[Spinal Fusion / Cervical] 2 level discectomy with fusion....c4-c5 c5-c6

[rgvtexas]

Had a 2 level discectomy with fusion last Thursday (11/11/10).....just a couple of thoughts after a week.....

It's not nearly as bad as I had thought it was going to be....had sore muscles in the throat and neck for about a week. I am wearing a foam neck collar for 6 weeks and have no real restrictions on rotation. Flexion and extension are limited. Started driving 7 days after surgery with no problem......I am lucky to have sick leave at my work so I am taking off until January 3 and not rush back to work.

Yesterday, sneezed for the first time since my surgery.....beware....it is a horrible feeling...b.e sure you are wearing your neck collar..................

Incision is still healing....still has the dermabond on it with the purple mark the doctor made....so it looks terrible ....but I expect the dermabond will start coming off next week.

As far as symptoms go.....I had no pain and very little numbness before the surgery....my entire problem was a strength deficit in my right bicep and deltoid......I start therapy on Monday to start addressing the strength....have had no pain whatsoever except the muscle soreness.....have not really had any muscle spasm either.....

Like I said....nothing nearly as bad as I had imagined.....my advice....just listen to your doctor and dont rush the recovery......

[Justin]

Hi rgvtexas,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

Had a 2 level discectomy with fusion last Thursday (11/11/10).

I start therapy on Monday to start addressing the strength....have had no pain whatsoever except the muscle soreness.....have not really had any muscle spasm either.....

Congratulations on being on the other side of surgery! I bet it feels good, even though you are sore. Good luck on Monday with your physical therapy. Make sure to take things slow and, if there is something you are not comfortable doing in therapy, make sure to speak up.

Like I said....nothing nearly as bad as I had imagined.....my advice....just listen to your doctor and dont rush the recovery......

The bolded part of your statement above is so very true...slow and steady wins the race. I wish you the very best.