c5/c6 prodisc-c

kmevans · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-2009, 04:19 AM

well, i finally got my pain to go away, it was a matter of finding the right way to sleep. I have never slept on my side til after my surgery, I guess I didnt know what I was doing, I was sleeping with my arm/shoulder directly under me, it was putting pressure on my shoulder blades and spine in that area, now I put my arm up and out and don't have this issue anymore.

dshobbies · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-2009, 06:47 PM

Sometimes the simplest solution elude us. Glad you found what works for you!

kmevans · #3 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 05:22 PM

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted in awhile, things have been quite hectic in my life past few months. Since the beginning of the year I have traveled almost every weekend for work, then I got sick, very sick-pneumonia, I was sick for over a month. Now I am feeling better and thought I'd update everyone on my progress.

Sleep: I've pretty much conquered my sleep issues, I found a comfortable position on my side, we still need a new bed, but I am not awake half the night in pain anymore. Some nights when my metal clanks together it still disturbs me (mentally more than physically).

Pain: most days no pain at all. Sometimes when it rains for a day or more I get an ache deep in my neck, haven't taken any pain meds in 2 months

Numbness: 90% gone. Sometimes if I sleep a little weird, or stretch weird, or move bookcases full of books i get a bit of numbness in my right hand/arm but it usually lasts a couple hours max

Dizzy spells: completely gone as far as I can tell *knock wood*

Incision/Scar: not as faded as I would like, but acceptable.

(here are all of the incision photos Picasa Web Albums - Kristi - surgery incision)

Range of Motion: good. I have pain at the extremes side to side and up and down, but find I don't encounter those extremes too much on a regular basis

Doctor update: Went for my 3 month first week in March and he gave me the "all clear" to resume all normal activities and start trying to strengthen my shoulder/neck muscles via weight training/exercise if I want. I have my 6 month the first week in June, though it will really be almost 7 months. Here is a picture of my Xray.

Bottomline: I'm glad I did it.