulder pain are because you haven’t done an update since three months after surgery. It’s been nine weeks since my surgery and that is my biggest problem. Since it’s been over a year since your surgery, does the pain become less? Do you still have to use the heating pad? Thanks in advance for any reply.
Hey - thanks for your comment. Well, I do still have neck and shoulder muscle pain. But it's far less than what it was when everything was still healing after the surgery. I kind of think I'm in the place where it's just going to be like this. A lot of things were sliced and diced with our neck muscles, so it might just be a new fact of life. It doesn't really inhibit me from doing anything, but there are times when my neck muscles esp. get really stiff and I do still use the heating pad. But the bottom line is, my function is, overall, great. But yeah I do still have lingering pain and stiffness that I just do what i have to do to work around. Hope your healing continues to improve!
thank you for sharing your experience! how about sleeping right afterwards and say the first 3 or 4 months? especially my dr says i will be in a hard collar and only allowed to take off for eating and showering. is it safe to sleep in your bed or would a recliner be better? oh! and i am a side sleeper and either way, do you have any tips on a specific type of pillow? ive been researching and comparing the Purple brand pillow and Casper...if anyone else reads my comment i welcome any advice /tips...thanks a bunch!!!!
Hi Kristy - my surgeon didn't have me wear a collar post-surgery, so I can't speak directly to your situation. But I used a zero-gravity chair (just bought it costco) to find a comfortable angle for sleep. I would think that would work with the collar too without much issue. I slept in it for the first few weeks after I was home and then was able to transition into my bed. You'll be on lots of drugs to make you sleepy, so perhaps you can overcome the side sleeping challenge for awhile :) Hope it all goes well for you!
Thank you Diane, I just met with my neurosurgeon and got the ugly truth c3-6 has absolutely no spinal fluid I have spinal stenosis! He suggested surgery and told me to go home and research and talk to my family about it! The surgeon also recommended I not wait to long to do it because I’ve already started having damage tremors in my hands and my neck and head pain in both upper arms tingly fingers, so I’m almost there just trying to figure out when to do this it’s such a long recovery ! How did you decide when to do it?
I apologize for the late reply, Denise. My symptoms started going downhill quite fast - that helped me to know I needed to make it happen. There will never be a perfect time, but the sooner you get the surgery over with, the sooner you can start the road to recovery.
I am so happy I came across your video. I am 3 months post op and I agree with everything you said. I had an anterior corpectomy and fusion. am weening off my collar and boy these neck and shoulder muscles are driving me in sane but I know it's a part of recover. How are you doing 3 yrs late? Are all of your symptoms gone? Was 12-18 months the time frame in which you would say you fully healed? I agree PT is making the most difference and walking is a necessity!
could you talk about how you sleep had back surgery 1.5 years ago an still not out of the woods ,thanks Paul am single an did the back alone but the neck has me worried
I have a serious question : have you felt vibrations in your body since the surgery!? **cervical laminectomy fusion** I’m almost 3 months in and if I move a certain way or get a hug (not even a tight hug) I get vibrations down my entire body or in the palm of my hands or legs ... I’m a bit scared ? Unsure if this has happen to anyone?!
Hi Yosy - I think I know what you're talking about. At about that point in my recovery, I would have that type of nerve pain shooting down my right leg when walking. Never when still. I think it takes awhile for all the nerves to find their new way of living. My PT showed me some stretches that helped to deal with it and the issue finally went away. But by all means, check with your doc if you're really concerned.
Thank you for your story and helpful tips. I'm worried as my husband seems to have lumps on the back of his neck it's been 12 weeks since his surgery. I hadn't noticed this until now. Its scary. I hope it's normal. It's not swelling it's hard. Feels like the metal work. I've searched and searched for information and can't find anything. Can you help?
Natalie, I'm sorry I don't have direct insight into that. That didn't happen to me. I remember my surgeon saying at one point that there's no way you could feel the hardware from skin because it's pretty deep. Not sure if that's across the board or not. It's probably worth a call to your husband's surgeon. I hope they can give a simple explanation for what's happening.
I have this exact same issue with my neck, except structurally , i think my neck is probably worse than yours. I have severe arthritis throughought my neck and severe stenosis at multiple levels of my neck. Im curious, what do you think caused your neck problem? Did you ever have any severe injuries you can recall? Do you work in front of a computer a lot? This is a strange disease because the cause is not really clear. My neursurgeon says he believes a lot of it is genetic. I am a military vet and definately , put a lot of pressure on my neck during those times tho.
Thanks so very much for your Diane for your videos…I have a question….I’m on my 4th month with the same surgery. This question is for your viewers and you….has anyone experienced or experiencing spasms or twitches in your arms/forearms /legs & shoulders? This is very worrisome…anyone who has experienced this please reach out 🙏
Hi Joe - I think I remember perhaps a few experiences of spasms in my arms. Can't really remember the exact timeframe. Are you going through physical therapy? Probably good to bring it to their attention if so.
@joepierri I am one month post op of my posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion. I too have had major muscle twitching and cramps in my neck shoulders and arms. I have been taking a magnesium vitamin and added muscle relaxers to my prescriptions along with eating extra bananas and avocados. These have helped a lot with the spasms and cramping but is has not gone away completely
I am having this surgery soon... A multilevel cervical laminectomy without fusion, at C3- C5. I am 57 and rather active still, my symptoms are minimal and intermitent- 1 bout of severe lumbar radiculopathy about 8 months ago that only lasted a few days, and since then only hand grip weakness and neck stiffness. I still walk 5 miles a day- my gait/ balance is unaffected but my orthopedist said some of my reflex tests were off. I want to know what to expect in terms of recovery- when I will be able to resume all daily activities - vacuming, scrubbing the tub, how soon will I be able to shower after surgery? Wash my hair? Build up to my previous walking distance? Will I need a neck brace? Thank you for any help... I am working with physical therapy.
Hi Annette - I answered on the other video, but for the other questions... I was in the hospital for 4 days and believe I had my first shower when I got home. I had help washing my hair in the first week home, but was able to do so pretty easily the second week. Every surgeon is different in what they suggest for post-surgical neck brace. I didn't wear one much at all after the surgery but I think I'm in the minority on that. Can't say about walking distance - once you're home, it will be a big advantage to start walking as much as you can just in terms of getting muscles back to normal. But this surgery takes a lot out of you, so normal stamina might be awhile.
Hi Randall - since I wasn't in a hard collar after surgery, I started driving short distances maybe at the 3 week point. But if you have an older car with no back up camera, you'll need to wait longer.
Hi Sandra. I need to record a full update sometime soon! I'm doing pretty well. The surgery really turned around my poor balance issues, a lot of the dexterity loss in my hands, and overall, just addressed a problem that would have otherwise left me paralyzed. My surgery was in Nov, 2019. My neck/shoulder muscles are still stiff, but I've learned to get them stretched and warmed up as best I can. Really tough surgery, but it did what it was supposed to do for me. Is your surgery coming up soon?
Hi Tammy - you mean after the surgery? Yeah, that all lasted awhile. PT helped. I think it's all part of the typical recovery after this type of surgery.
@@DianeMoore I'm getting zapped in my head and I'm having just a little muscle spasms in my shoulders. Did u have some problems with getting Zapp if so, how long did it last I'm so ready for this to stop its not everyday but some days it's All day
@@tammyjones1738 sorry it's so uncomfortable for you! It lasted several weeks for me - and kind of moved around. Your spinal cord will take awhile to settle down some, hopefully it becomes less noticeable as the days go on. Depending how far you out for surgery, ice might be be the best help. I used ice all the time for the first 3 weeks or so, and then switched to heat.
@@DianeMoore thx 4 replying. I had surgery anterior & posterior same day February 2021. Several disc removed in front & 3 vertebrates removed in the back. I come a long way. I had 2 get a recliner because I couldn't get comfortable in my bed. I couldn't hold a pen after surgery and barely walking. 5 months later I'm driving, cooking, walking very well etc. I'm just having some issues with being zap every now and then in my head and my shoulders are still swollen some and I'm still getting muscle spasms. That neck/shoulders heating pad helps a lot u suggested thanks 4 that I love it. I'm using a bone growth stimulator for 30 Mins a day. U said u have 2 use yours for 4 hours a day? Omg. I also brought a muscle stimulator to use on my shoulders 2 loosen up the muscle it feels good also. I am doing that also at physical therapy. My doctor said I'm well above my track I'm like 4 months ahead where I should b. I feel much better my back and neck was hurting so bad b4 surgery, numbness of fingers still there.
Hi, what exercises help in movement. I had my sergery in September last year and still mobility is very less. Can u please help me . M in need.. Please helpp me mam . U are an inspiration.. Salute to you
Hello - I don't really want to recommend an exercise since everyone is different, and what worked for me might not be good for you. Have you asked your doctor and/or surgeon for suggestions? Gentle, consistent stretching is the key, but the type of exercise you do should be one that's best for your situation.
I saw my surgeon the end of April. Had MRI done the first part of May. It showed spinal stenosis and several areas of my spinal cord are almost closed off. He told me the same thing your physician told you about not waiting too long. I have my surgery scheduled for August 23rd. I realize it will be a long recovery but am praying there will be no difficulty during this time. I wish you the best of luck.
@@DianeMoore I had C3-C6 and I'll be two weeks post-op on this Thursday August 22nd which just happens to be my 68th Birthday 🎂 I'm feeling so much better each and every day, I'm really glad that I went through with this and you've been a lot of help for me, thank you so much for sharing your Journey! Hope you're doing well 🙏
@DianeMoore Hello Mam I want to know whether you also had visual changes like shaking objects and difficulty on focusing moving or shaking objects due to stenosis/ myelopathy in your case?
@@DianeMoore thanks. MY FRIEND ALREADY DID. THE PLACEMENT OF SCREWS IS WHERE HE HAD TO GO. SO DON'T KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE. DID YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS.? CAN'T HOLD HEAD UP ALWAYS HEAD US DOWN. OK THEN
I'm have surgery Monday would love get to talk to people in a group chat. I'm a little scared about the surgery. Bur my problem was lower back pain so much so that I couldn't walk. Pain in my neck. Arms feel like on fire. They are removing C4 C5 and C6.
I'd say there's a slight bit more of, for lack of a better word, grinding when turning head left and right. But it's no big deal. In the early stages, it was a bit more pronounced than now.
@@DianeMoore I had surgery c2 to t2 fusion in the summer and I went to bed on Saturday and woke up Sunday with my neck squeaking went to the hospital and they did X-rays and ct scan and found nothing wrong they said rods and screws are okay. But its still squeaking but not as loud now waiting to talk back to the surgeon
Doing really well Teresa. Still some lingering nerve issues in my hand and muscle pain from the surgery, but the surgery was totally worth it in fixing what it was meant to fix.
I had ACDF surgery 8 months ago. My surgeon now wants to go into posterior and do the same procedure. I am having all the same symptoms you had. My question is how was the pain post surgery. The reason i ask, my doc said this is way way more painful than ACDF.
Very informative Diane..I am a retired critical care nurse(45yrs), who has been thru 4 spine surgeries..I previously had my neck done via ACDF, but now saying they will need to go in posteriorly..I have been told by many medical people it is very painful..I am mid 70's and it sounds pretty intense..
You are awesome and beautiful. I'm 3 days after surgery. You have calmed my fears.
Glad you got some encouragement. Hope your recovery is going well!
Love this as there isn't a lot on extensive posterior fusion. Thanks so much for this. I'm a C-2 to T1 PCDF with Lam and am almost 2 weeks post op and doing well. I wish you continued progress in your healing!
Joe how are you doing? I'm about to have the same surgery. How is your mobility?
@@matthewbodmer5552 I'm fine for the most part. I'm fully mobile with no issues. There are some symptoms that didn't go away after surgery but there was no guarantee they would all go away. But I can pretty much do everything I did before. Anything that requires looking up or down I had to adjust for, but nothing crazy. Pre-surgery I was more worried about left to right but that ain't so bad, up and down is where I notice it the most.
@@jgaita78 Thanks Joe, that's encouraging. What symptoms did you have that did not go away?
@@jgaita78 hi Joe, I just had this exact surgery . I'm at about 4 weeks post surgery and still taking pain meds frequently. How long was it until you could get off the pain meds?
@@kathyhutchings7933 I was told my progress was not normal and the majority didn't fit into the boat I was in. I was off all meds at 2 weeks. However I know many that were on pain meds for a while after surgery. I was more the exception than the rule, I got very lucky.
Appreciate your time and this video. I'm scheduled for C3-T2 Posterior surgery January 4 2023. Had ACDF on C4-6 in 2021.
Am grateful to be able to have the surgery. Bit less anxiety about it after your information. Thank you
How are you doing after the surgery Cindy?
I'm Greatful for this information!
I've had the same symptoms!
My surgery is on July 7th ! Thank you so much and good luck with your healing !!❤
Thank you for doing these! having posterior surgery in a couple weeks. I will have no choice but to be alone, so I hope it goes extremely well.
I just had the exact same surgery two weeks ago! Your videos were instrumental in preparing me mentally for what was to come. Thank you so much!❤️
I'm so glad you found them helpful, Adrien. Hope you're fully on the road to recovery!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have to have this surgery in 2 months and you are right it is hard to find someone who had pcdf and not acdf. Your story is so appreciated - it gives me an idea of what to expect. 2:58
Glad it’s an encouragement! You can do it!
Hi Diane, I am glad your pre surgery symptoms are gone. I had the same surgery performed in April 2014. I must say,I need a cane for balance now.the pain on my right shoulder travels down to my wrist everyday. The only time that I ampainfree is when I am lying down. All the best. Ellen.
So helpful. I’m getting 3 spinal processes removed,and couldn’t find anything about what covered that area!!
You look great considering it’s been 3 months when you posted this.
Thank you for sharing your journey, I had the same surgery from c2-c6 done on April 2019. Hope you a fast recovery.
Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm scheduled for Oct 19th so this helps me know what to expect. Prayers for continued healing!
God bless you as you get ready for surgery, Barbara. It will be good to get it behind you!
Thank you so much for sharing!! I am having Anterior & Posterior surgeries, at the same time. My surgeon seems to be an excellent surgeon. But he didn't explain, at all, what I can expect, following the surgeries. He did speak more, abt Anterior and very little, except Pain w Posterior. This video has helped alot. Again, thank you!
Glad the videos have been of help to you, Nicole. Best wishes for your surgeries and recovery!
Thank you for doing these videos! I am one month post surgery and doing well going for first post surgery X-rays in 2 days and hoping they will allow me to ween off the hard collar and possibly get the word that I can start driving soon. Your videos offer great inspiration and hope for movement...walking IS KEY!
You're welcome! Yep - taking regular walks was a big benefit for me.
Hi Dianne I'm Gary
I live in Southampton UK.
I am slated to go in to hospital early next year.
I have Cervical Stenosis with mylopethy
The spinal cord has is showing some signs of damage.
I am at the stage i can barely walk.
And unsteady on my feet
Also numbness in legs sometimes also in my arms and hands fingers similar to carpol tunnel.
Im 56 and have already had lumber spinal surgery back in 2009.
That did not work for me.
I am terrified of going for the operation
Not just because of the pain i remember all to well after my lower spinal surgery
But I'm worried about how i will be after the surgery seeing as my lumber spinal surgery didn't work out for me.
I am so glad you seemed to be doing well after you're ordeal.
I don't know anyone else who is / has been through this so to gain some insight is helpful
Although scary.
I live on my own after my relationship fell apart after 25 years
And am living in a small flat that is a mess its not a home fit to come back to recover
Especially being on my own.
😢
A lot of tough stuff to deal with. Hopefully once you get on the other side of the surgery, you’ll start to see some things looking up!
I am 4 weeks post op of anterior and posterior surgery, so i really appreciate your video.
Hope your recovery is going well!
It is very painful, I'd rather have birth every day; however, meds are amazing and help me a lot! Can't wait to be pain free! Thanks!
@@claudiacruz2323 Hi Claudia. Thanks for sharing your update. It's been 2 or 3 months since your surgery? Is you pain still intense? I know what childbirth pain is like but it's over as soon as the child is born. I had ACDF 13 years ago and I honestly can't remember what my pain level was like. I am hearing more people saying the pain from a laminectomy (through the back) is so much worse. Ouch! How are you doing? Sending healing energy your way!
Thank you 🙏🏽 Your videos have been an amazing resource for me. I’m at 3 months post-op. Laminectomy and fusion c3 -c6 -posterior. This is a lonely journey until you connect with others who’ve been there. Thank you for recommending the face book groups as well.
So glad they've been helpful for you, Allan. Hope you're getting to the point where you're seeing some really positive changes beyond the 3 month mark.
@@DianeMoore yes, I’m starting to see improvement. I still have challenges but I’m feeling good about my recovery. By the way… your suggestion of getting a heating pad was so instrumental in my comfort. I still sit with my heating pad on most of the day. Thank you 🙏🏽. Thank you also for your reply I was thrilled to receive it.
@@allanbrinson9592 glad for the good report!
I go July 1st for cervical 2 through thoracic 2 posterior laminectomy, discectomy, and fusion . Ty for this information.
Thank you for your videos, Their is not a lot for posterior. I wanted to do one from the day of my surgery 2 weeks ago but the surgeon and the surgical center wouldn't allow. 2 weeks from Posterior C5-C6 still in a neck brace doctors orders and staples for another week. Muscle spams and surgical site seem to be my problem area's of pain the most. Besides that the same as your videos still the numbness in the fingertips sometimes. I might do a video after my first post op doctor visit next week. Stay strong and stay safe and thank you again for your advice it does really help to hear from others experience.
Hope your recovery goes smoothly, Austin!
Incredibly well done. Thank y
Hope it helps! I'd be very grateful for you to subscribe to the channel
Thank you! I just got my 2nd covid jab and I can schedule my 2nd surgery soon. I have not forgotten the pain i felt when I awakened in recovery.
My first surgery was 3.5 years ago and was anterior. My surgeon has told me this one is more complicated and difficult. It may take more than a week for recovery.
The first time I was supported during my recovery by my daughter.
My hospital has had an influx of new covid patients from Spring holiday celebration. There is a no visitor enforcement.
I don't want my girl there. She is immunocompromised.
I am having extreme anxiety in anticipation.
I was on my back at a 90° recline for the first 48 hours. I cannot imagine lying on an incision. I haven't been able to find an answer.
I guess I will know post surgery.
P.S. You are right about post surgery pain. I had NO neck pain prior but holy cow, it never ends.
Thank you again for sharing.
I'm sorry you're facing these additional challenges. I hope you can find a clear way to get some support after the surgery without putting your daughter in a tough position.
Thank you for posting your videos, they’re very helpful in hearing what you experienced during your recovery. I had PCDF with Laminectomy from C3 to T1, almost 7 weeks ago. I’m still experiencing a lot of pain, but much less than the first several weeks. I have painful cramping in my neck and across my shoulder blades, tightness, aching, stiff and sore. One of my arms has these issues as well since surgery. I have painful muscle spasms in my neck. I’m just using Tylenol now, heating pad, sometimes ice. I’ll look into muscle relaxants as you mention. Mobility in my neck is still limited, hopefully this improves in another month. My physiotherapy hasn’t started yet. Hopefully I will see more improvements over the next month.
Sounds like you're definitely seeing progress, Susan. It's a slow, long road but I saw steady improvement as the months went on. God bless you in your recovery!
@@DianeMoore thank you for your reply and sharing your experience. I start physiotherapy tomorrow. I hope you’re doing well and God bless you.
Thanks I will appreciate any help in preparing for this procedure.
I am so sorry you are still having so much pain. It must be exhausting for you. This is exactly what I am recommended to have. I am so scared and anxious about it. At present I am waiting for appointments for a second opinion. Are you able to drive yet? Or work?
Hi Diane, thank you for these videos. I am being told I will need a similar surgery due to my ossification of posterior ligament. I dont have as much as your symptoms, I have no balance or gait issues, yet; and I only have pinprick sensations on my shoulder or forearms. Some short duration numbness on my fingers. My ncv tests were normal. Like you I am a bit of a piano player. I am somewhat worried about going through surgery this early in my stages but I feel encouraged watching your videos. I am due for another visit to my neurologist this week and possibly get another round of mri. I was diagnosed 7 months ago and recommended for surgery within a few months. Thanks for these. It comforts me to see someone go through something similar and help me be less anxious.
Great - happy to be a success story.
I too had OPLL, you are blessed to have caught it before it caused gait issues. How are you doing now? Did you have the surgery?
Thank you for all your videos which have been helpful and give hope to others like my wife. She has the same symptoms that you had and is scheduled for surgery in about 1 week! Your video has made it easier to make the decision to have the surgery and given my wife hope for recovery! Thank you and may God Bless you and your family!
Glad to hear it Doug! Hope she's doing well.
Your videos are so helpful. Facing C-3-C-7 (?L1) I am good when I have real world knowledge. This is so helpful. Appreciate you putting yourself out there for all of us.
Glad it was helpful!
This helped me a lot to know to be patient. How about another follow up?
I'm getting same surgery done in 2 days. Thank you for sharing...you help prep me.
GLad it helped. How are you doing?
@DianeMoore I'm 5 week post op. The FB group help tremendously. I had my surgery done. I opt to go thru my surgery with no pain meds just Tylenol if it gets tough... before surgery I was wheelchair bond. I'm now up and walking. I still get overwhelmed and dealing with fatigue but overall my doc says he can't believe I'm walking... minor muscle spasm, muscle stiffness, etc. But all went away by week 4 post op. Only symptoms I have is tingling and numbness to feet and hand.
@@brutal.blunt.truths sounds like you're doing great overall! I hope the hardest points are all well behind you by now.
Thank you for letting me know about postoperative things. I have two stenoses in the cervical spine and a cyst between the vertebrae. It was revealed in magnetic resonance imaging. Maybe surgery in front. It then sees when I meet a neurology surgeon.
Thank you, I'm going into the same surgery that you had done tomorrow morning. Listening to use give me a greater confidence and optimism
I'm glad it was encouraging for you. How'd the surgery go?
Appreciate this video. Im about to have my second cervical spine surgery Dec 13. 2022. The first was in 2012, Anterior fusions C4-7. I was rear ended twice within a 2 week stint early summer and now am having same anterior, with removal of fusions and replacement and a Posterior Lam. as well simultaneously.
What can I say , Im flipping scared. You helped me see there is a community out there and I will have to endure the pain that comes with recovery as best as I can. Id love to know more of the groups for support. Thanks ! Josephine K
Hi Josephine - I understand the being scared part! God bless you as you go through the surgery. It will be good to get it behind you.
Thanks for walking us through your experience following surgery. I am fearful about my upcoming surgery, which will cover more than one cervical area. Thanks for your help and advice. I will be purchasing the neck/shoulder heating pad.
Hi Kat - I understand the nervousness. Hope these videos help you to know a bit more about what you might expect. God bless you as you go through the process.
Stay healthy you tube needs u❤!
Thank you for mentioning the stamina. It feels frustrating to not just snap back. Glad to know it is normal.
Thank you so much darling. Your video did exactly what you intended. Thank you for posting I will follow you and find you on Facebook. I am encouraged to make my own video. You rock Lady
You're very welcome Benjamin. Would love to see more videos on this - we all can benefit from seeing each other's journeys in this.
Hey Diane, I just watched your 3 month recovery video. Very helpful. I’m interested in the reason why some surgeons advocate posterior and others looking at the same information recommend the anterior approach. Posterior seems a more difficult surgery to recover from. Can you tell me why posterior was the right decision for you?
Thank you, Karen N.
Hey Karen - well everyone's situation is different. But for me, I was originally told I'd need ACDF from an orthopedic surgeon. I got a second opinion from a neurosurgeon who advocated for PCDF. He was honest that it would be much harder to recover from, but with my issue, he said that ACDF would only be a partial solution and that I'd likely be back for PCDF in a few years when the symptoms returned. After weighing the info, I decided to go for the PCDF in hopes that it's a one and done solution. So far, so good!
@@DianeMoore sounds familiar. Neurosurgeon said posterior Ortho said anterior. I will ask more questions tomorrow w neurosurgeon. Felt like I got a better exam w neurosurgeon. Plus, ortho is day surgery 2hrs from home, neurosurgeon is local in hospital. Can you explain why some say no pain in hospital?
@@jamesnugent6547 Hmm - I really haven't heard that. Certainly the goal would be that the hospital helps to get the initial surgery pain under control quickly. But you have to get yourself to the spot with pain medicines that you can actually leave to go home. :)
Thank you so much for these videos! I have been told a few days ago that I will need a surgery. Watching your videos are very helpful to know what I can somewhat expect (I know every situation is different).
Please post more videos. I hope you are feeling better.
Hope your progress is going well Flora.
Thank you so much for sharing. I just had surgery on 29Feb2024. posterior cervical fusion and foraminotomy at C5-C6 and C6-C7. I had the anterior cervical fusion 2 years ago. This one is worse. But you gave me hope.
God bless you as you move through your recovery. It takes time.
@@DianeMoore Hello Diane. I was rear-ended in a car accident and I am scheduled to have a laminectomy at C3-C4 in December 2024. Did I see on one of your videos that vitamin A and another vitamin helped with healing? I have had 3 ACDF surgeries, so the surgeon doesn't want to go through the front. I'm getting nervous hearing that the pain is much worse than it is with an ACDF. Anymore tips would be helpful and thank you. I hope you are now completing healed. Sending healing energy your way!
@@RamonaJ. Wow, Ramona. Sorry to hear about the accident. No, I really don't have any knowledge of any specific vitamin usage or recommendations. Must have been someone else. I share lots of tips in my videos on the neck surgery playlist - hope you can find some of them to be helpful.
@@DianeMoore Thank you Diane for your reply.
Diana i had my surgery in the front of my neck they worked with my spine 4 to 7 feeling better only no strength walking but getting very tired but getting there god bless you
Thank you dear for making this video my surgery is in the morning 445am. This was helpful!
Glad I could be of help! Check back in and let me know how your surgery went.
I am supposed to have C3-T-1 laminectomy with fusion. I am in the process of getting a second opinion. I am so scared! Your videos are so helpful. I appreciate your honesty and tips. How did you wrap your head around knowing it is more than 3 months of pain? I have been through other painful experiences but his one is very frightening to me. I am worried about the outcome. Thank you so much.
Thanks so much Diane!!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
I can’t thank you enough for these videos. You are an angel and a hero. My mom is 71 years old and she saw this and forwarded it to me because she is having a posterior laminectomy and Fusion from C5 to T1. She’s also diabetic and has a lot of other complications and they have to check her heart to make sure it is strong enough to go through this procedure. She is a very young 71 But has a lot of health complications. As her daughter, I can tell you she is my rock on earth secondary to Jesus Christ. My husband and my parents mean the world to me. I’m so worried about the surgery and anything you can tell me about how you were doing now would be so helpful. God bless you and I pray you are stronger every day.
Hi - thanks for your kind note. And with Jesus Christ as your rock, you've made the best choice. :) I'm doing very well. If you have more specific questions I can answer, please feel free to email me at diane@dianemooremedia.com
I wish I had this outcome! Unfortunately the surgeon bumped a nerve and affected mobility in my upper limbs! About a month out of surgery and still in a lot of pain and numbness!
Thanks for posting your experience with your laminectomy. Question: how many vertebrae were affected in your surgery, and which ones? How much has your neck mobility been affected?
Thank you
Hi Camilo - my surgery was C3-C7. At this point, I'd say my neck mobility is quite good. I don't think I can turn quite as far as I could before the surgery, but I try to turn more with my torso rather than neck. The only place I can really tell a different is in looking up - I think the hardware placement makes that a bit more difficult now.
Thank you for these informative videos! A family is going in for a similar procedure this week. We have a long car ride home.. any recommendations for the long car ride. Do you have a list of items that helped with recovery? It’s encouraging to see your progress! Ty!
Hi James - I hope their surgery went well. I list a few items in the various videos that you might find to be helpful.
Hello, I just had posterior cervical laminectomy-fusion C2-T1 on May 3rd. How do I connect with some of these groups of others who have gone through this surgery? I am having issues with my deltoid muscles on my left arm called C-5 palsy. Did you have any issues with the nerves in your arms after surgery surgery ?
Check the links in the video caption. It took a while for the nerves to "wake up" as my surgeon said after the surgery.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This helps me feel better since I might be going through similar surgery.
I have a question for you though. Why do you opted to have Laminectomy instead of Laminoplasty?
Glad it's been an encouragement for you, Gerry. Honestly, laminectomy was the only thing recommended by my surgeon, so laminoplasty was never a consideration for me. I'm sure different situations warrant different courses of action.
Hi Diane I have cevcel meylobothy and I will need surgery and before your surgery did your hand use to jump?
I'm not sure what your question means.
hi Diane, just curious..how long did you notice you were dealing with the myelopathy? for years? months? before you knew you had to treat it? how long did they tell you that your spinal cord was compressed?
Hi John - I had pain in my hands for maybe 7 or 8 months before my surgery.
Hi! I’m having this surgery this month. I’m 80 and have osteoporosis and arthritis. My question.. how long did you wear a neck brace. When could you drive? How bad was the shaved back of neck. Ha ha . I worry about silly things. Did you have to sleep sitting up for awhile? Are there limitations in your neck movement? I just retired 3 years ago from working 12 hours and driving an hour each way , so I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet. Ha Ha
at the end of april is when mine is going to happen, im really worried about how bad it'll be, they told me im having issues from C3-C7, not sure how many they will do, how many did you have done?? and how long was it before you noticed moving your neck wasn't as bad
C3-C7. It takes time. The PT exercises and the consistency in doing them is key.
Diane, I had posterior cervical fusion and laminectomy on C4-T1. I was just wondering how your neck and shoulder pain are because you haven’t done an update since three months after surgery. It’s been nine weeks since my surgery and that is my biggest problem.
Since it’s been over a year since your surgery, does the pain become less? Do you still have to use the heating pad?
Thanks in advance for any reply.
Hey - thanks for your comment. Well, I do still have neck and shoulder muscle pain. But it's far less than what it was when everything was still healing after the surgery. I kind of think I'm in the place where it's just going to be like this. A lot of things were sliced and diced with our neck muscles, so it might just be a new fact of life. It doesn't really inhibit me from doing anything, but there are times when my neck muscles esp. get really stiff and I do still use the heating pad. But the bottom line is, my function is, overall, great. But yeah I do still have lingering pain and stiffness that I just do what i have to do to work around. Hope your healing continues to improve!
Thank you. I was looking for more videos like yours
Hope it helps!
Been a year now. I'm much better . My hand is still recovering, but got feeling in it. Again thanks to the facebook group and your videos.
@@artbunker glad to hear it!
Awesome job. Thank you.
Hope it helps!
Did you do anything special for your diet to help with healing?
Lots of vegetables and probably more protein than normal. Not sure it made a difference but doesn’t hurt 🙂
thank you for sharing your experience! how about sleeping right afterwards and say the first 3 or 4 months? especially my dr says i will be in a hard collar and only allowed to take off for eating and showering. is it safe to sleep in your bed or would a recliner be better? oh! and i am a side sleeper and either way, do you have any tips on a specific type of pillow? ive been researching and comparing the Purple brand pillow and Casper...if anyone else reads my comment i welcome any advice /tips...thanks a bunch!!!!
Hi Kristy - my surgeon didn't have me wear a collar post-surgery, so I can't speak directly to your situation. But I used a zero-gravity chair (just bought it costco) to find a comfortable angle for sleep. I would think that would work with the collar too without much issue. I slept in it for the first few weeks after I was home and then was able to transition into my bed. You'll be on lots of drugs to make you sleepy, so perhaps you can overcome the side sleeping challenge for awhile :) Hope it all goes well for you!
Thank you so much!!
Thank you Diane, I just met with my neurosurgeon and got the ugly truth c3-6 has absolutely no spinal fluid I have spinal stenosis! He suggested surgery and told me to go home and research and talk to my family about it! The surgeon also recommended I not wait to long to do it because I’ve already started having damage tremors in my hands and my neck and head pain in both upper arms tingly fingers, so I’m almost there just trying to figure out when to do this it’s such a long recovery ! How did you decide when to do it?
I apologize for the late reply, Denise. My symptoms started going downhill quite fast - that helped me to know I needed to make it happen. There will never be a perfect time, but the sooner you get the surgery over with, the sooner you can start the road to recovery.
Thank you so much for your sharing as I’m going to be going thru this on June 1st so I’m grateful for the tips and your experience....👍🥴
You're very welcome, Barbara. If you can, join the facebook group too - lots of people willing to help (including me!) :)
I am so happy I came across your video. I am 3 months post op and I agree with everything you said. I had an anterior corpectomy and fusion. am weening off my collar and boy these neck and shoulder muscles are driving me in sane but I know it's a part of recover. How are you doing 3 yrs late? Are all of your symptoms gone? Was 12-18 months the time frame in which you would say you fully healed? I agree PT is making the most difference and walking is a necessity!
Doing pretty well at the 4 year plus point.
could you talk about how you sleep had back surgery 1.5 years ago an still not out of the woods ,thanks Paul am single an did the back alone but the neck has me worried
I talk about it a good bit in the video, but I slept in a zero gravity chair for awhile. Then had to find the right pillow to sleep in bed again.
I have a serious question : have you felt vibrations in your body since the surgery!?
**cervical laminectomy fusion**
I’m almost 3 months in and if I move a certain way or get a hug (not even a tight hug) I get vibrations down my entire body or in the palm of my hands or legs ... I’m a bit scared ? Unsure if this has happen to anyone?!
Hi Yosy - I think I know what you're talking about. At about that point in my recovery, I would have that type of nerve pain shooting down my right leg when walking. Never when still. I think it takes awhile for all the nerves to find their new way of living. My PT showed me some stretches that helped to deal with it and the issue finally went away. But by all means, check with your doc if you're really concerned.
You veido helped me love you wish u good health ameen
Thank you for your story and helpful tips. I'm worried as my husband seems to have lumps on the back of his neck it's been 12 weeks since his surgery. I hadn't noticed this until now. Its scary. I hope it's normal. It's not swelling it's hard. Feels like the metal work. I've searched and searched for information and can't find anything. Can you help?
Natalie, I'm sorry I don't have direct insight into that. That didn't happen to me. I remember my surgeon saying at one point that there's no way you could feel the hardware from skin because it's pretty deep. Not sure if that's across the board or not. It's probably worth a call to your husband's surgeon. I hope they can give a simple explanation for what's happening.
I have this exact same issue with my neck, except structurally , i think my neck is probably worse than yours. I have severe arthritis throughought my neck and severe stenosis at multiple levels of my neck. Im curious, what do you think caused your neck problem? Did you ever have any severe injuries you can recall? Do you work in front of a computer a lot? This is a strange disease because the cause is not really clear. My neursurgeon says he believes a lot of it is genetic. I am a military vet and definately , put a lot of pressure on my neck during those times tho.
No injuries. My surgeon said it’s probably genetic.
did the surgeon suggest laminaplasty? was there a reason why he thought fusion was the best way to go?
Wasn't suggested in my case.
Wow thanks a million
Very welcome - hope the videos have helped.
Do you have pain and stiffness on middle /upper back?
just around shoulders, but everyone is different
Thanks so very much for your Diane for your videos…I have a question….I’m on my 4th month with the same surgery.
This question is for your viewers and you….has anyone experienced or experiencing spasms or twitches in your arms/forearms /legs & shoulders?
This is very worrisome…anyone who has experienced this please reach out 🙏
Hi Joe - I think I remember perhaps a few experiences of spasms in my arms. Can't really remember the exact timeframe. Are you going through physical therapy? Probably good to bring it to their attention if so.
@joepierri I am one month post op of my posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion. I too have had major muscle twitching and cramps in my neck shoulders and arms. I have been taking a magnesium vitamin and added muscle relaxers to my prescriptions along with eating extra bananas and avocados. These have helped a lot with the spasms and cramping but is has not gone away completely
I am having this surgery soon... A multilevel cervical laminectomy without fusion, at C3- C5. I am 57 and rather active still, my symptoms are minimal and intermitent- 1 bout of severe lumbar radiculopathy about 8 months ago that only lasted a few days, and since then only hand grip weakness and neck stiffness. I still walk 5 miles a day- my gait/ balance is unaffected but my orthopedist said some of my reflex tests were off. I want to know what to expect in terms of recovery- when I will be able to resume all daily activities - vacuming, scrubbing the tub, how soon will I be able to shower after surgery? Wash my hair? Build up to my previous walking distance? Will I need a neck brace? Thank you for any help... I am working with physical therapy.
Hi Annette - I answered on the other video, but for the other questions... I was in the hospital for 4 days and believe I had my first shower when I got home. I had help washing my hair in the first week home, but was able to do so pretty easily the second week. Every surgeon is different in what they suggest for post-surgical neck brace. I didn't wear one much at all after the surgery but I think I'm in the minority on that. Can't say about walking distance - once you're home, it will be a big advantage to start walking as much as you can just in terms of getting muscles back to normal. But this surgery takes a lot out of you, so normal stamina might be awhile.
Hows been now since surgery. Pain movement etc
hi - overall, pretty well. Definitely still some neck stiffness from the muscles, but overall, the surgery did what it was supposed to do. :)
Hi Diane, will you be giving a 10-12 month update soon?
Thanks for the reminder - I'm almost at the one year mark. I'll do another video!
My dad has same surgery on 6/9/2022, but now he is suffering from sever pain at operation site. Is it normal or something else??
Plz help me out
Sorry to hear that. Could probably be a few different reasons. If you haven't, best to call surgeon's office and act.
When were you able to drive again?
Hi Randall - since I wasn't in a hard collar after surgery, I started driving short distances maybe at the 3 week point. But if you have an older car with no back up camera, you'll need to wait longer.
How are you doing with your surgery, do you have any updates?
Hi Sandra. I need to record a full update sometime soon! I'm doing pretty well. The surgery really turned around my poor balance issues, a lot of the dexterity loss in my hands, and overall, just addressed a problem that would have otherwise left me paralyzed. My surgery was in Nov, 2019. My neck/shoulder muscles are still stiff, but I've learned to get them stretched and warmed up as best I can. Really tough surgery, but it did what it was supposed to do for me. Is your surgery coming up soon?
Please how can I get the bone growth stimulator and the heating pad?
The heating pad can come from Amazon. Your surgeon will need to prescribe the bone growth stimulator.
How long did you wear a collar?
I talk about it in the video - I only wore the collar before surgery. Some surgeons choose that route.
Hi Mrs Diana did u have any nerve pain/spasms in your head or shoulders ?
Hi Tammy - you mean after the surgery? Yeah, that all lasted awhile. PT helped. I think it's all part of the typical recovery after this type of surgery.
@@DianeMoore I'm getting zapped in my head and I'm having just a little muscle spasms in my shoulders. Did u have some problems with getting Zapp if so, how long did it last I'm so ready for this to stop its not everyday but some days it's All day
@@DianeMoore I ordered that heating neck/shoulder pad it help relax my shoulder muscles I don't think my muscle relaxer pills are working
@@tammyjones1738 sorry it's so uncomfortable for you! It lasted several weeks for me - and kind of moved around. Your spinal cord will take awhile to settle down some, hopefully it becomes less noticeable as the days go on. Depending how far you out for surgery, ice might be be the best help. I used ice all the time for the first 3 weeks or so, and then switched to heat.
@@DianeMoore thx 4 replying. I had surgery anterior & posterior same day February 2021. Several disc removed in front & 3 vertebrates removed in the back. I come a long way. I had 2 get a recliner because I couldn't get comfortable in my bed. I couldn't hold a pen after surgery and barely walking. 5 months later I'm driving, cooking, walking very well etc. I'm just having some issues with being zap every now and then in my head and my shoulders are still swollen some and I'm still getting muscle spasms. That neck/shoulders heating pad helps a lot u suggested thanks 4 that I love it. I'm using a bone growth stimulator for 30 Mins a day. U said u have 2 use yours for 4 hours a day? Omg. I also brought a muscle stimulator to use on my shoulders 2 loosen up the muscle it feels good also. I am doing that also at physical therapy. My doctor said I'm well above my track I'm like 4 months ahead where I should b. I feel much better my back and neck was hurting so bad b4 surgery, numbness of fingers still there.
I just had the same surgery
Hope you're doing well and some strength is returning each day.
Hi, what exercises help in movement. I had my sergery in September last year and still mobility is very less. Can u please help me . M in need.. Please helpp me mam . U are an inspiration.. Salute to you
Hello - I don't really want to recommend an exercise since everyone is different, and what worked for me might not be good for you. Have you asked your doctor and/or surgeon for suggestions? Gentle, consistent stretching is the key, but the type of exercise you do should be one that's best for your situation.
I saw my surgeon the end of April. Had MRI done the first part of May. It showed spinal stenosis and several areas of my spinal cord are almost closed off. He told me the same thing your physician told you about not waiting too long. I have my surgery scheduled for August 23rd. I realize it will be a long recovery but am praying there will be no difficulty during this time. I wish you the best of luck.
@Diane Moore - Thank you for your suggestion.. Yes gentle stretching and yoga 🧘♀️ is what my doc recommended
@ Sarah - Thank u. Wish you good luck too
@@shambhawisinha8860 Hello what was your surgery and where did you do it and how are you feeling now?
Hey. Are your original symptoms gone
I talk about in the video
Are violent muscle spasms normal? Thanks
I'm not sure what counts as violent, but they'll sure be tight for quite a while.
@@DianeMoore I had C3-C6 and I'll be two weeks post-op on this Thursday August 22nd which just happens to be my 68th Birthday 🎂 I'm feeling so much better each and every day, I'm really glad that I went through with this and you've been a lot of help for me, thank you so much for sharing your Journey! Hope you're doing well 🙏
@DianeMoore Hello Mam
I want to know whether you also had visual changes like shaking objects and difficulty on focusing moving or shaking objects due to stenosis/ myelopathy in your case?
@@priyankatangariya5642 no issues like that
I am asking for a friend feb 2022 surgery still pain PT not helping. C1 and c2 cant move neck. Need help???
Your friend should definitely be talking to their surgeon about the issue.
@@DianeMoore thanks. MY FRIEND ALREADY DID. THE PLACEMENT OF SCREWS IS WHERE HE HAD TO GO. SO DON'T KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE. DID YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS.? CAN'T HOLD HEAD UP ALWAYS HEAD US DOWN. OK THEN
I'm have surgery Monday would love get to talk to people in a group chat. I'm a little scared about the surgery. Bur my problem was lower back pain so much so that I couldn't walk. Pain in my neck. Arms feel like on fire. They are removing C4 C5 and C6.
How'd the surgery go, Joe?
@@DianeMoore it was rescheduled for May 25th
Had surgery need help to.talk
Does your neck make noise
I'd say there's a slight bit more of, for lack of a better word, grinding when turning head left and right. But it's no big deal. In the early stages, it was a bit more pronounced than now.
@@DianeMoore I had surgery c2 to t2 fusion in the summer and I went to bed on Saturday and woke up Sunday with my neck squeaking went to the hospital and they did X-rays and ct scan and found nothing wrong they said rods and screws are okay. But its still squeaking but not as loud now waiting to talk back to the surgeon
How are you doing?
Doing really well Teresa. Still some lingering nerve issues in my hand and muscle pain from the surgery, but the surgery was totally worth it in fixing what it was meant to fix.
how many levels
Mine ended up being C3-C7
@@DianeMoore ty
I had 4 discs repaired first go round. Have developed my decay and grew some lovely bone spurs to be removed this go round.
I had ACDF surgery 8 months ago. My surgeon now wants to go into posterior and do the same procedure. I am having all the same symptoms you had. My question is how was the pain post surgery. The reason i ask, my doc said this is way way more painful than ACDF.
I talk about that in the video
@@DianeMoore TWIT