Ivylad just returned from a visit to his doctor, and the results of his MRI are in. Basically, his C4 vertebrae is shot and needs to be replaced. It’s impinging into the spinal cord. This is causing his left hand to shake and his sudden urge to urinate.
He’s been warned that if he starts to have problems breathing, we need to get him to the ER immediately, since the C4 controls breathing. We are trying to get an appt with the neurosurgeon.
We’ve looked on line and haven’t found anything useful about what exactly happens when the C4 vertebrae is replaced and C3-5 is fused. What can we expect after this surgery is performed?
Normal disclaimer: He is currently under a doctor’s care, and we are not seeking medical advice. We are looking for medical insight on this issue. Thanks!!
IANAD, but I’d like to think that if all goes well, he’ll just have a permanently stiff neck with some reduction in range of motion. Stiff as in “it doesn’t bend as much as a usual neck,” as opposed to “Ow, I slept funny and have a stiff neck that hurts!” My partner has a lumbar fusion, and it really doesn’t affect daily life all that much.
Some physical therapy will probably be involved post-op.
Not sure of his age, but if he’s of a suitable age, he might even be able to impress friends with a cool scar.
He already has a lumbar fusion, as well as a morphine pump in his stomach, so getting a “cool scar” after another surgery is not something to put in the Pro column.
He’ll be 42 this year. And he needs a walker to get around.
[Moderator Underoos on]Saying that you want medical insight and not medical advice is not much of a disclaimer in my opinion. You are still asking people who might or might not have proper medical training to give advice without benefit of a personal examination. I suggest that you get back to your doctor and ask the same questions you are asking here.[/Moderator Underoos on]
