Hey Jim!

[Annie]

How's the back feeling? Better I hope!

 

[jimnyc]

Yes, thanks for asking!

The radiating pain down my left arm is completely gone since the surgery. I am slowly starting to get more movement in my neck area although it's still a bit limited. The incision area is still a little tender, it's still a little tough swallowing, and where the disk was is also a bit tender. Looks like I'll survive though!

 

[Bullypulpit]

Yes, thanks for asking!

The radiating pain down my left arm is completely gone since the surgery. I am slowly starting to get more movement in my neck area although it's still a bit limited. The incision area is still a little tender, it's still a little tough swallowing, and where the disk was is also a bit tender. Looks like I'll survive though!

Ouch! Sounds like you had some major problems with a cervical disc. What can I help you with?

 

[Annie]

Yes, thanks for asking!

The radiating pain down my left arm is completely gone since the surgery. I am slowly starting to get more movement in my neck area although it's still a bit limited. The incision area is still a little tender, it's still a little tough swallowing, and where the disk was is also a bit tender. Looks like I'll survive though!

Ouch! Are you in some sort of rehab program? Did they give you excercises?

 

[jimnyc]

Ouch! Sounds like you had some major problems with a cervical disc. What can I help you with?

Bully, forgot about this thread and already sent you a detailed PM. But it was an anterior cervical diskectomy w/fusion. My main concern is the reoccurence rate, and the increase in possibility due to my smoking.

 

[jimnyc]

Ouch! Are you in some sort of rehab program? Did they give you excercises?

No program, no excercises. They basically said I could resume normal activities ASAP. Of course they recommended lightly treading until the pain was relieved and the wounds had a chance to heal. I am seeing the surgeon tomorrow morning for my first follow-up but haven't had my x-rays completed yet for him to examine. I'm still going though so he can at least look at the incision and make sure all is okie dokie there and I don't have some wacky infection or something. It looks cool though.

 

[Annie]

No program, no excercises. They basically said I could resume normal activities ASAP. Of course they recommended lightly treading until the pain was relieved and the wounds had a chance to heal. I am seeing the surgeon tomorrow morning for my first follow-up but haven't had my x-rays completed yet for him to examine. I'm still going though so he can at least look at the incision and make sure all is okie dokie there and I don't have some wacky infection or something. It looks cool though.

Well I hope the doc gives you the green light. I know that swimming and hot tub has helped my back feel better. I do 'light calestenics' in the water. Helps my arthritis too!

 

[jimnyc]

Well I hope the doc gives you the green light. I know that swimming and hot tub has helped my back feel better. I do 'light calestenics' in the water. Helps my arthritis too!

I would love nothing more than to sit in my bathtub and soak. It would be good for the incision and my back. Unfortunately, my hot water ceases to function after about 6-8 inches and turns cold. I think the hot water heater capacity downstairs is that of a milk carton.

 

[Annie]

I would love nothing more than to sit in my bathtub and soak. It would be good for the incision and my back. Unfortunately, my hot water ceases to function after about 6-8 inches and turns cold. I think the hot water heater capacity downstairs is that of a milk carton.

The reason I joined a health club this year, I think I'd soon be crippled without it. Arthritis runs in my family and the old gymnastic injuries have turned brutal. Add the ruptured discs and arthur setting up shop there. :coffee3:

So while I cannot 'afford' it, I can't 'afford' not to.

 

[Bullypulpit]

Bully, forgot about this thread and already sent you a detailed PM. But it was an anterior cervical diskectomy w/fusion. My main concern is the reoccurence rate, and the increase in possibility due to my smoking.

Having two blown discs myself, L-4/L-5 and L-5/S-1, I know the pain can be excruciating to the point of being surreal.

With spinal surgery, there's always going to be a risk of new injury. Key here is a) quit or seriously cut back on the cigarrettes and b) work very seriously with the physical therapists. Conditioning is a big part of preventing a recurrence or new injury.

As for your pain meds, as long as the oxycodone provides the relief you need, no need to get anything else. Pre-medicate before physical therapy will help you get the most out of it.

To help manage your recovery, find a good osteopath (D.O.) who specializes in manipulative therapy and I would also suggest this book:

<center><a href=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553379887/qid=1151321735/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-3453056-6937409?s=books&v=glance&n=283155><img src=http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0553379887.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.gif></a></center>

It's available on amazon.com. The exercises saved me from having surgery, and I'm mostly pain free except for some occaisional, mild sciatica which doesn't require medication. These days, I do yoga 3-4 times a week, resistance training 2-3 times a week and martial arts 2-3 times a week. So I can tell you, his program works. It's very basic, but you really have to stick with it to get the results you need to get full function back.

It's very easy to let something like this discourage you, especially if you have recurrent pain. I'll check here every day or so to see if you have any further questions, and if I don't have the answers, I'll try to direct you to someone who does.

Take care and good luck! I'll be pullin' for you!

P.S.

I've linked the image to its page on Amazon.

 

[Bullypulpit]

The reason I joined a health club this year, I think I'd soon be crippled without it. Arthritis runs in my family and the old gymnastic injuries have turned brutal. Add the ruptured discs and arthur setting up shop there. :coffee3:

So while I cannot 'afford' it, I can't 'afford' not to.

You should check out Egoscue's book and find a good D.O. as well. Let me knnow what you think. Take care!

 

[Annie]

You should check out Egoscue's book and find a good D.O. as well. Let me knnow what you think. Take care!

Thanks Bully, I will check that book out! I hate docs and meds. Only result to when I can't work something better out! :teeth:

 

[Emmett]

Could you recommend one of those books on how to avoid breaking down in the middle of nowhere every two weeks or so.

No kidding ya'll, I am broke down AGAIN! The exciting metropolis of Thomasville, Ga.

TRIVIA QUESTION: What event happened here over twenty years ago that shocked America and was in the headlines for weeks. No cheating Kathianne by looking it up!

 

[no1tovote4]

You have some big incentive to quit smoking now too. It's both easier and harder than you think. Mostly the hard part is caring enough to keep it up when it gets you all crazy.... Getting past the first few days sucks ass...

Don't sleep with a patch on either, that will cause some crazy dreams that are intense as hell...