Cindy
04-25-2007, 02:57 AM
:unsure: Hi everybody, I am new to the group and would really like to hear from others who have had this surgery as I will be having this done May24th. The plan is to remove the 4 discs between C-3 thru C-7, replacing them with cadaver donor bone and have the 5 vertabra fused with the Stryker Plate and screws. I am a nurse but don't know a thing about spinal surgery other than what I can find surfing the net. How do you cope with dressing, bathing, washing your own hair, sleeping, just everything with a Miami J collar on 24/7 for the 10 weeks I am to wear it after surgery? I have been fitted and will get mine tomorrow as I am to start wearing it so that I am wearing it 24/7 by the time I have the surgery. I can't keep a soft c-collar on longer than 4 hours in the daytime as I get very hot all of a sudden like hot flashes that don't go away so I yank it off. I can wear it all nite most of the time. I am to be off work 3 weeks. Can you drive in this Miami J collar legally in Kansas? My job is mostly paperwork but I do some hands on nursing, don't have to lift and can sit down in resident rooms to assess them. I would be able to take a 2 hour lunch to rest in a recliner if I need it. I will have help at home for a week between my hubby and daughter that will be done teaching by then. I have a shower bench to put in the tub. Are you allowed to lift your hands above your head to shampoo, or does this hurt too bad. Have a great selection of button up shirts so wont pull them over head. Any info you'all can give me would be most welcome as to what your experience has been and what is helpful and what didn't work for you. Sorry this is so long winded and I thank you'all for reading and replying. Cindy