multi-level neck surgery

[Judie P]

Have any of you had multi-level neck surgery where you had screws and rods put into your neck to stabilize and keep the canal open?  I am about to get this done next month due to cervical stenosis and myelopathy.  It is going to be quite extensive.  Did your Sjogren's cause any problems with healing or come into the picture in any way?

[meirish]

In 2017 I had spinal fusion C4C5 and have a titanium plate in my neck with 5 titanium screws. I have gotten along well with this and had to flare or increase in autoimmune issues. Yours will be more in depth than my surgery. I had a disc pressing on my spinal cord in a big way and it was sugary or paralysis or death. I have had the stenosis in my cervical area for years also.

I had my surgery done from the front and had very little pain afterwards. Just have to watch yourself and not overdo it. Takes a while to heal. At least it is winter so being inside is what we have been doing with all the low temperatures. Good luck. meirish

[Judie P]

Thanks for your thoughts on this, Irish.  My surgery is on April 25.  They will go in posterior and do screws and rods from C3 through C7.  I will be in a hard collar for 3 months.  No shower for 3 weeks.  Ugh.  But I think I can handle that,

What is really getting to me is that after the surgery is done, I will lose 70% of my neck mobility PERMANENTLY and be off of all steroids and anti-inflammatories for A YEAR.  I will be talking to my main doctor about what I will be able to take for any Sjogren's pain, etc.  The 70% is really upsetting me and also being in pain for a year during flare ups, etc.  But the alternative is to do nothing and lose the use of my arms and legs (paralysis).

[meirish]

I am sorry that the pain is a possibility. I had the no choice either with my surgery. Do it or be paralyzed or die. Scary thing. I have some limited motion but did not have it done from back and did not have as many cervical discs done although my 6 and 7 are bothering some now.

I will say that I did not have much pain after surgery and had to watch what I did...moving, bending, etc. for many weeks, months. I know being in a brace will be hard for you but I would think that if you could get together with your doctor or doctors that need to be involved and discuss what you concerns are it would help. Getting a good nights sleep is very important and I bet you will have to move many times and change position so there will probably be some meds that will help.

The thought occurred to me that sometimes antidepressants are given for pain and you could ask if this would be a possibility. A lot of time they help to decrease the nerve pain that comes with some back issues. The first weeks are the hardest and it helps to be able to be up and walk around. Ask about rehab and what you will be expected to do in rehab. Helps to know what is going to be coming up in the future.

I am guessing they don't want you to have pain suppressed so they can assess how you are healing and if the surgery is helping the areas they planned on. The interesting thing will be.....maybe your pain level will be much less after the doctor fixes you up. This is a real possibility so think positive. Please let us know how your are doing after surgery.

Also, just out of curiosity, have you figured out what type of bed or recliner you will be sitting or sleeping in after surgery. I liked my recliner with electric ability to sit up and elevate my legs. Took the pressure off of my upper body and lessened the pain. Good luck. meirish

Also, the bones heal better without the steroids, etc. Just thinking about immune gamma globulin or some other product that could help you in a pinch. Need to discuss with doctors for sure.

[rnathans]

Actually steroids and NSAIDS impart bone fusion. That is why you have to avoid them. That has been hard for me as well. I have had lumbar fusion 9 months ago and need to have more done in April. So I will be off NSAIDS for almost 2 years total. For me the worst is when I get a migraine. NSAIDS plus migraine meds help me, tylenol not so much.

I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. DO not overdo and be kind to yourself.