My dh just found out today that he has a "significant herniation" of the disc at C6-7. We don't know yet if surgery is emminent, but I wanted to hear experiences from anyone that has had surgery on their neck. What kind of procedure did you have, how long did it take for you to recouperate? We just don't know what to expect when we go to the neurosurgeon. What questions should we ask? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks so much!
I had a cervical laminectomy and discectomy in January 2009 using a posterior approach. The Dr. said that I was just at the cut off from needing to have an anterior approach done due to the fact that he only does a posterior approach until about age 45. I was 48 at the time, but in good health with good muscle tone. From what I was told, a posterior approach is easier for the patient, but more technically difficult for the surgeon. Anterior approach, the patient must wear a C-collar post-op which is not required with a posterior approach.
I had a second opinion with a surgeon I trust in a health system where DH and I used to work. He concurred with the recommendations. I had at that time suffered to episodes of right arm radiculopathy and had weakness developing in my right hand. The pain was unbearable, I was unable to sleep until absolutely exhausted, and non-steroidal medication did not help. The first episode, a year earlier, was resolved by a nerve root injection but we never got an MRI to diagnose the herniated disc until the second episode of arm pain. The C5-C6 disc looked like a speed bump, but the one below it looked like a Mickey Mouse ear.
After surgery, the surgeon said it was the largest herniation he had ever seen in 25 years of practice.
The surgery itself was 5 and 1/2 hours, in a prone position (face down) so there was marked facial edema and the pain from the sore throat (caused by swelling around the tube from being face down) was the absolute worst. It woke me up every time I swallowed for the first 3 days unless I was zonked with pain meds. I also remember my head hurting from the cervical tongs placed into my skull so that my head could be stabilized in mid-air during the surgery. Once those things resolved, the only pain was extreme muscle soreness of the neck. I was unable to turn my head for at least 3 weeks, having to turn my whole body in order to look behind me. It was not what I would consider a "painful" surgery. I only took narcotics for about 3 days and switched to non-steroidals. Unfortunately, from the steroids I took during the pre-op phase trying to reduce the pain and all the non-steroidals prescribed, I developed a severe gastritis that still bothers me on and off to this day.
The hospital stay was just under 48 hours during which DH was there the entire time. They let me go home early because DH is a CRNA and I am an RN and I think they felt we were capable of managing at home. The usual stay is 3 days. My Dh was with me at home continually for the first week. No driving for the first 2 weeks and I couldn't lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for 8 weeks, including my purse or a gallon of milk. That also meant no housework, grocery shopping or childcare to speak of. For the first 4-6 weeks, I was still napping during the day. The surgery took a lot out of me, absolutely exhausting! I tell people I would have something like that again if I absolutely had to, but hope I never have to go there again.
That said, I had wonderful results. I have absolutely no symptoms any longer and have full strength in my right hand. I am careful to not aggravate my neck, no heavy lifting, no roller coasters, no bungee jumping, etc... It was the best option for me.
For peace of mind, I would get a second opinion from a surgeon not affiliated in any way with the first, even if you have to pay out of pocket for it . I would ask both surgeons if surgery is their recommendation. I would ask the second surgeon if they would hesitate to have the procedure done by the first surgeon or at the facility the first surgeon is going to use. My second opinion surgeon told me that if I were his wife, he would tell her to have the surgery. Ask about infection rates. I would make sure I have enough support to get through the initial post op period. If you have children that need transported back and forth to activities, get that covered. Your Dh will need attendance in the shower the first couple days, all of his meals fixed and his medications managed. You will be busy. All of his responsibilities for lawn care and any household chores will need to be done by someone else. I was cleared to walk the track at the Rec Center after my 2 week visit, but only returned to physical activity after my 8 week post op visit. During the first couple weeks of track walking, my DH had to go with me because I couldn't turn my head and I was fearful of getting run into by the joggers. I wasn't able to go anywhere by myself for the first 8 weeks or so because of the potential of falling on the ice, remember it was winter in Michigan.
Best of luck to you and DH. I hope you get good news. If you have any other questions, let me know.
Hope he gets relief soon. 
, and hopefully a good nights sleep. Don't forget to take care of yourself. That is the best you can do for him!
