I had 3 level fusion on Nov. 8. It was supposed to have been 2 level replacement but the Xrays prior to surgery showed the vertebrae above was slipping when I tilted my head forward, thus the 3 level fusion.
The surgery took over 3 hours and I was kept on pain meds through my one-night hospital stay. I was given Tramadol for pain but only took it for a couple of days as I was not in pain. I had a soft cervical collar to wear for 2 weeks.
At my 6 week check up I was given a bone growth stimulator that I wear 4 hours a day for 180 days.
I knew going in that besides the cervical disk herniations leading to myelopathy I also had moderate and severe foraminal stenosis. The foraminal stenosis was not addressed and I still have pain in my shoulders. But, the myelopathy was address and I am now walking without feeling like I will tip over. I had no clue that was a spine issue.
All in all, I feel it was a worthwhile surgery.
The surgery took over 3 hours and I was kept on pain meds through my one-night hospital stay. I was given Tramadol for pain but only took it for a couple of days as I was not in pain. I had a soft cervical collar to wear for 2 weeks.
At my 6 week check up I was given a bone growth stimulator that I wear 4 hours a day for 180 days.
I knew going in that besides the cervical disk herniations leading to myelopathy I also had moderate and severe foraminal stenosis. The foraminal stenosis was not addressed and I still have pain in my shoulders. But, the myelopathy was address and I am now walking without feeling like I will tip over. I had no clue that was a spine issue.
All in all, I feel it was a worthwhile surgery.