laminectomy cervical, w/fusion, instrumentation, 1-4 levels?
I'm scheduled to have a Laminectomy cervical with fusion and instrumentation, 1-4 levels posterior. I've had 2 cervical surgeries to correct pinched nerves and the last surgery was suppose to take away my pain and almost parlyzed arm according to my EMG report. The last doctor was a well known orthopedist/neurologist in the area. I should never have assumed but then again I put all my trust in him to listen to my complaints and fix the problem. My arm was beginning to lose muscle tone and strength at that time. After the surgery I started right away with physical therapy. PT ended up doing nothing at all. I finally called UCSD and got an appt with a Neurologist who after a year of weakness, tells me he is going to do all he can to get my strength back. I'm scheduled for surgery on Weds, July 16th. This time it will be more involved. First of all, it's done posterior not anterior. That means the muscles are going to be cut and there's a lot of pain in the recovery. I'll be in the hospital for 3 days. There are 2 things that could happen. 1. he lifts the pinch off of the part of the spine that is causing me weakness in both arms. I wake up and can start moving again or at least I might have to wait for it to heal. And #2- It doesn't relieve the weakness but no more damage can happen since it has been corrected and the nerve is free of blockage. It's been a long journey and I want off this train ride! I will be 68 the day I come home from the hospital and hope to have a Happy Birthday starting a new life free from pain and gain my strength back. I sometimes wonder what I understand and what I don't understand about what the purpose of the surgery is. I clearly told the fist doctor that I was having muscle loss in my arms. I've searched it all on Google and found info about the surgery and recovery. I feel frustrated that the dr that fused my neck less than a year ago, didn't correct the right area. At the appt he told me he could " NOT help me anymore". Why would a doctor say something like that? Did he feel he wasn't highly experienced enough to do the surgery I am now scheduled for in 2 days? I have a new Neurologist, here we go again. If anyone has any thing to mention to me , please do. If you have been through this and especially having posterior , how did it go? Did you feel restriction when turning your head or looking up/down. How long was the recovery before you started to feel better with less pain? Shout out to Jessica here on the board, Hello Jessica! Thankyou, Jan
Shared experience, not medical advice.