NECK SURGERY | PCDF | 2 year report | Posterior cervical laminectomy spinal stenosis myelopathy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ย. 2021
- Posterior cervical laminectomy with fusion surgery. There seem to be lots of videos for the ACDF or anterior surgery, so I'm happy to tell my posterior (PCLF) story. I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis with myelopathy. My spinal surgery affected C3-C7.
I speak only of my personal experience. I am not a medical professional.
Here are some links to the items I mentioned that I found to be helpful.
Neck TENS unit (many choices are available): amzn.to/3YiYivu
Neck/shoulder heating pad (many choices are available): amzn.to/3JTzF4d
Hard lacrosse balls to help with muscle knots: amzn.to/3JTzWEh
Sutera pillow: amzn.to/3YtWgbW
Some links above are affiliate links - but I only recommend products that I have personally tried and endorse. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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Thank you Diane…I had surgery 2/9/24…I’m now 3 months out, and have been so discouraged because of the fatigue with the slightest of activity. I actually thought I had some other health issue. So I’m encouraged now and won’t be so hard on myself…thank you for sharing….God bless you .
So glad it's an encouragement. Yep - the fatigue is no joke! Hopefully you'll start to feel some more energy as your recovery continues!
I have so much fatigue before the surgery, so hopefully, in 5 days, when I get mine done, it helps me.
Hi Dianne. I came across your videos as I'm researching for my surgery. I'm levels c3-t1. Thank you for doing these videos. It helps me understand how recovery might be.
Glad they're of some help to you Liz
@lizandlow717 how are you doing and what do you suggest because I’m having the same surgery
Thank you for all the info. I dread it, but hopefully it won’t be any worse than the triple heart bypass I went thru 2 years ago.
Thanks again for the insight. I appreciate these videos.
Hope they're helpful for you Randy
Good to hear you Diane
I am 4 months after surgery and going for physio. Thanks for ALL your help
Sonja I'm so glad you're progressing in your recovery!
I just came across your videos and am glad I did. I will be having surgery in about 3 weeks. I am not looking forward to it all, but I have found your videos helpful.
Thank you for taking the time to put them out there.
I will reach out as you have suggested to Facebook groups.
I hope you are doing well.
Again, thanks 😊
Glad you've found them helpful Connie! God bless you as you get that surgery behind you :)
Diane - excellent videos - really helpful - thank you for sharing.
So glad they've been of help to you!
Ty for making these videos. My surgery is in 10 days and I’m apprehensive but you’re helping me with many of my questions.
Thanks for videos! My husband is fixing to go through this in December 22. Nice to have some insights and advice.
Hope they're helpful as you go through it with him
Thanks so much for your update; not only for your positivity, but also your realism! I had Anterior surgery with a large plate spanning C3-C6 18 years ago; then about 18 months ago the disc above the plate ruptured; plus we found failed fusion posteriorly with a couple of screws working their way out! So after months of waiting because of COVID, I had posterior Laminectomy C3-C6 with fixation bars. I am now about 1 year out; and I can attest that it takes a long time to fully recover; but I can walk! You tip about the TENS unit is fantastic and I ordered one because, like you, I still have angry muscles back there! I will look up the facebook group as well. Thanks again!
So glad you found the videos helpful! Best wishes for your continued overcoming in recovery.
thank you so much for sharing your experience. i meet with my neurosurgeon tomorrow and im less nervous
Diane, thank you for the videos. I am going through the same surgery in 3 days. I too, have a congenital narrow spinal column. 14mm vs the normal 18mm. I am extremely anxious but you videos are giving me strength. Thank you.❤
Glad they could help you know more of what to expect. Hope the surgery went well for you, Kristen. It's good to be on the side to be able to start recovery.
Very good video series
I just had the surgory 9/30 recovery challenging but doing well, thanks for posting your videos.
Glad the recovery is going well for you - hope it continues to be smooth!
Thank you, good information.
EXCELLENT ADVICE .THANK YOU!
You bet!
Thank you, I’m about to go through a 1-7 posterior fusion at 82 it’s a little daunting, I’m getting a 2nd opinion from an older orthopedic doctor.
Glad you're able to get a second opinion - never a bad idea with something like this. God bless you in the process, Miriam!
...good review Diane !! ...me too !!! ... still numb, but a success !!!.... after 9 months !!
Glad you're seeing some success. Patience is key.
Hi Dianne. I just came across your videos while researching my surgery. I am waiting to have the same posterior laminectomy with fusion. C3-c7. Mine is also congenital plus acquired. I used to play rugby when I lived in the UK years ago and prolapsed 2 discs, so there is a lot of wear and tear. I’m 53 now and live in Sydney Australia. I have severe shoulder and arm pain and your videos have definitely given me some hope for a great recovery. Thank you.
Hi David - glad my story has been helpful. The recovery is tough, but it's certainly been worth it for me.
thank you for your youtube videos. I am going in oct 2nd for surgery.
You're welcome. Hope the surgery went well! It's good to be on the other side of it.
THANK YOU.
You bet!
Im having a Posterior cervical laminectomy decompression on 2/3/23. This video was very informative and encouraging
Really glad you found my videos to be helpful. God bless you as you go through the surgery and begin the recovery!
Hi Diane , thank you for sharing your journey . I had emergency surgery 8 months ago . I had Sepsis from a cervical epidural abscess / 6 Level Posterior Diskectomy- Laminectomy , Rods and Screws . C2 to T1 .It has been a rough recovery . Thank you for your encouragement . I am also a musician . God bless you
Hang in there, Tony - hopefully time will help.
@@DianeMoore Thank you . Wishing you the very best
Hi Diane..Glad to find your videos, but I do like the fb group, although it is scary listening to some complications..We are a medical family so very experienced with medical info..I am 74 and have had 4 spine surgeries..I had a neck ACDF a year ago..I am very nervous about proceeding with this surgery.. I have my pre op appt 8/1..
I'm 4 weeks post surgery (c3-c6), I expected the pain to be bad, post op, but I was not expecting the pain that I was getting 1 week post op, I'm pritty good with pain, but this was the first time in my life that it has ever made me scream and reduce me to tears... Thankfully this only lassted a couple of days and things started to improve from then on. I'm feel now things are much better and can look back and say it's worth it, I have issues with my left shoulder, arm and hands, but hopefully in time these may improve, but even if they don't for me it's a good trade off knowing that I'm not going to end up in a wheelchair because of my neck. I'm encourage by what you have said in this video, it's nice to know your not alone.
I’m getting ready to have the exact same surgery in the exact area c3-c7. I’m very worried to be honest, more scared I guess because I’ve never had any kind of surgery at all. I’m experiencing numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. I was also born with the narrow spinal canal as you said. But this video has givin me inspiration so thank you
Hey Bryan - Glad you found some inspiration in my experience. Hope the surgery goes well. It'll be good to get it behind you.
Great video, I have "very" similar situation .. 2nd op, 2 yrs apart , 2nd op, I'm 5 wks out
I just found out I will need a Anterior -posterior cervical laminectomy c3-T1. Waiting on a date right now. These videos have helped. Love to hear on the balance since I have been on a walker due to balance issues.
I had to work on improving my balance in PT following the surgery, but my balance is good now.
Thank you Diane i had it done February 2022 c2_ c5 triggered by two bulging disc in my lower back. Still have lower back problems.
You soothed my soul. I am 3 1/2 months post posterior and 4 1/2 months post anterior. I was wondering why I was so tired and had little endurance. You said it was a bear of a surgery...and it was, but I will be more patient now.
Glad it was helpful for you. Yeah, the endurance coming back takes a long time, but it definitely does. Best wishes for your continued recovery, Frannie
@@DianeMoore How long before you were able to work a whole day? And did you have both surgeries? Anterior and posterior? -frannie
@@frannierose12 I have a desk job....so I was maybe working a full day at the 2.5 month mark maybe? I have a relatively long commute, so I was doing that only working at home. I had to build in energy for the drive :) I only had posterior.
Hello. Love this video. I am at 8 months on a C2 - T2 PCDF with fusions, rods, etc... I have not really seen or talked with others and was interested to hear your path to and from the ordeal. I am starting to come on and feel like my balance and coordination is maybe 85% overall. Still very weak in left bicep and some numbness in thumb , fore and middle fingers. I am a drummer and guitar player and am so glad I am still able to play. Good video. Good luck and good health to you.
Patience is a must - it takes a long time. Hope your recovery is continuing to improve!
Hi. I had C3-C5 posterior fusion to relieve severe spinal stenosis of the C-spine six weeks ago and am wondering on the recovery timeline. It's good to read comments here of people who have gone thru similar things ahead of me. Before surgery I had numbness in all extremities, bad balance issues and pain. Most of those remain after six weeks. I did have warmth return to my hands and feet right after surgery so that was great, first time in 2 years I had warmth. I've had a few episodes of normal walking. Usually in the morning. They last for less than an hour tho and then it's back to the 'stumbling drunk walk'. I'm looking forward to being able to get back to house and yard work in the future and maybe even take my boat out again. Glad to see other ppl going thru this.
@GlobelWarning how are you doing now? Are you able to back to work?
43M, I was diagnosed with OPLL with severe cord compression. The only symptoms I had were a stiff neck which i attributed to age and an occasional shot of pain down my left arm. Went golfing one day and hit the ball as hard as I could and that sent a shock down my spine that I knew wasn't normal. Went to dr and MRI showed OPLL From C4-C7. neurosurgeon stated I could wait but risk possible permanent damage with a fall of any kind. I had posterior Laminectomy from C4-C7 and Fusion from C3-T3. I was told the extra fusion should prevent me from having to come back for another surgery as it added more stability.
Thank You For Sharing, I just had Posterior Cervical Fusion and I am in a Lot of Pain.
Hi Violanda - sorry about the pain, but hopefully it will start to lessen for you soon! Ice is key in the beginning.
@@DianeMoore Thank You, I will do this ❤️🙏😊
Hi Diane, I am having this surgery in 5 days c2-t2 I have had all the front fused together and still have a compressed spinal cord. Did you have a high pain tolerance? I saw your videos and you looked good. I was crying after my 2nd fusion 2 years ago. I was surprised I have to do this again. I told the Dr about the last surgeon I had put me on hydrocodone. He knew I was on Oxycodone and the dose was the same. My new surgeon said he would take good care of me and not to worry about the pain. I hope he is right. I cant live like I am anymore. I am only surviving not living. I even have severe pain in my left hip-groin and leg. I hope your still doing well. Thanks for listening!
I'm sorry it's been such a tough journey to this point, Jenny. I hope your surgeon and pain team do all they can after the surgery to make you comfortable. I'm still doing well after the surgery and am so glad i was able to get it. God bless you as you go through the surgery and may much healing come on the other side of it for you.
I found your videos and I was wondering how you were doing... thank you for the update... I will be going through almost the same surgery ... mine is from the C2 to the T2 "OPLL" on Tuesday 18th of January and to be quite honest I am really scared... watching you sit there and talking about all of this give me a positive feeling it's going to be ok... how soon did you start physio after the operation and could you sleep in your own bed?
I'm so glad that you're doing so well... I appreciate you taking the time to give people like me some good advice on how to deal with this...thank you so much...
Glad you've found the videos helpful, Savannah. Looks like by now you've got the surgery behind you - that's good! You can focus on recovery. I think I started physical therapy maybe 3 weeks to a month after surgery. And I started sleeping in a bed maybe at the 2-3 week mark - I was sleeping in a zero gravity chair prior, so some nights if it just got too uncomfortable in bed, I just went back to the chair. Best wishes as you push through the recovery time and move on to bigger and brighter things :)
@@DianeMoore so much for your reply but I've had the operation was an 8 hour surgery on Wednesday feeling tired with alot of pain... thank you for your kindness....I've got my ice pack and heating blanket and the pillow you showen on your last video...so I think I'am ready to go home maybe Monday or Tuesday...again thank you from the Nederland...
My husband and I are watching your videos right now. He had the same surgery (c3-t1) done 3 weeks ago. Is there a way for us to contact you? Thank you
looking for the link to the Facebook Group ?? Plz reply w/ link , thx
Hello Diane. Thank you so much for these videos!! How much has your side-to-side and up/down neck movement been affected?
Hi Toni - glad they've been helpful. At this point in the process, I think I have nearly all side-to-side motion back (often neck muscles are tight but that's life). Down is fine but the hardware prevents me from having all of the "look up" options that I did before. Not a big deal - I just try to lean back more using my back than my neck.
I’m scared to death to have the surgery. I postponed and I’ve gotten myself now in a wheelchair. Still waiting for surgery. 12/7/2021. I’m single mother. Going through this basically alone. I’ve never been so depressed. I’m scared now I’ll never walk again. And the pain, I’m afraid of the pain.
I’m sorry for your struggle…I understand the fear! I live alone and only have a few friends and family that I have contact through the phone….no one to help…I’ll have to rely on in-home health care…..I understand the fear of going through it alone! Also my children are grown and have busy lives! So none of them will be with me or able to help..I have been a single mom since they were little. If you want to reach out maybe we can help each other not feel so alone?! Prayers and well wishes for you! My first surgery is December 15 2021.
@@lauriethomas301 we are in the same boat almost. My friends don’t barely even answer wen I call. We are not the same anymore.
Just saw this today. I’m having a lam jul 25th. Just was concerned on how you are now.
HI Diane!
Hope you're well. I have a patient who had a posterior laminectomy so i was wondering if you still have numbness on any fingers? (if not) When did your numbness go away?
Thanks!
Hi Diane it’s been a pleasure watching your videos. I’m 34 and had c4-5 discectomy and infusion just 2 weeks ago. How likely do you think I’ll need another surgery?
Hi - I'm glad the videos have been a benefit. Sorry - I'm in no position to answer your question though as I can only speak about my own experience.
Thank you so very much. Nice of you to think of others and give them encouragement. I'm facing the exact same issues and have been advised I need this soon. Don't want to do it. Looking for alternatives, but I don't know. This is all very distressing.
It is tough news to get that this surgery is necessary. I hope you can get a few opinions from different surgeons as you make your decision.
Had surgery, so far so good, 6 weeks removed. Some lingering effects,but overall I feel and function so much better. My case is uncannily similar to Diane's. Hopefully I'll have the outcome. Thanks again. The videos of your journey have been a great encouragement to me .
🙏
Thank you for your updates as I have to have the same surgery. Mine is c6-T1. I'm having the same issues. I have to have hietel hernia surgery first.
Hope all goes well for you, Rachel!
@@DianeMoore Thank you!!!
Hi Dianne, post ops did you immediately regain balance and improved your gait? Immediately would be like couple of days or a week?.
Hi Geni - it was gradual to some degree. Walking is slow right after the surgery anyhow, but within a couple of weeks, I know my gait improved. But a round of physical therapy definitely put me on a better route.
Thanks for the helpful videos and glad you are doing well. How many months between the point you had walking and gait issues and point when the surgeons decided it was time for surgery? My doctors aren't that enthusiastic about surgery based on just pain, they want to see clear deficits. Thanks again for sharing!
Hi Charles - I had pain in my hands for several months before my gait issues started. Once the gait issues started, they progressed quickly and the need for surgery became apparent within a month or so.
I recently had similar surgery and 4 weeks into recovering my gait and balance issues have improved dramatically. I can walk more than twice as far as before surgery
@@Woody2chuck glad for your good report, John. Hope your progress continues well!
@@DianeMoore Thank you. I am looking forward to my first X ray post-surgery and visit with my neurosurgeon - in 9 days.
Hi diane I’m having this Monday
Very scared
Mine is because of a failed acdf
What is Facebook group you were mentioning?
Thanks for sharing your story
I’ve listened to every one
I'm about to have leonectomy fusion And I don't know if I trust the fusion part I don't know how to talk to somebody about this.
Hi Sorry I want to ask you what happen to yourself to end up having this surgery?. Because I’m going through the same situation . Thank you
I’m about to get c2-c7 done. I had a acdf at 5-6 10 years ago .
Hoping to get back regional touring as a guitarist . I’m 57 and will be 58 in a few days. I had so much pain when playing guitar at c6 c7 that I couldn’t play regularly. So I’m wondering what you think about my aspirations? My hands are in good shape now. I’m hoping they stay good
Well I certainly can't make a firm prediction, but I certainly hope all remains well with them. My affected fingers still certainly function, I just have lost some measure of control. It works for me to have some workarounds with playing keys... hopefully you can figure out the same sort of thing if need be.Hope the surgery goes well for you!
Matsuko my wife had cervical laminoplasty by Dr Jeff Cantor in Fort Lauderdale Florida on Oct 19...current problems are 1 half of tongue is numb, 2 cannot eat on both sides of my mouth, 3 left side of body including swallowing, hands, arms, and left leg are WEAK, 4 phlegm is coughing up day and night--how can I stop it? ANY SUGGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!!
I can't find the Facebook groups you mentioned, could you maybe repost them? Thanks
I am at 2 weeks into recovery from posterior cervical laminectomy along with posterior laminectomy on L4-6 with fusion.
Not able to move alot except for walking so hard to tell what is working better. I am very positive that I will be enjoying 2023 than if I would not have had it.
PS lister to doctor about restrictions, do to much and you will pay 😩
Hi - here's the link to the FB group: facebook.com/groups/269517480545808/.
Good positive attitude - hopefully it's a smoot recovery and you'll find yourself being able to do more and more.
Did the doctor recommend laminoplasty? Not a lot of US surgeons are familiar with it. But it is very common and effective in Asia and Europe. Hospitals like University of California San Francisco routinely do it.
Hi Diane, I’m having c3-c6 posterior laminectomy and fusion done on the 20th after having ACDF on C4-c7 four years ago. I was terrified because I had complications from the ACDF surgery, until I found your videos. They give me some hope. I joined the FB group but their stories were so terrifying I had to unfollow for now. I’m just trusting God to get me through but it can still be overwhelming knowing the level of pain I’m told I will feel. How long before you felt close to normal again? My doctor says by 6 months I will be good but the stories I read on FB paint a different picture. I’m mentally preparing for this. I will no longer have the threat of this surgery hanging over me so I guess that is one benefit lol
It's daunting - that's for sure. And I know some stories in the group are rough. But many are success stories. I would agree that trusting God is key! The hospital will work with you to get your pain under control, and you'll be equipped with pain medication for as long as you need it. Keep the ice ready too when you get home. To feel "normal", especially with a normal energy level, it took me 5 or 6 months. For sure, patience is key. But if this solves the issue and keeps you walking, that's a good goal to keep in mind. God bless you as you get ready for the surgery! It will feel a relief to get it behind you and get started on the recovery path.
Thanks for your reply Diane! I believe if God didn’t take this from me then He’ll see me through it. Unfortunately my new doctor is in the camp of wearing a collar for 4-6 weeks so I’m dreading that as well. After over two years, do you still have neck pain? I’m told by the dr that after surgery I will likely always have pain. I’ve had stiff neck muscles and neck pain pretty much all my life so if that’s the long term pain everyone talks about, that’s my normal. I just have to get through the surgery pain and recovery. Your tips have helped me get prepared. Thanks!
@@jenniferjackson9744 glad they've helped you to get ready. In answer to your question, yes, muscle pain and stiffness in my neck and shoulders is pretty much the norm. I think with that much cutting, it's just the outcome. But it's certainly not diminishing of movement. I give some tips for how I deal with it in my most recent video.
Not sure when your surgery is, but hoping all goes well as you push through it and into recovery!
Thank you. My surgery is tomorrow morning. Looking forward to being past it for sure!
@@jenniferjackson9744 How are you doing now? Prayers that your surgery was a success, and you've recovered smoothly!! I'm seeing a neurosurgeon after several years of steady decline following a car accident, and don't know what to expect - this is an alarming piece of news to receive about one's structure, but I'm with you... trusting God to lead me through it! *Gentle hugs!* 😊
He'll, I'm scheduled for cervical myelopathy surgery 04/29/24. C-1 - T1. I'm very anxious about and need support group info. Your videos and comments have been so needed and appreciated. God Bless you.
Glad they've been an encouragement for you, Sandra.
I had my posterior Laminectomy, Laminoplasty on 4/29/2024 and need your Facebook info. Please
Diane. Hi. I had the same you had and i am at 8 months recovery time. My pain level is so extreme in my hands i would love to wack them off. Lol. Im on pain medication but im still at a level 8. How long did your pain last after surgery and how long did you have to stay on medication? I know you may be busy but if you could give me a text or some encouraging words i would appreciate it.
Sorry it's been such a difficult road. I'm no fan of pain medicine, so I probably stopped more quickly than I should have. Maybe just being a "squeaky wheel" with your surgeon and getting other opinions could be of help. God bless you as you continue to recover from the surgery.
Did you have surgery before this and where was it done. I have had two failed cervical spine surgeries.
This was my first spinal surgery
I live single, live alone and had a hip replacement 6 months ago. It went really well, almost no pain what-so-ever. The only tough part was the first 30 hous after I arrived home - trying to maneuver the tiniest need I had. I had friends who checked in several times but it was really hard to call someone to come over to simply pass me a bottle of medicine I needed. Or more water. Or something to munch on. That said, I am looking at cervical spine surgery soon. In your estimation, how long do I have to plan to have someone to be with me after I arrive home?
I had someone with me for 5 days or so, but everyone is different
Hi Diane I am 10 weeks post surgery posterior cervical similar to yours. I too am a piano player and having real problem with finger functions on hands and extreme sensitive wondering how you have been able to work thru this.
Time and PT definitely helped. But I have had to train myself to use my right hand a little differently when playing.
does your tightness of muscle in your neck felt the same like preop or not that much?
I really didn't have neck tightness prior to the surgery.
Hi Diane how are you doing these days?
Very well, Amira
Hi you didn’t post no videos after your 3 month mark did anything happen with your strength gain.nerves.etc and thank you for your video’s
Hi Recco - this video that you've commented on is my update from the 2 year mark.
How far back and side to side can you move? March 2024. The 27th is my 😮 surgery
Side to side, pretty well the same as before surgery. Back is less due to the hardware. I just tend to lean back more with my torso to make up for it.
Did you do physical therapy before surgery?
No. Just after.
Try stem cells and prp
Can you still play piano? That why im scared.
Yep, I understand. Yes, I can still play. I've lost a little function in my right hand but I've learned to work around it. Don't judge your playing abilities right after the surgery though - it will take a little time for you to get all of your nerve capabilities back.