Hi everyone

I know I don't post so much these days but I do follow your progress with interest and care about you very much as individuals.

I'm off today for my third c-spine fusion tomorrow morning. The aim is to stabilise the spine as I am now, to prevent further compression of the spinal cord. My whole neck will then be fused (wont b able to say yes or no!).

I had a bit of a confusing week as at the pre-admission clinic, the surgeon suggested an even bigger surgery which would involve cutting the spine and changing the alignment of my skull. Obviously the risk is greater too. I had this week to think about it

After five days of going over it night and day, I had more or less decided to go for it when the surgeon phoned and said that after further discussion with the other surgeons my bone quality (osteoporosis stage 4)made it just too dangerous so we are going with the original plan.

Will just be glad to get it over with as I know what to expect by now - however each one gets a bit more complicated with all that metalwork in there

Anyone else had this situation? When my neck first went it was in my 30's, so it's done me well

Take care everyone, keep as well as possible and speak soon hopefully,

Love Lizxx

hello Liz

I would pass my best wishes and say good luck for your op tomorrow.
Its amazing what surgeons can do, its interesting to read about your neck.

So sorry I can not offer experience or help, as I have not had this surgery.

I hope all goes well for you tomorrow, and I will be thinking of you.

Take care
Jane
Xxx

Very best wishes for a successful op and speedy recovery

Sylvia xx

Hope it went well - thining of you

Sylvia xx

Just caught up with this.

Hope everything went well Liz and you are now beginning your recovery.

Thinking of you very much

Diane x

Hi there,
Thank you all very much for your good wishes, I am sure they brought me luck!

So relieved it is all over, it was very long and complicated surgery and I didnt get back to the ward till nearly 10pm - hubby and eldest son were getting a bit worried. I had to have 'awake intubation' cos of my neck which took an hour and six anaesthetists!

However they were so very kind and my care was excellent from start to finish. The surgery was done through the front of the neck with plates and through the back with rods and screws plus a bone graft from the hip.

Recovery will be long (up to 18months) and fusion will take 3 months before we know if it has worked but I am very hopeful and grateful that the neurological risks seem to have been averted. So lucky considering it is the 3rd fusion.

I have had a few setbacks and was x-rayed yesterday for suspected fractured pelvis where the bone graft was taken, but it could just be the osteoporosis which is severe in the hips causing instability and severe pain.

On the whole it turned out Ok. My head drop will continue unfortunately and the neurosurgeon was very sorry about it and did say he didnt rule out doing something radical if my quality of life became too difficult (not being able to swallow and breathe). For now I am happy to lie down several times a day to alleviate the pain and just grateful to be here. Family and friends have been fabulous, our eldest flew 6,000 miles to be with us which was just amazing.

I do hope that you are all keeping as well as you can be in these damp october days.

Take care everyone and thank you all again,
Love from Lizxx

Hi Liz

Lovely to hear from you, glad that your surgery is over and you are recovering well. Reading what you have had done it is amazing what the surgeons can do to improve things.

I wish you a all the very best wishes to you and your family.

The autumn weather isn't great with me, bring us some sunshine!

Take care
Jane
Xxx

So glad its over and you're moving gently on the way to recovery.
Thinking of you Zeana xx

best wishes for a good recovery. You have done so well to get through this and keep a positive outlook. Naomi, XXXXXX