Fusion C6-7, healing time

cdinvctrny · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 04:07 AM

3 weeks ago I had fusion of c6-7. Am surprised that I need to still take Hydrocodone every 4 to max 5 hrs. Tire very easily still too. Due to go back to work on Sept 15th. Neck still pretty sore, sure its better but its hard to tell. Anyone have same surgery and lmk that this is completely normal?

mmglobal · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2008, 08:22 AM

Hello cd... welcome to the forum.

I hope you don't mind... I moved your post to the main forum. 3 weeks out from any spine surgery is not very long. Many of us are tired for many days... weeks... months after surgery... especially after the larger surgeries. I've watched a lot of people go through cervical ADR surgery which is very similar to the fusion you had (if you had anterior approach???). Your description does seem perfectly normal to me. You may be surprised at how fast you can turn the corner and really improve fast. If that doesn't happen, slow recovery patients frequently still have great long-term success and excellent outcomes.

All the best... please keep us posted.

Mark

dshobbies · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2008, 04:57 PM

Hey CD,

Welcome to the forum. You're already on the 'other side' so good for you. Many have difficulty making the decision to go forward and then what type of surgery.

Everyone and each body react differently to the trauma of surgery. Our bodies don't like interference with our spines and 3 weeks is still so early. Give it a little more time. After my lumbar surgery I saw a pain managment specialist for 2 years and was on the hard stuff for 6 months.

Don't push and listen to your body. Our motto - slow and easy wins the race.

Wishing you a great recovery, Dale