I am doing well in my slow recovery to neck surgery. I’ve been thinking about the last few years and how my neck, arms, hands, and back had increasingly brought great pain and limited my capabilities. The experts found the problem in my poor neck. Back decades ago I was driving on the Interstate in the middle lane in the 3 county area around Detroit. Suddenly in my peripheral vision I see a police car sailing in the air toward me. I slammed on the brakes and within seconds I was hit. Because I slammed on the brakes the police car did not hit the driver’s door to kill or maim me. It hit the side of the front where the engine was. That wreck totaled a year old car and ultimately my neck. Whiplash damaged my neck and caused problems ever since. Now it seems 3 discs were pressing on my nerves and causing pain and loss of function in my hands and arms. If I didn’t choose to have surgery, I was assured it would get worse and I could possibly lose total function in my hands! I wasn’t accepting that fate without a fight.
So I had what is known as a ACDF – Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion. I wear my neck brace to protect and support my spine. The surgeon saw me last Tuesday and took an x-ray. It looks good and he is amazed I am doing so well. I see my surgeon again on the 6th of June and will have another X-ray. The plan is to discontinue the neck brace if it looks good. To make it softer against my chin, daily I place a clean bandana scarf over the foam at the front. I use paint tape on the outside to keep it in place. I handwash the dirty scarf in warm soapy water, rinse, and hang to drip dry.
I also wear a bone growth stimulator 4 hours a day for 6 months. That is another device that circles my neck and rests on my shoulders and chest over my neck brace. It makes me hurt due to weight on my arthritic bones, but I am experimenting with padding it to lessen pain. My fuzzy winter robe helps to provide cushioning. I am determined to do what is good for me despite the way it makes me feel. Right now I have plans to celebrate no more neck brace with a dinner out with a friend on June 6th. In 6 months I will celebrate again the end of the bone growth stimulator.
I must say I am grateful for knowledgeable doctors, a good surgeon, and a decrease in daily pain. Yes surgery caused pain but when I woke up after the operation, my right arm was no longer killing me with pain. Huge difference. My pain has mostly been the back of the neck were the discs were fused and the front of the neck where the incision was. The front of the neck has mostly healed and it no longer hurts. The back of neck pain is usually manageable. Most of the pain I feel daily is from the 4 hours of the stimulator on my arthritic bones and my nerves adjusting to no pressure. I feel blessed that the operation already made a difference. I am reminded of the 23rd Psalm that expresses how I feel. …my cup overflows (or runneth over) with blessings. I made a new inspirational printable and hope my printable rings a truth for others.
My cup overflows with Your blessings.
Psalm 23:5
My Cup Overflows 10″ x 8″
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…Ihope that you will heal quickly.
So happy to know that you are on the mend and everything worked out well, Carol. Beautiful flora printable!
thanks Angie!
Good morning, Carol. I’m so grateful that the surgery did its job and that the healing is going well. I know it must be extremely uncomfortable, indeed painful but keeping your eyes on the prize, that wait is getting shorter. (I’m sure it doesn’t feel that way to you.) I knew you were injured in an accident but I had no idea that this was the back story. That’s absolutely horrible. I suppose one could say it could have been FAR worse (and it could have) but still, very frightening. I, for one, am glad you lived to tell the tale and hope this takes care of things for good!
Thanks for the kind words and support. I do appreciate it. I know time will pass but let me tell you the 4 hours of bone stimulation moves very slowly.
Carol
Healing thoughts coming your way. Your operation reminds me of my daughter’s surgery which she had when she was 8 years old, her discs had slipped and a part had chipped off, The collars looks so uncomfortable. I hope it all works out for you in the end and it will be worth it. I’ll say a little prayer for you x
All prayers are appreciated. I hope you are feeling well yourself!
I’m so sorry for all your pain and struggles Carol! Thoughts and prayers are coming your way that you heal quickly!
thanks for the good thoughts and prayers.
Thanks for sharing the back story about your accident. I’m so sorry about the pain and loss of function, but so happy your surgery was a success. I really hope your recovery goes as well as can be expected.
thanks Astrid
I’m so happy that you are feeling better Carol. You have suffered a great deal after many years but thank God I hope everything is now moving in a great direction. I know because after my stroke and 2 brain operations life has changed even though I still have problems. Carol, I’m very happy for you.
Cruisin Paul
If life is better and pain is less, it’s a win for me! Thanks for your sweet words
Oh Carol that back story was horrifying, but I appreciate that you shared it, I’m so sorry you had to live with that pain for so long but so glad you are finally going to be better. There’s sure a lot of work you have to do as follow up to the surgery. And you explained it so well! That takes a lot of courage and some stubbornness… both good qualities ! Sending all good thoughts and wishes your way.
I must admit I’m stubborn. I had started to add a line like that in the post but took it out. It does make me give everything in the healing process my best shot. Thanks for the sweet thoughts!
Ouch! Neck pain is the worst. It sounds like the surgery was the sensible option. The collars look so uncomfortable but I am sure they are helping with your recovery. I hope you feel better soon. x
the neck collar is to protect my neck while it heals and yes, it’s not comfortable but it is necessary – thanks for dropping by
Oh no.. that is horrible! Glad you are finding the help you need even if it is uncomfortable.
Hi Carol, I am so glad to hear that you are healing well. I know the brace and stimulator are awkward but what ever works and this too shall pass. Good for you finding different ways to make the brace and stimulator more comfortable. Keep up the good work. Do you sleep in the brace as well? Take care and continied healing.
The printable is really pretty. Thank you for sharing at #aclwcc.
I’m to wear it all the time except for showering, eating, and taking medication – thanks for your encouraging words!
Sending lots of healing thoughts your way Carol. It sounds like the doctors have treated you really well. Enjoy your dinner on June 6th 🙂
#MMBC
thanks for the healing thoughts – have a great week
Your determination to get through your healing process is truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing your story and lovely printable at the #HomeMattersParty.
What a beautiful sentiment and printable, Carol. You have been in my thoughts and prayers as you recover. What a terrifying accident you had. I am so grateful it was not even more serious, but so sorry it left you with so much pain. How wonderful that the surgery is behind you, but it sounds like the recovery is indeed challenging. Sending lots of healing thoughts from across the pond.
thanks for the good thoughts April – I appreciate it. I am very happy with my progress and feel a little better each day. I take naps most afternoon but now am doing my laundry, and cooking, and even some of my shopping. In less than a month, I see the surgeon, have an x-ray and hopefully quit wearing the neck brace. Then I’ll continue with the bone growth stimulator for another 4 months. I’m really pleased with my progress and thank you for all good thoughts and prayers. Have a great weekend.
Sounds like you were getting state of the art treatment. Best wishes as you heal.
Wow! So glad that you managed to walk away from the accident albeit with some trauma. It must have been so frightening!
I am super pleased that your op went well and that it has eased your pain, that must be such a relief. A collar-free meal out with a friend sounds like just the thing to look forward to after your surgery. Sending a gentle healing hug your way. Take it easy.
I’m doing really well now Jayne and I appreciate all your support. In less than 2 weeks I’ll be collar-free! Yeah!
Oh Carol, I’m so sorry to hear about your neck, but I’m happy your on the mend. I added you to my prayer list in my journal. I love this printable.
I’m so happy you shared this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
Thanks for adding me to your prayer list. All prayers are appreciated. I’m about 85% recovered from the surgery. My neck pain is really incredibly minor now. I just thank God daily for this. The scripture really touched me.
You are so welcome.