Myelogram/CT Results

Well I got the results from the Myelogram/CT on Wednesday. The neurosurgeon said that I have Chronic Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylosis at C5-C6 & C6-C7 (which are vertebrae in the neck), and a central disc protrusion at C6-C7. Since all the other treatments available have failed, he suggested an Anterior Decompression and Spinal Fusion surgery. I am a little scared about this. They go in from an incision on the front of my neck and work on the vertebrae of my spine. He is going to use cadaver bone for the fusion. Since I have legs problems already, he will not harvest my own bone for the fusion. He said that the cadaver bone will not reject since it does not have any blood properties in it and it is easier to use since it is already pre-cut to fit the vertebrae.

After the surgery, I will have to be in the hospital for 1-2 days. They will fit me for a neck brace and show me how to use the bone growth stimulator. They said the bone growth stimulator will emit electrical signals to help the bone graft fuse to my vertebrae, which will take from 3-6 months. The surgeon said that the most likely causes of a graft/fusion failure are: more than one level to be fused, smoking, patient non-compliance with activity restrictions/or brace wear, using anti-inflammatory medications and malnutrition. I have two of the problems: more than one level to be fused and I currently smoke, but it looks like that will have to stop. I am going to try to cut back and stop on November 1st. In my mind, stopping smoking will be the hardest part of the whole process since I have smoked for over 40 years.

My son is not really happy about the time of the surgery. It will be on Tuesday, November 6th at 5:30 AM in Oklahoma City. That means we will have to leave here at 3 AM to be at the hospital on time. He is definitely not a morning person. But, I need him to be there just in case of any problems.

All of this will create a stressful holiday season since I will be in the recovery process through Thanksgiving and Christmas. My son and his girlfriend were planning on me cooking the Thanksgiving meal. Jokingly, I told my son that he might have to order Thanksgiving Dinner from one of the deli's. He said he couldn't believe I was saying that. I have always cooked big dinners for Holidays. But, I guess with getting older and in worse health he will have to learn that things can be done differently or he needs to send his girlfriend over and let me teach her how to do it. I guess I could be an instructor instead of the cook for at least one year.
Well I have rambled enough for now. I will report back after the surgery and let you know the results.

Till Later - Judy