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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: wingnut on June 03, 2010, 12:47:00 PM

Title: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: wingnut on June 03, 2010, 12:47:00 PM
No joke.  I'm headed in tomorrow morning to have c5-c6 and c6-c7 fused in my lower neck.  It's been bothering me for years and finally got so bad that my quality of life was going down hill.

Time to get it fixed.

So the guy in the neck brace looking pitiful at Compton will be me.  LOL

We have been going balls to the wall for a month getting caught up and getting stuff ready for Jason to handle on his own for a couple of weeks while I'm out of the shop.  So I hope we will stay on the current schedule with deliveries.

If anybodies had this surgery and has bad stories please don't share them.  I'm staying positive.

Mike
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Mark Baker on June 03, 2010, 12:51:00 PM
Good luck and speedy recovery Mike.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: The Vanilla Gorilla on June 03, 2010, 12:52:00 PM
Mike, I've treated a few patients with vertebral fusions done, and very few regret having them done. I think you'll be happy with your decision!  Good luck and look foreward to seeing you at McAlester!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: rastaman on June 03, 2010, 12:53:00 PM
And positive thoughts from this part of the country are sent your way sir!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Zipperhead on June 03, 2010, 01:15:00 PM
I've got a good story for you.  I had a ruptured disc, and had c6 and c7 fused about 10 years ago.  It had bothered me for years. My neck has been great since the surgery.  It takes a little time to heal, but just be patient and don't do anything you shouldn't be doing.  Listen to your doctor.  The best of luck to you.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Butkus on June 03, 2010, 01:29:00 PM
Very happy I did it. 1st week was rough, more painful than I thought it would be. 2nd week some better. Totally out of action for 3 weeks. Your neck brace will be your best friend, no one will have to make you wear it. After 6 months my old neck felt like it did when I was 20. Have not had problems since, 7 years ago.
You will not regret this.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: MercilessMing on June 03, 2010, 01:31:00 PM
I've got similar problem and definately can feel the same.  Good luck and get back to shoot soon.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Buckwheaties on June 03, 2010, 01:37:00 PM
Will be praying for a successful operation and smooth recovery.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Big Bird on June 03, 2010, 01:39:00 PM
wish you the best of luck.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: ChuckC on June 03, 2010, 01:40:00 PM
Mike  the surgery is a . . .  OK  was gonna say a snap, but we are talking about the neck here...  a breeze   and you will be back to normal in a few days.   How is THAT for optimistic !

Good luck
ChuckC
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: wapiti792 on June 03, 2010, 01:51:00 PM
Good luck Mike!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: JEJ on June 03, 2010, 02:18:00 PM
Mike, just keep thinking about how the important things in your life are going to be better ... more accurate bow shots, longer golf drives, quicker at ducking Connie's rolling pin, out running Rusty to the nearest mad-hog climbing tree ... and so on. Here's hoping you have a speedy recovery, good luck! John
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: BowZen on June 03, 2010, 02:22:00 PM
Good Luck!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: smokin joe on June 03, 2010, 02:50:00 PM
Mike,
I had that surgery 20 years ago (old football injury getting fixed) and after you heal up you will be glad you had it done. It is very important to follow the directions as far as post-surgery rehab is concerned. Rest up after the surgery.
Good luck.
Joe
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: wv lungbuster on June 03, 2010, 03:00:00 PM
Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Bjorn on June 03, 2010, 03:02:00 PM
Good luck and do the post op!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: ron w on June 03, 2010, 03:08:00 PM
Get well soon,   :cool:
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: rbbhunt on June 03, 2010, 04:13:00 PM
I had c5 and c6 fused.  Took care of all the problems and I actually had more range of movemnet afterwards and no pain.  Just follow the doctors orders for recovery.  Glad I had it done
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: varmint101 on June 03, 2010, 05:06:00 PM
Good luck and hope you have a quick recovery!  God bless.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: NorthernCaliforniaHunter on June 03, 2010, 05:10:00 PM
Rest, fluids, positive attitude. We'll be thinking about ya, bud! Best of luck!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Mudd on June 03, 2010, 05:15:00 PM
Hey Mike I got you in my prayers buddy.

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: JPE on June 03, 2010, 05:18:00 PM
Good Luck Mike see you soon. God Bless
                 Jim  Pyles
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: maineac on June 03, 2010, 05:20:00 PM
Good luck.  May our recovery be swift and complete!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: owlbait on June 03, 2010, 06:44:00 PM
Mike, I had C6-C7 fused and the pain relief was almost immediate. Quick recovery and a much better quality of life. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do fine.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: chopx2 on June 03, 2010, 07:48:00 PM
Here's to a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Icandraw on June 03, 2010, 08:03:00 PM
I had c5-c6 fused about nine years ago. I was in extreme pain before I had the surgery. When I woke up in the recovery room I had immediate relieve! The doctor told me not to do anything physical for about a month except walk. After that I did a little physical therapy and I gradually went back to doing things that I would normally do. I have not had any problems since then and I do not regret it one bit! I'll be praying for a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Craig Warren on June 03, 2010, 08:05:00 PM
Mike,

I had same issue and same proceedure 19 years ago. I was elk hunting in Colorado and climbing a long gentle upgrade always looking up the hill and that finally did me in.  When I got back from the hunt, I went straight to the OR.  It's been great ever since.  You'll be uglier than usual for a few days, but it will be well worth it.

Craig
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: bowbenderman on June 03, 2010, 08:14:00 PM
Well I also had it done, C4 C5 , was still on the Altanta Fire Dept. then, its been way over 10 yrs. I have had great success.  It got so bad that I could not draw a bow at all, lol, guess that is when I decided to get it done! Only stayed off work for 3 mths. But on the first run that my ladder truck had upon returning for duty we had a WRECK!  Guess I should have stayed off work a little longer, but no harm was done. Hope this helps, its always good to hear from people that have had that type surgery.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Killdeer on June 03, 2010, 08:23:00 PM
Glad you will soon be feeling better, Mike.
I know I have a bow in the works, and figured it would be late anyway, so don't bust a hump over it. I have already gotten three new ones this year. Happens every time I make up my mind to thin the herd.

Can you feel the positive vibes yet? Here, I'll send more...
Killdeer   :wavey:
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: jimmerc on June 03, 2010, 08:30:00 PM
Best of luck to ya Mike,and prayers for a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: BenBow on June 03, 2010, 08:34:00 PM
Praying for a successful surgery and a quick recovery
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: longarrow on June 03, 2010, 08:38:00 PM
Mike,
Had the same thing done about 7 years ago...DO what the doc' say! Rest, post-ops and rehab. I will never 100%, but I couldn't take the constant pain and numbness! You're feel better as time goes by.  Good Luck!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: joekeith on June 03, 2010, 08:42:00 PM
Ouch....good luck with the operation, and wish ya a fast recovery.  :pray:
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: virginiashadow on June 03, 2010, 08:45:00 PM
Best of luck to you Wingnut--your quality of life will improve and that must be positive motivation for you to stay positive through the recovery process.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: SourOwl on June 03, 2010, 08:46:00 PM
MIKE - DITTO ON HAVING IT DONE;  I HAD IT THREE MONTHS AGO C5, C6 AND C7 .  NOT TOO MUCH PAIN WITH THIS KIND OF THING.  I'M NOT COMPLETELY BACK TO NORMAL YET, BUT A VERY MARKED IMPROVEMENT.  

IT'LL JUST KEEP GETTING WORSE WITHOUT IT BEING FIXED.  GO FOR IT!!  SOUROWL
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: pitbull on June 03, 2010, 08:49:00 PM
Mike, I had c-5, c-6 fused and have a plate running from 4-7. Had it done in 2002, other than the scar it is like nothing has ever been done. Best Wishes!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: ranger42 on June 03, 2010, 08:53:00 PM
I wish you the best of luck! Be sure to follow Dr.'s orders and rehab will be much faster.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: jsweka on June 03, 2010, 09:09:00 PM
Good luck and I wish you speedy recovery.  Just don't try to get back in the shop too soon.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: djohnson on June 03, 2010, 09:12:00 PM
God bless and prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Bonebuster on June 04, 2010, 06:39:00 AM
Obviously lots of good results posted here.

That has to boost the positive attitude!!!

Just another "best of luck" post.

Be brave.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Raging Water on June 06, 2010, 09:07:00 AM
Mike,

I have an extruded disc between C6 and C7. I saw the super duper neck surgeon dude here in Austin last week.

The disc is pushing on the spinal cord causing pain and numbness down my left side and arm.  

In my case, the body will absorb the disc in a couple of years. But, Super Doctor said; If I wanted it out, it would be a simple surgery, little down time, and an immediate fix.

Per all the doctors I know, C6-C7 injuries are common and more easily fixed. To include fusing.

I hope those comments give you encouragement.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: wingnut on June 06, 2010, 09:12:00 AM
Well I'm home and in less pain then I was before the surgery.  That's a good thing.  Now I've got a couple of weeks in this dang neck brace.  LOL

Mike
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Killdeer on June 06, 2010, 10:07:00 AM
Good to hear it, Mike!
I can picture you now...
I am watching a Star Trek movie featuring the Borg collective.

Remember, resistance is futile!
Killdeer
  :wavey:
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: NorthernCaliforniaHunter on June 06, 2010, 01:46:00 PM
Good news!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: on June 06, 2010, 03:27:00 PM
Good luck, Mike! I hope it all goes well for you. See ya at a shoot down the road.

Bisch
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Big Ed on June 06, 2010, 07:27:00 PM
Good luck and prayer for a speedy recovery!!!
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Hud on June 06, 2010, 10:00:00 PM
Hope your feeling better and up and around. Let us know how it turned out. Barry
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: azhunter on June 07, 2010, 12:55:00 AM
Best wishes and hope that fixes your pain. Prayers will be with you.
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Shakes.602 on June 07, 2010, 10:53:00 AM
Better a Neck Brace than  "Traction"  where they  SCREW  the Sucker on Your Head in  4  Places to  REALLY  Stabilize Your Melon!!  PLUS...a Very Painful Looking Neck Brace!!   :scared:    :scared:  
 Had a Cousin, driving a Load of Watermelons back North from Florida when I was 12 or so. Truck got away from Him, he ended up hanging Upsidedown from his Seatbelt, Neck Broken, and Screaming for Help!! He remembers the People stopping, grabbing a Melon or  2  off the Highway, and Taking Off like the  DEVIL  was after them!!   :scared:  Maybe  HE  Shoulda' Been!!  :mad:   Its a  COLD   WORLD  Sometimes!!
   GOOD  To Hear  YOU  are Feeling Better Already Mike!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: Smallwood on June 07, 2010, 11:04:00 AM
prayers sent
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: JEJ on June 07, 2010, 02:33:00 PM
That's good news Mike, give it some time to heal right with that brace and you will be back 100% in no time. Remember, do not go watch any tennis matches until the Doc says you can! John
Title: Re: What a pain in the neck!
Post by: xtrema312 on June 07, 2010, 03:05:00 PM
Mike,  Good to hear you are doing well.  See you at Compton maybe if you are up to the trip.  I am thinking of having my L5 S1 done soon.  I may try to make it until after bow season this year.  I may not make it that long, but I thought that the last two years.  I always seem to feel better as bow season roles around.  Must be all that adrenalin and high hopes.  Listen to the Doc's and don't be in a hurry.  It took a long time for me to get over my disc surgery some years ago.  I had some knee work done a little over a year ago, and that took a lot longer than everyone said it would for me to get fully healed up and as good as it is now.  Don't be concerned if it takes longer than it did for others or from what the Doc says.  Everyone is different.  Sometimes you have to look back a couple months not a couple days to see the improvement because it can be slow the last part of the recovery.  Hang in there!